When Miss Universe Malaysia 2013, Carey Ng, was appointed as Hope Worldwide’s Ambassador, she decided to mark this significant milestone in her career by organizing a workshop called ‘Girls’ Day Out – I am a Queen‘ – a program that aims to empower and inspire 30 teenage girls from Rumah Hope, Rumah Kasih and Hope Worldwide beneficiaries.
Local celebrities Sandra Sodhy, Juwita Suwito and Carmen Soo, including some of the Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 Finalists, were also present at the workshop that was held at Alliance Francaise.
Producer, scriptwriter and publicist Sandra Sodhy taught the girls basic body language and explored the definition of a beautiful girl – a topic important for the development of self-esteem among young girls. Carmen Soo took an hour with the young girls to share the importance of embracing challenges in life and her experiences growing into the woman she is today. Juwita shared her success story with girls, and ended with a performance of her latest single, ‘Greater’.
Just before the event ended, Carey took the stage with an impromptu interpretation of Heather Small’s ‘Proud’. She then incorporated her surprise performance with a coronation ceremony for all the 30 girls!
Having witnessed the workshop first hand, it was inspiring to see how Carey was willing to step out of her shell and show the girls just how much they’re worth! We spoke to Carey Ng about her hopes for the young girls present at the workshop and the impact it has on her reign as Miss Universe Malaysia 2013.
Q. This project aims to inspire young teenage girls to learn the importance of having a voice as they face the world. What are some of the important things they should learn?
Carey: The girls need to discover and appreciate their own worth. With these girls, mostly burdened by various disadvantageous circumstances, they tend to undervalue their life experiences or feel inferior. Speaking up not only puts the girls’ social skills to practice, but polish presentation of self and claim their vision or character. All these builds their confidence and presence, which is the foundation for any girls out there in order to claim their rightful place in society.
Q. The program’s a great way for the 2014 Miss Universe Malaysia finalists to share their knowledge with underprivileged girls. Did you have the opportunity to do something similar while you were competing.
Carey: During my year it was a little different as we (the 2013 finalists) had a collaboration with the GroupOn “Be the Difference” campaign to raise funds for our chosen organisation. It was certainly a great introduction to utilising ‘influence and voice’ for community work and giving back to society. However, it was not a hands-on experience and definitely didn’t bring me close to the cause as it did for me this time.
Q. What do you hope the young girls get to achieve after todays string of activities, and the finalists too?
Carey: I hope that the young girls leave feeling inspired and encouraged to make a change for themselves. If they can shake me firmly by my hand, look me in the eye and introduce themselves, I think it’s a great first step. evidently, the girls slowly came out of their shells. it was so amazing to see them bond and even had the courage to ask the finalists and I for photographs together! Such a dramatic difference from shy defensive vibes at the beginning of the morning! As for the finalist, I simply hope that they too can share the day as givers and mentors.
Q. Apart from representing Malaysia in the upcoming Miss Universe 2014 finale, you’re now also represent the voices of young underprivileged girls in Malaysia. Which one of these titles will you cherish forever, and why.
Carey: I personally think they both come hand in hand for me. I think the title is a great part testifying my role in this cause. But ultimately, what I can do for this girls will definitely be a far greater and lasting legacy than my title as Miss Universe Malaysia. And nothing beats a legacy in the next generation!
Just after her session with the girls, we took five minutes to chat with Carmen about her journey womanhood and who inspired her along the way.
Q. You just had a talk called “Becoming a Woman” with the girls. In your own experience, what was it really like becoming a woman?
Carmen: I think my career played a big part in my journey to womanhood. Only in my 30s did I feel like I’ve finally come into my own. Your 20s is when you’re more open to trying out new things, but in my 30s I’m more sure of what I want. As women, there’s always a long way to go into becoming who you are.
Q. It’s so important for young women to have a role model. Who would you say is yours when growing up?
Carmen: I have a lot of role models for different reasons. I take a lot of things from different people to learn – whether it’s their good qualities, or to learn from their mistakes.
Q. What is the most important thing for you’d like for these girls to achieve/learn by the end of this program?
Carmen: I always believe that whenever you attend a workshop, or a program, whatever it is you learn – no matter how small or significant – for example, believe in yourself or picking up a new skill, that would alter their lives very slightly, but that small alteration could change the entire course of their lives. I just hope that no matter what they’ve learned, that they would be enlightened.
Carey Ng is scheduled to compete in the Miss Universe 2013 grand finale in Moscow this month.
