2023 in photos: Asian beauty queens who competed for Miss Universe

A large and diverse continent, Asia sends the most beautiful and talented women of the world to the Miss Universe pageant every year. Among them is Serena Lee, Miss Universe Malaysia. She's a 25-year-old Law student in Leeds, UK, and she was born in Kuala Lumpur.

Michelle Marquez Dee has been the president of the Inner Peace Foundation and the Goodwill Ambassador of the Autism Society of the Philippines since 2019. She tries to make the world a better place.

Photo: Miss Universe website

The beauty queen from the Philippines has a degree in psychology but also works as an actress. She represented her country in a National Costume that referred to the nation's Air Force. Did you know she is a reservist there?

Jane considers herself a strong and brave woman who embraces her true essence without fear.

Photo: Miss Universe website

What is so special and brave about Miss Universe Nepal, is that she has a clothing size that is a bit larger than the usual for beauty pageants. She moved the audience as she mounted the stage for the National Costume competition in this creation.

Shweta became known after participating in one of India's biggest dance reality shows. She currently works as an artist in Bollywood.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Tomiris Zair has been a marketing student and model for 4 years. As Miss Universe, she wants to inspire other people with her way of thinking and acting.

This Cambodian candidate believes she can positively change women's lives, thanks to her knowledge of - and a degree in - Fashion Design.

Photo: Miss Universe website

This beautiful woman is Miss Japan, Rio Miyazaki.

As she is studying Early Childhood Education, the beauty queen aspires to be a teacher and make a difference in the lives of children.

Photo: Miss Universe website

The breathtaking Lujane Yacoub participates in the 'Hero Project', which defends the anonymous heroes and heroines of her country.

Soyun Kim is a model and IT professional. She also has a beauty brand that creates kits to donate to single mothers and single-parent families.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Fabieënne, an Indonesian candidate with European roots, has a degree in International Relations. She aims to empower people to follow their paths in the world.

Photo: Miss Universe website

After seeing her from a close-up, appreciating her mixed heritage, we can see Miss Indonesia here in her national costume. A beautiful reference to the art of Wayang puppet theater.

Egypt lies on the frontier of Africa and Asia. The current Miss Universe Egypt reminds us of the gorgeous and powerful Cleopatra. As far as character is concerned, Mohra Tantawy is inspired by women who advocate for those less fortunate.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Miss Kyrgyzstan, in addition to being a model and professional dancer, also works as a financier and translator.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Phaimany's source of inspiration is former Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach. She dreams of helping Laotian women who are living in poverty.

Maya is a digital influencer and TV host in her country. She defines herself as an 'unstoppable' person.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Disciplined, gentle, outgoing, and resilient, Namuunzul claims she has many of these good characteristics from her family.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Amara currently works as a model. As Miss Universe, she would use her voice to advocate for people with disabilities.

Photo: Miss Universe website

This Pakistani woman, the first to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant, values discipline and determination. She volunteers to help children with Down syndrome in Karachi.

Photo: Miss Universe website

The enormous and partly Asian, partly European country of Russia has sent a professional singer to the Miss Universe pageant.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Margarita's greatest power, she says, is her ability to reconcile seemingly incompatible things. For a Russian contestant in times of war, this is an important asset.

Priyanka is a personal trainer and entrepreneur. She is currently involved in the 'Anti-Trafficking Alliance' of Thailand, an entity that investigates, rescues, and reintegrates victims of human trafficking.

Anntonia is an entrepreneur and wants to be a motivational leader to inspire women around the world to follow their dreams.

Photo: Miss Universe website

Bùi Quýnh, the Miss Universe of Vietnam, is inspired by her family and proud of her ability to manage her own life.