Since being crowned Miss Universe Singapore, there’s no rest for Charlotte Chia, our 2024 queen.
Despite being in a competition where other contestants have stood out because of the new relaxed regulations, the 26-year-old has commanded attention in her own way with her friendly personality, towering height, and undeniable confidence — which could be attributed to Charlotte’s familiarity with being in the limelight.
Prior to her 2024 reign, Charlotte was the 2019 Miss International Singapore and had made headlines after she was criticised and mocked by netizens for her looks. While most of us would buckle under the scrutiny, Charlotte took it in her stride, responding to these comments with wit and positivity.
“I never really knew that about myself prior to the whole saga, so that resilience and self-assuredness was something I discovered through it all,” said Charlotte.
Even now, as she faces online speculation about the difference in looks from 2019 to now, all she had to respond with was: “Thank you — for thinking I look that good.”
As women, it’s sometimes hard to react positively to negative comments especially in a society where things like this can easily catch on and spiral into something bad.
Charlotte’s ability to be unapologetically true to herself is probably one of the many reasons why she isn’t just any “regular winner”, but a queen who doesn’t mould into what society perceives of her, and is comfortable in her own skin.
This is perhaps why Charlotte was chosen to represent Singapore in Mexico next month; because it is time for a queen of her stature to take the world by storm.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ADELE CHAN USING LEICA M11 + APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 F/2 ASPH LENS
Hi Charlotte! Congratulations on winning Miss Universe Singapore. It’s been one week since you were crowned; what have you been up to?
Charlotte: “I’m still working full-time but with lots of prep work for Miss Universe and planning with the organization, as well as working with the Singapore Women’s Association on an action plan for my advocacy beyond Mexico. It has been a mad rush but still very exciting and fulfilling, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Let’s go back to competition day — how were you feeling when you made the top five? What were some of the thoughts running through your head?
C: “I was mainly grateful to be there. Of course I was feeling nervous and excited but also very thankful to the judges. At the same time, there was also this thought of: ‘Ah, the most important challenge — the Q&A segment — is in front of me, and I’m ready for it’.”
When both you and Adelene were called for the final reveal of the winner; can you recall what went on in your mind during that moment?
C: Well, you hope for the best, of course; but I had made a conscious decision not to think about it because I was already so grateful to have made it to the top two.
Above: Charlotte’s reaction when the winner was announced. shot on XIAOMI 14T PRO by ADELE CHAN.
Above: Charlotte wearing the crown for the first time at the miss universe singapore finals. shot on XIAOMI 14T PRO by ADELE CHAN.
What would you say were some of the toughest challenges in your journey to being crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2024?
C: “I think juggling my responsibilities was challenging. As a working professional, a board member of a charity organization and a (somewhat) regular twenty-six year old woman, I wanted to put my 110% into Miss Universe Singapore without compromising the standard I delivered at work, or the care I put in with my personal relationships.
This meant I needed to be very intentional and nuanced with carrying out my tasks at work, and to be in the moment during the times I spent with family and friends. ”
Prior to Miss Universe Singapore, you had participated in several other pageants. Could you share with us what they were?
C: “I participated in Miss Singapore Pageant International in 2019, eventually going on to represent Singapore at my first international pageant at Miss International that year. I also participated in Miss Global last year, and went on to represent Singapore (and win internationally) Global Model of the World.”
How would you say these pageants have helped shaped your life thus far?
C: “Pageants really can be excellent places to develop yourself as a human being and learn transferable life skills. You learn how to manage your time, how to be an effective communicator, how to present yourself, and to be receptive to cultures different from your own — all skills that would likely benefit you professionally.
For me, personally, I wouldn’t be in the line of work I am in, if not for pageants. Because of my very first pageant experience, I found that I really love storytelling and communicating with people, which is what prompted me to pursue my first masters in Strategic Public Relations.
Beyond this, you also create bonds and craft relationships with people you would have never met if not for pageantry. Being exposed to so many people from different cultures and backgrounds exposes you to diverse perspectives. This is of special importance in a world that is so connected. I’m glad to report that I’m still very good friends with a plethora of people I’ve met over the years!”
What is it about pageants that keeps you interested in wanting to participate?
C: “Every pageant is a new challenge. No two pageants are alike, and because of that, there are lessons to learn and places to grow if you’re seeking them — which I do. It’s also a time for me to apply the skills and learnings I’ve absorbed from my previous experience and become an even better version of myself.”
You found yourself in the headlines back in 2019 when you were Miss International Singapore 2019. How did you cope with the negative criticisms that were directed at your appearance?
C: “Honestly… I wasn’t very fussed about it. I never really knew that about myself prior to the whole saga, so that resilience and self-assuredness was something I kind of discovered through it all.
It has also made me wonder why people feel the need to comment negatively. After all, whatever happened to ‘if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it’?”
Being in the limelight is something that comes with putting yourself out there on a public stage. How would you respond to some of the comments out there that suggest you look different than you did in 2019?
C: “Thank you — for thinking I look that good.”
Do you think that facing all the harsh criticism during your reign as Miss Singapore International 2019 has helped prepare you for the journey ahead as Miss Universe Singapore 2024?
C: “I don’t think the criticism really prepared me. I think more so the lessons I learned from my fellow delegates, either through conversations or through observation, was what I definitely employed when approaching the journey from a strategy level.”
As you prepare for the upcoming Miss Universe in Mexico, is there anything that you are worried or anxious about?
C: “I’m being mindful not to worry or be anxious. This is not to say that I think I’m perfect and infallible— but I think some times it’s easy to doubt yourself. So, I’m consciously trying to trust myself and trust the process.”
Are there any tips or tricks that the past winners have shared with you that you’ve taken to heart?
C: “I think the key thing I learned is to be consistent. Pageants aren’t a race. They’re a marathon. You need to be on point and sustain that throughout the competition period and beyond.”
You mentioned that eldercare is something that is close to your heart. Now that you’ve been crowned Miss Universe Singapore, what are some initiatives or plans that you are looking to kickstart?
C: “As a part of the Singapore Women’s Association, I am looking to kickstart a new program that seeks to connect our youths to our seniors. The idea is for youths and seniors to learn from each other, and connect two groups in our community that might not have very much in common, but can learn so much from each other.
I am also looking for youth development to be included as a part of this initiative. The goal is to provide training to the youth that will get them involved, give them practical skills that will help them champion their own causes, and give them ownership in their community service.”
Should you win Miss Universe 2024, where are you looking to effect change and how would you go about doing it?
C: “By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. The shift in distribution of a country’s population has already started in higher-income countries, but will soon be seen in low and middle income countries. Are our public institutions, our healthcare institutions, and our society as a whole prepared for this?
I would like to see a world wherein people can age and know that when they are old, they are not seen as a burden on society. This means looking at policies regarding our seniors and assessing if we are doing enough, but also means changing ideas surrounding seniors and aging as a whole.
I believe that public-private partnerships would be a start to addressing gaps in policy, and that any changes in policy must be done in tandem with mindset shifts to make society more inclusive of and receptive to senior voices.”
Lastly, what advice would you give the next batch of Miss Universe Singapore hopefuls?
C: “Know your purpose, have a plan, and work hard. This is an amazing opportunity to develop as a person, reflect on who you are, and what you bring to the table. Really concentrate on learning and growing— but always enjoy the journey.”
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