The 26-year-old Malaysian representative was named second runner-up at the 73rd Miss World final, held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on Sept 5.
Taanusiya’s achievement puts her alongside Lina Teoh, who also finished third for Malaysia at Miss World in 1998 — meaning the country has waited 28 years to match its highest-ever placement at the competition.
The crown went to Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic, while Elisabeth Reynés of Spain finished as first runner-up. Taanusiya secured third place after emerging as one of the strongest contestants during the nearly month-long international competition.
From Teacher to Global Pageant Star
Taanusiya’s journey has attracted attention not only because of her historic placement but also because of her background.
An educator, Taanusiya represented Malaysia against 110 other contestants, with a total of 111 national ambassadors taking part in the Miss World Festival, according to the Miss World organisation.
Throughout the competition, she stood out with her consistent performances and her ability to showcase Malaysian culture on the international stage. One of the moments that drew particular attention was her presentation of tarian silat, a performance incorporating elements of Malaysia’s traditional martial arts heritage.
She Also Won Beauty With A Purpose Recognition
Taanusiya’s success was not limited to her top-three finish.
She also received recognition connected to Beauty With A Purpose, the social impact component that has long been central to the Miss World competition. Reports also said she was named Miss Asia during the finals.
Her achievement has added another layer to what is already being described as one of Malaysia’s strongest Miss World campaigns in decades.
Malaysia’s Best Miss World Result — Matched After Nearly Three Decades
Taanusiya’s third-place finish now stands among the most significant achievements in Malaysia’s Miss World history.
Before her breakthrough, Malaysia’s standout results included:
- Lina Teoh — Third place at Miss World 1998
- Rahimah Orchient Yayah — Top 10 in 1994
- Deborah Henry — Top 16 in 2007
By matching Lina Teoh’s 1998 result, Taanusiya has officially joined the ranks of Malaysia’s best-performing representatives in Miss World history.
A Proud Moment for Malaysia
News of Taanusiya’s achievement quickly sparked celebrations among Malaysians, with supporters praising her historic finish and her representation of the country’s multicultural identity and culture.
Fluent in Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil, Taanusiya brought a distinctly Malaysian identity to the global stage, while her background in education and community-focused work helped distinguish her campaign.
For Taanusiya, the Miss World journey ended without the crown — but with something Malaysia had not seen in nearly three decades.
She may have finished third in the world, but for many Malaysians, Taanusiya Chetty has already made history.
And after matching a record that stood for 28 years, one question is now being asked:
Could Malaysia’s next Miss World representative finally go one step further — and bring home the crown?
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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