By Amanda Leong

It's that time of the year again when Donald Trump gathers beautiful women from all around the world to crown only one Miss Universe, the ultimate representation of female beauty and ambassador of goodwill.

This year, Shi Lim represents Singapore at the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in Moscow, Russia. I was there at the coronation this year when Shi was crowned, but really only got to know her when I met her at Formula 1.

Tiaras and Sherri Hill gowns aside, our Miss Singapore this year is one punk rock cutie!

I remember when she chose to go for skulls and skeletons instead of the beauty queen's usual demure bling this year at the Thomas Sabo event. Would you just check out her spiked purse?!

The finals is tomorrow, so watch out for our Miss Singapore 2013 on Channel 5 this Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 a.m., and the repeat at 10 p.m.!

1. How are you enjoying the experience?

Shi Lim: It’s a lot of fun and I’m enjoying it so much. It’s a once in a lifetime experience so I’m doing my best to enjoy the ride.

2. What is your most memorable moment so far?

Shi Lim: There aren’t any specific moments per se. The best memories I will take away from this event are the conversations, laughter and overall interactions with the other girls. I love being able to sit down at a table with girls from all over the world and just talk, be silly and laugh. It makes you realize that all these girls are just regular girls who lead regular lives. For example, it would be hanging out with Miss Malaysia, Miss China and Miss Myanmar and just chatting in Chinese even though we’re from different countries.

3. Tell us about your typical day in Moscow.

Shi Lim: The day starts really early! We have to get up at around 5:30 or 6 every morning to get ready for breakfast (which is basically a fashion show, everyone gets dressed up for it!). After breakfast we would have an event or rehearsal that usually lasts all the way to late at night.

4. Whose company are you enjoying the most right now? How are the girls generally like?

Shi Lim: I love Miss Korea. We spend the most time together because we’re roommates and she’s a really great girl. The girls are all very friendly, personable and really easy to get along with!

Source: With Miss Universe Korea.

5. How do you find Miss Myanmar Moe Set Wine, seeing this is Myanmar's first representation at Miss Universe?

Shi Lim: Moe Set’s actually one of my better friends in the pageant. I really like her and enjoy her company. We can talk about a lot of things and she is a fun person to hang out with.

Source

6. What is your take on Singapore's national costume this year? Whose national costume do you like the most?

Shi Lim: I think it’s very elegant and beautiful. The designer, Riyan, put a lot of effort into it and it does portray Singapore as a lush and thriving garden city. I liked Russia’s National Costume because it was so luxurious and intricate. But I also loved USA’s National Costume because it was so cool!

Source

7. What do the girls say about Singapore's national costume?

Shi Lim: They think it is gorgeous. One lady even used the word ‘glorious’.

Source

8. How do you describe Singapore to your fellow contestants?

Shi Lim: There are usually three main questions people ask about Singapore: (1) Where is it?; (2) How’s the weather like there?; and (3) Do you speak English there?

I tell them that Singapore is on the equator and is next to Malaysia; that it’s hot all year around; and that everyone speaks English but also has to learn a Mother Tongue like Chinese, Malay or Tamil.

9. Do you feel that beauty pageant contestants are misunderstood by the public?

Shi Lim: Yup! Some common misconceptions are that we’re brain-dead, ditzy, and just running after fame and fortune. But in truth, from my experience at least, beauty queens are just very regular girls.

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