KUCHING – South African Charlene Gerber, who wants to wipe out poverty in the world if given the power, has been crowned Miss Tourism Intercontinental 2003.
The 20-year-old university student from Pretoria beat 30 other finalists to win the title at the Crowne Plaza Riverside Hotel on Saturday.
Ukrainian Alina Selaznyova, 22, a part-time model, was first runner-up while Australian model Jessica Catherine Milton, 21, took third place.
Gerber, who looked stunning in her national costume, said the contest was a learning experience.
Asked what would be the one thing in the world she would like to change if given the power, she said poverty.
“Poverty is the root cause of so many problems. Eliminating poverty will have a domino effect, and it can make a difference to the world.”
Her response was greeted with applause from the audience of some 800 during the question-and-answer session for the 10 finalists.
Gerber won US$5,000 (RM19,000), Selaznyova US$2,000 (RM7,600) and Milton US$1,000 (RM3,800).
Miss Malaysia Sanny Lu Poh Yee walked away with the Miss Congeniality subsidiary title.
Tibet’s Dolma Tsering was Miss Goodwill, China’s Dong Mei Xi, Miss Charm and Brazil’s Francisca Monteiro, Miss Talent.
The Best Evening Wear title went to Vietnamese Chu Thi Van Anh while Thailand’s Sunisa Pasuk captured the Best Traditional Costume honours.
They all won US$500 (RM1,900) each.
