Daren is representing Asia for Summit International 2026
What does beauty mean to you, and how do you see it in others?
- Beauty to me is not just what you see in the mirror but it’s what’s within your heart is the true meaning of beauty. It’s not just the physical appearance but it’s the kindness, authenticity and confidence. I see beauty when someone lifts others up and radiates compassion, that kind of beauty doesn’t fade.
If you could give one message to young girls growing up today, what would it be?
- I’ll tell a young girl you are enough as you are. You are powerful. Have as many dreams as you can and soar high!
How do you balance self-confidence with humility?
- I believe that confidence is knowing your worth while humanity is understanding that others have value too. Self confidence is being grateful for every opportunity and always remembering the people who helped and believed in me along the way.
In a world that often promotes external perfection, how do you maintain inner peace?
- I remind myself that nobody is perfect and that’s an illusion. I protect my peace by practicing self-care, surrounding myself with real, supportive people, and focusing on what truly matters — love, purpose, and growth.
What personal quality are you most proud of, and how has it shaped your life?
- My resilience. Life hasn’t always been easy, I’ve suffered a lot of downfalls in my life but I’ve learned to rise, adapt, and grow through every challenge and I’m proud that no matter what life throws at me, I know I can get up again.
If you had one year and unlimited resources to help your community, what would you do?
- as an advocate for mental health focusing in postpartum depression, if I had unlimited resources I would want to support new mothers who can’t afford to care for themselves after birth. I want to give postpartum kits to public maternity wards in order to support all the new mothers who tend to forget about looking after themselves because they are too busy or everyone is focusing to the newborn baby and often not the mother. Mothers need a lot of support and understanding specially when they are dealing with depression.
- I’m also advocating feeding programs for children in public schools as most of them don’t even eat breakfast going to school or lunch, I know this because my mother is public teacher and she sees it everyday. If I have one year of resources I would offer snacks and drinks to these children and put a smile on their faces.
Describe a moment when you failed — and what it taught you about yourself.
- I once competed in something I really cared about and didn’t win. At first, I felt defeated. But it taught me that my worth isn’t defined by a title — it’s defined by how I rise, how I keep showing up, and how I grow.
Who is a woman you admire deeply, and why?
- I deeply admire Loung Ung, survivor in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979—through execution, starvation, disease, and forced labour—the Khmer Rouge. When I visited Cambodia few years ago, I was so shocked and horrified about the history of Cambodia so I read her book to understand the story of the survivors just like her. She inspired me in so many ways, she inspired me to be strong that anything is really possible even how hard life it gets, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
If you could change one thing in the world right now, what would it be — and why?
- When I get asked this question I have so much in my mind that would like to change in this world like stop world war or the inequality in education or end poverty and corruption but now that I’m a mother, I would like to change the persona that postpartum depression doesn’t exist, that mothers are just doing it for attention. Clearly it’s not, it’s a very dark place to be and I really hope people can be open about it and know that it is real and it’s happening. We are not faking it nor want attention. We need love and understanding through this very crucial time of our lives.
What kind of person do you think does well in the pageant?
- Someone who is confident, genuine, and purposeful. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being real, standing for something, and using your voice to inspire.
Tell us about a time something amazing happened during a pageant?
- it’s when the the wrong winner was announced at Australia’s next top model in 2010 but then the first runner up was happily enough to accept the her defeat and pass the crown to the real winner. That moment reminded me that sisterhood is real — and that we can compete with grace, not rivalry.
What do you dream of doing in the future, still in pageant world or not?
- pageant life is such a beautiful thing but my dreams in the future is simple, keeping my little family happy, creating a home filled with laughter, support, and strong values. Whether or not pageantry remains part of my journey, that dream of a joyful family life is what truly matters most to me. That kind of love and connection is the greatest success I could ever hope for.
