Pressing questions with May Myat Noe

Pressing questions with May Myat Noe

By Lwin Mar Htun   |   Monday, 07 July 2014

 

A few years ago, Myanmar started to participate again in international beauty pageants for the first time in decades. Since then, it's become the dream of teenage girls to become a "Miss".

Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

Recently, one lived that dream. May Myat Noe brought home the Miss Asia Pacific World title from Seoul in May. It was the first international beauty pageant appearance for the 19-year-old from Yangon. A tall, slim woman, she is still a student trying to complete the O level of the Cambridge IGCSE.

In 2013, she was the seventh runner-up at a local singing contest. After that, she attended Myanmar Model Management and, later, "personality enhancement" classes at Style Plus H training centre, which was opened by Hla Nu Htun, Myanmar national director of Miss Asia Pacific World.

May Myat Noe took the crown for her smarts, said the organisation.

She didn't expect to win, she told The Myanmar Times. She just wanted to let the world know about Myanmar culture, traditions and manners.

How did you feel when they announced you won?

At the end of the contest, it was only me and Miss Korea left. I thought the announcers called Miss Korea's name, but actually it was my name. It was so amazing. I don't have words for how happy I was.

What was the pageant like?

All the women from different countries were pretty and talented. I became good friends with my roommates Miss Korea and Miss Singapore. We each shared our culture and history. All the contestants possessed beautiful minds, and we forgot it was a contest and helped each other as necessary.

How did you prepare?

I was trained by professionals in the Philippines. They taught me how to walk smarter than others, respond to questions and general knowledge. My hobby is singing, and I prepared three songs for the talent show. In the end, I sang a K-pop song. I'm not very fluent in Korean language but I'm always listening K-pop. Ms Hye Ryeongu taught me the right pronunciation.

What was the prize?

The Miss Asia Pacific World organisation will train me to become a star. That is the prize, and I've made a three-year contract with them. They will train me in dancing, singing and acting in Korea. I will go back there in July. I haven't lived there for three years. I will do some activities in Myanmar, too.

Most "Misses" do good things for needy people. What are you going to do?

I'm still a student, but now that I'm an international "Miss" I will do as much as I can.

What career do you want?

I'm doing all kinds of art, including acting, modelling and singing. My favourite is singing, so I'm more focused on that project.

Who are your influences and role models?

I attend school overseas, so I was influenced by foreign people's behaviour and lifestyle, but I love Myanmar. My role model is my mum. I want to become a good mother like her.

Do you think of yourself as a role model for young women?

When I was in the beauty contest, I showed that Myanmar women have talent, and we can do most things just like international men and women. In this way, I thought young women could identify with me as a role model.

When did you discover that you loved to sing?

After I learned to speak very well, I sang songs that came from my family and other places. Even though I couldn't sing a whole song, I loved music since my childhood. I noticed singing was my hobby, but I didn't attend any voice lessons. I would like to attend a class if I have the chance.

What are you reading?

I'm reading Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

What is your motto?

"Never give up."

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/pressing-questions-with-may-myat-noe/