Pharmacy technician Rathi Menon was crowned winner of this year’s Miss Universe Singapore.
The 23-year-old Singapore Institute of Management undergrad beat 11 other contestants in the finals held at Shangri-La Hotel on Friday 22 Aug.
She takes home $5,000 in cash and diamond earrings worth over $30,000 among other prizes, as well as a chance to represent Singapore in the international Miss Universe pageant in December.
Menon expressed surprise at the win, adding that the catwalk segment of the competition was the most difficult as she had no prior experience in modelling.
During a sponsors' conference last month, Menon revealed that she is a motorbike enthusiast, and rides a 400 cc super four.
Contestants were judged by a panel that included Singapore fashion director Daniel Boey, supermodel Junita Simon and actress Priscellia Chan.
Model Arrian North, 20, and law student Ijechi Nwaozuzu, 21, took home first and second runner-up honours respectively.
The event was attended by some 400 guests that included friends and families of the contestants, and local celebrities.
