In case you didn't know, the 59th Miss International pageant, organised by The International Culture Association will be held in Tokyo, on Nov. 15, 2019.

Charlotte Lucille Chia, 21, will be representing Singapore in this upcoming competition. 

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Resemblance to Rosie Phua from Phua Chu Kang

When a photo collage of the contestants began circulating online, netizens were quick to scrutinise Chia's looks, with some comparing her unfavourable to one of the crowd's favourite, Malaysian's contestant, Charmaine Chew.

According to Zaobao, in her interview with Lianhe Wanbao, Chia said she is unfazed by mean comments such as her looking like a "canteen aunty", and "Rosie Phua" from Phua Chu Kang.

Instead, she calls it an honour to be able to resemble Rosie Phua because she "really likes the character".

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Chia further explained that the photo used in the collage was taken six months ago, after graduating from the university. She had just returned from Sydney then, and was tired from the jet lag.

Also, that photo is from her own social media account, and is not part of any official photos by the organisation.

Wishes to take part in charity work

Chia said she first signed up for the Miss International Singapore as a way to take part in more charity work. She did not expect herself to win the Miss Singapore International crown on Jul. 13, 2019.

According to the website, Miss Singapore International helps raise funds for the less fortunate.

"Dating back to the first pageant organised in 1975, the Singapore Women’s Association (SWA) remains the first organisation to raise funds for the less fortunate and home to the Miss Singapore International Beauty Pageant."

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She is planning to pursue her masters in Singapore.

While waiting for the semester to start, which is about a year away, she decided to take this time to devote herself to charity work by joining the pageant because she did not have the opportunity to do so when she was an undergraduate.

Despite all the online criticism, Chia remains unperturbed.

Chia explained that despite it being an international beauty pageant, beauty should not be the most important focus of the pageant, rather the differences they can make for this world should be the number one priority.

She also states that the contestants are all well-educated individuals with dreams and aspirations to make a difference to the world.

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Top images from Charlotte Lucille Chia's Instagram.