Francisca in a variety of poses.
KUCHING: With the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 grand finale just around the corner, Sarawak’s sole representative, 25-year old Francisca Luhong James is all geared up to face 17 other finalists in one of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
Her mixed Sarawakian parentage — father James Bungan is an Orang Ulu from Ulu Sungai Asap and mother Pauline Japok is an Iban from Kanowit — may well be the gift that contributed to her achievements.
She was third runner-up in her first national pageant, Miss World Malaysia 2016, and was in the top five of Miss World Malaysia 2018, which was won by fellow Sarawakian Larissa Ping.
Now aiming higher by participating in the more prestigious Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, Francisca said the pageant gives greater empowerment to women while celebrating their diverse beauty regardless of their race, size, or skin colour.
“I am much more ready now mentally and physically compared to when I joined before. Miss Universe Malaysia has always been my dream, but I understand how huge the responsibility is and what an honour it is to carry the title as they are known to be the spokesperson and ambassador for the country they represent, and they need to work really hard to help the community,” she told The Borneo Post.
“The next person who carries the duty of Miss Universe Malaysia needs to know how to use her voice to make a change for her community, to voice out the issues that the country faces and relate to other relevant countries, and be the spokesperson for the people.”
Francisca is not the first Orang Ulu to be in the running to become Miss Universe Malaysia — Genevie Wan Anyie was a finalist for Miss Universe Malaysia 2012.
Having worked in public relations and marketing in Kuala Lumpur, Francisca said she is not fazed by the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which postponed the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 gala and grand finale to this Saturday (Sept 5), and pushed it to be aired virtually online.
She said although the RMCO had somewhat ruined many of her plans, particularly her advocacy events, she remained unfazed and continued to do what needed to be done.
“Even when I planned to go back to Sarawak for a while, I was supposed to organise a little gathering, but I had to cancel it last minute on the day itself due to the second wave in Kuching recently. However, that hasn’t stopped me from achieving my goals,” said Francisca.
She said throughout the RMCO in Kuala Lumpur, several close friends gave her much-needed motivation.
“However, I am a very independent person I must say. I love to get things done on my own and I like it my way, but also with the help of people I can trust around me and genuine advice, like from Kak Sheila a makeup artist from Kuala Lumpur, and few others in the line.
“Also, although we are apart, I will always contact my parents in Sarawak to give them updates on my preparation and schedule at least once a day,” she said.
Initially, the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 gala and grand finale was supposed to be held on March 5, but was postponed to April, and then to July, before being rescheduled to Sept 5.
It was originally to be held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, but it was changed to go live on the Miss Universe Malaysia website https://mumo.com.my at 5pm.
“The only people allowed to be there (physically) are members of the organising team, the production and behind-the-stage team, the finalists, and judges. No one else is allowed to be in the building, not even parents.
“This is to ensure everything is under control and under standard operating procedures (SOP). Everyone that is not related to the final night shall watch us online from home,” Francisca said.
On her inspiration, she cited Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach for her never-give-up attitude.
She said Wurtzbach joined Binibining Pilipinas, the Philippine’s national beauty pageant, three times without success before she won the title and then went on to be crowned Miss Universe 2015.
“I believe that when you set goals for yourself and if you really want to achieve it, you need to see the bigger picture. It’s not just being beautiful and having a crown. It’s about carrying the name of your country proudly and helping your community with the platform that you have.
“To share the issues that your country faces with the world and make a change, create a positive impact for the people and influence them to do great things as well.
“When you are in a room full of positive people, you feel positive and that is what I want to create – a more understanding and positive society,” said Francisca.
Should she be crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, Francisca would love to meet two of the United States’ most prominent women — celebrity and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey and former first lady Michelle Obama.
“I want to know what is on their minds, how it feels like to talk to inspiring women. I’ve watched plenty of Oprah Winfrey’s shows. I even shed tears watching especially the Christmas kindness show.
“I want to make children smile and cry with joy too. To see them grow to be successful people and make their family smile, to see them going to school and get the education that they deserve.
“It’s a satisfying feeling that I can never describe. It’s beyond words. Amazing how women can make such wonders,” said Francisca.
For those wishing to follow her footsteps, she advised them to stay on track and not to feel down about anything.
“Before you make any decision to join any pageant, get to know why you want to join the pageant in the first place. It could be any reason, but always make sure to be ready for any kind of challenge,” she said.
She recommended being positive always and to not let anyone dictate one’s choices or to be rude about it.
“Trust the process. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t, but it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. If it is meant for you, remember that you are still you but with greater responsibility.
“If it is not, never give up and learn from the journey. Have faith, always have faith.
“Last but not least, it is a competition, but remember to have fun, make friends, take a lot of photos and keep in touch with the people you meet. This will be one of the most precious highlights of your life,” she added.