Rachel Leng Discusses Beauty Pageants and Empowerment on Arirang TV
Singaporean Beauty Queen Invited to Join South Korean TV Program “NEWs Generation” by Arirang News to Share Her Perspective
In a candid interview on Arirang’s “NEWs Generation”, Rachel Leng, a former participant and titleholder of the Miss Singapore World 2013 pageant, shared her thoughts on beauty pageants, their impact on women’s empowerment, and their evolving role in today’s society.
Miss Beauty with a Purpose 2013
A Unique Journey to the Pageant Stage
Rachel Leng’s journey to the Miss Singapore World pageant was far from conventional. Having spent most of her life in various countries, including South Korea, Rachel’s decision to participate in the pageant was rooted in a desire to reconnect with her home country and challenge herself with a new experience. With the pageant coinciding with her university summer holidays, Rachel saw it as an opportunity to not only connect with her roots but also to forge new friendships and broaden her horizons.
Expectations and Eye-Opening Experience
Rachel reflects that she went into the beauty pageant with an open mind. For her, a university scholar at the time, participating in the pageant offered exposure to an entirely different industry and environment. Her experience was enriching, providing her with insights into various facets of life and connecting her with people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom remain her close friends today.
Addressing Criticisms Against Beauty Pageants
During the interview, Rachel addressed prevailing arguments against beauty pageants, particularly those related to the objectification of women based on appearances. She acknowledged that such concerns were valid but highlighted that the issue extended beyond beauty pageants, reaching into the wider realm of digital and mass media. Rachel argued that the pursuit of unrealistic and superficial standards of beauty perpetuated by social and mass media was a more pressing concern. She contended that beauty pageants could serve as platforms for women to be seen, heard, and empowered, providing opportunities for confidence-building and career advancement.
The Future of Beauty Pageants
When questioned about the direction she envisions for beauty pageants, Rachel expressed the importance of focusing on inner beauty, personality, leadership, and other talents of contestants. While acknowledging that beauty pageants are a form of showbusiness, she emphasized the need to strike a balance between highlighting appearances and celebrating the holistic qualities of participants. Rachel also advocated for more robust support programs for contestants post-pageant, envisioning a community that empowers women beyond the competition. She suggested the establishment of mentorship programs to facilitate ongoing personal and professional development.
Rachel Leng’s appearance on Arirang News shed light on the multifaceted nature of beauty pageants and their potential to empower women. Her insights highlighted the need for a balanced approach that values both inner and outer beauty while fostering a community that uplifts women and supports their growth long after the spotlight fades. As beauty pageants continue to evolve, Rachel’s perspective offers valuable guidance on how to shape their future in a way that resonates with modern ideals of empowerment and diversity.
Watch the Full Interview (Rachel’s guest interview appearance from 16:00~ onwards):
