Miss Grand Malaysia unveils ‘Mak Yong’ inspired national costume

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s representative for the annual Miss Grand International Beauty Pageant recently revealed her costume for next week’s international round.

The costume was inspired by a traditional Malay theatrical dance called “Mak Yong”, originally performed for entertainment and healing ceremonies in Kelantan. In 2005, UNESCO gave it the title of “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” due to its cultural and artistic richness.

Designed by Kelantanese designer Ain Mohamad, the ‘Mak Yong – The Legend of Khatijah Awang’costume also paid tribute to the dance’s late prima donna Khatijah Awang.

Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, Jasebel Robert, will be donning the costume for the competition, where more than 63 countries will participate.

“I take this opportunity to be a great ambassador for our country Malaysia. By wearing the Mak Yong costume, it is the best representation to continue promoting this dying culture, especially amongst the younger generation.”

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Hajjah Nancy Shukri, wished Jasebel and the team well before their departure for Thailand.

Origins of Mak Yong

Mak Yong is a traditional form of dance and drama from northern Malaysia, notably in Kelantan.

Of all the stories performed in Mak Yong, most are derived from Kelantan-Patani mythology. Some, however, have faded into obscurity, such as Anak Raja Gondang, which was first found within the Jataka Tales but is now largely unknown in India, the birthplace of Buddhism.

Watch the Mak Yong dance here:

The national costume competition will be held from March 24 to 27 at Bangkok’s SHOW DC Mall and Entertainment Hall, where reigning champion Valentina Figuera, will crown her successor.

For more information and daily highlights, follow Miss Grand International on Facebook and Instagram and GRAND TV on YouTube.

Sources: (Fb/Miss Grand Malaysia)

Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh