On the morning of February 9, Miss World Opal Suchata, Miss World Malaysia Taanusiya Chetty, Julia Morley CBE, Dr. Sean Wong, Miss World license holder for Malaysia and Singapore, Mr Liaw Sin Kuang, Press Officer of the Chief Minister of Sabah and Datuk Dr. Rafiq Idris, Vice Chancellor of University College Sabah Foundation, paid a courtesy visit to Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Musa Bin Haji Aman, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah (His Excellency Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Musa bin Haji Aman, the Governor of Sabah) at the Sabah State Palace.

Following official protocol, the delegation was respectfully received and guided through the formalities. Moments later, His Excellency entered the room, warmly greeting each member of the group in turn.

Sean formally introduced every member of the delegation and shared the inspiring work carried out by Miss World Malaysia and the Miss World Organization. He spoke of Julia Morley CBE’s lifelong dedication to Beauty With a Purpose, highlighting its global humanitarian impact on a large scale.

When Sean mentioned the new building for autistic children made possible through the support and donation of Julia Morley CBE and Beauty With a Purpose, His Excellency smiled and remarked that he was already aware of the project and that it brought him great joy to see such meaningful initiatives taking shape.

Julia Morley then reflected on the many years she has been visiting Sabah and expressed her deep affection for the region and its people, stressing that it’s always great to promote local tourism to the world. She spoke about the true spirit of Beauty With a Purpose, emphasizing that Miss World is not about beautiful faces alone, but about women with beautiful hearts, compassion, and the power to create real change.

His Excellency responded by noting that the young women are blessed with beauty and, through the Miss World platform, are able to give something back to society, transforming that blessing into service and impact.

Opal shared how Sabah reminded her of Phuket, speaking of the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, and added with a smile that her mother loved the photos she had seen and now dreams of visiting Sabah herself, especially to see the stunning sunset Opal witnessed the other day.

Taanusiya highlighted Sabah’s remarkable diversity, mentioning the many cultures and over 120 languages spoken across the region, a true reflection of unity within multicultural richness.

Seizing the moment, Sean Wong mentioned how wonderful it would be to one day see Sabah host the Miss World Festival. His Excellency responded enthusiastically, expressing his full support for such a possibility.

Julia Morley CBE also shared a memorable story about Nelson Mandela, recalling how after his release from prison he invited Miss World to help introduce the new South Africa to the world over several years. She fondly remembered how Mandela greeted every contestant personally and sent his regards to the leaders of each country, knowing all their names. When asked by Ms. Morley how he managed to remember so many, he humorously replied,

“You know, I had some time to do it.”

His Excellency went on to speak proudly about Sabah’s extraordinary natural treasures, including Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia, and one of the world’s top diving destinations, along with the warmth, hospitality, and multicultural spirit of the local people.

What was planned as a formal meeting soon evolved into a warm and engaging conversation, lasting longer than expected, filled with shared interests, laughter, and genuine connection.

It was a beautiful exchange of cultures, values, and visions for a more compassionate world.

Miss World and Miss World Malaysia wore designs by the Founder of Olumis Batik & Textiles, Justina Datuk J. B. Dusing. Sewn by Betty Chu. Opal is wearing Songket Borneo. It was specially sewn for her within 24 hours to be worn at this courtesy visit.