Newly crowned Miss Universe Singapore fights human trafficking in Thailand

Newly crowned Miss Universe Singapore fights human trafficking in Thailand

PHOTO: Instagram/Priyanka Annuncia

PUBLISHED ONSeptember 21, 2023 12:19 AMByOng Su Mann

Entrepreneur and personal trainer Priyanka Annuncia, 26, was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2023 on Saturday night (Sept 16) at the Amber Lounge in Millenia Walk.

She succeeds last year's winner Carissa Yap. The first runner-up was Nikita Carter.

Before her crowning moment, Priyanka posted on Instagram: "Tonight is the night. I'm filled with a mix of emotions (mostly excitement and nerves)...

"I’ve not felt this way in a long time.. thank you. Now let’s go have a blast."

She was crowned by Miss Universe Singapore 2020, Bernadette Belle.

After winning, Priyanka thanked the organisers for "this prestigious platform which will enable me to impact many more lives".

She posted on Instagram: "To my fellow MUSG (Miss Universe Singapore) and MUA (Miss Universe Australia) ladies. You are legends in your own league. I’m honored to have journeyed alongside you and create such meaningful memories that will be etched in my heart.

"To my family, friends and supporters, we did it, we did not give up! Indeed the human spirit carries within itself the life and strength to scaIe heights. This journey was made easier because of your love, support and encouragement This is what I will take with me throughout the next phase of this journey!"

Priyanka is a graduate from Murdoch University with a double major in business law and criminology.

Carissa Yap takes Miss Universe Singapore 2022 crown - here's what we know about her

Carissa Yap takes Miss Universe Singapore 2022 crown - here's what we know about her

She said in an Instagram post: "I have now ventured into making a difference in the legal justice system specifically in the field of human trafficking.

"Thailand has been a hot spot for trafficking crimes and till this day it still happens to a great extent. With my background in private investigations, I’ve honed my skills for three years and now lead investigations, rescue missions and reintegration programmes for victims...

"When I'm not fighting crime or coaching, you will find me running my clothing line that I started four years ago. I believe that making a difference is not a cliche but a manifestation of a belief system.”

Her clothing line is called Bodsitive, which was started in 2019. The one-time boxing instructor is also a public speaking coach.

Priyanka will represent Singapore in the international Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador on Nov 18.

This article was first published in The New Paper. Permission required for reproduction.

Beauty pageants Miss Universe human trafficking fashion

homepage

trending

trending

'We're not running away': PSP's Tan Cheng Bock reflects on GE2025, says party will move forward

'We're not running away': PSP's Tan Cheng Bock reflects on GE2025, says party will move forward

'Why didn't my mum try harder?' Woman serving jail time confronts painful past in Mother's Day visit

Singapore car allegedly made illegal U-turn on Second Link in Johor, causing fatal accident

'This is not who we are as a people': Shanmugam on Yishun community cat found killed; feeder appeals for witnesses

Man arrested for suspected drug offences, injuring police officers in Bugis

5 former schools in Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris set to be replaced by new homes

Want something for mum that aren't flowers or chocolates? Here are some practical Mother's Day gifts

Lee Chae-min recounts surprising Crushology 101 cast and crew with how much he perspired on set

Missing 81-year-old man found on Bartley HDB rooftop after 6 days

Behind the scenes: We followed the Traffic Police to find out what goes on during a heavy vehicle speeding enforcement operations exercise

'My wife told me I'm not as agile as before': Christopher Lee recalls Fann Wong's warning prior to bike trip with brother around Taiwan

Man seeks apology from cyclist who slapped son after collision at Tampines junction

Burnt Ends in top 5 of World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2025 list, 3 other Singapore steakhouses make the cut

Singapore

Singapore

Fire breaks out in Tampines industrial building, students from school nearby evacuated

'We rejoice at the election': Singapore Archdiocese and congregants congratulate new pontiff Pope Leo XIV

Singapore Navy acquires 2 additional Invincible-class submarines, bringing fleet to 6

'Two giants of public service': PM Wong thanks Teo Chee Hean and Heng Swee Keat as they retire from politics

Singaporean William Goh among 133 cardinals worldwide choosing the new pope

2 arrested after video of man viciously assaulting another goes viral

Foreigner behind MRT station molestation caught 7 years later when he re-entered Singapore

Chinese student in Singapore allegedly kidnapped in KL, $628k ransom demanded from parents

GE2025: Independents Jeremy Tan, Darryl Lo plan to use new-found platforms to speak up on issues

Singaporean man in Thailand nabbed for being part of illegal vape network

Entertainment

Entertainment

3 made-with-Singapore films selected for 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Gossip mill: Fan who kissed BTS' Jin surrenders, Song Ji-hyo trains as a haenyeo, Chris Wang wipes social media after alleged divorce

'I broke down in tears every day': Emotional role in new drama leaves Cheryl Chou drained

Why I attended The Click Five’s concert in Singapore with strangers for nostalgia

Rose McGowan quit acting career for 'silence' away from Hollywood

Brie Larson to release party-themed cookbook

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers plan to accuse ex-girlfriend of domestic violence at sex trafficking trial

Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum set for release in December 2027

James Foley, director of Fifty Shades of Grey, dies at 71

Man who allegedly crashed car through gate of Jennifer Aniston's home accused of harassment

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Tesla Model 3 Performance review: The ultimate Tesla for the performance freak

Isetan at Tampines Mall to shutter in November after almost 30 years

Local brands like Ann Chin Popiah and Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice to open at 5-star hotel in Macau

'It hurts, losing everything': Mentai-Ya boss closes all remaining stalls after $550k losses in 2 years

I planned my dream road trip - and it still didn't go as planned

Traditional bak zhang to reach for this Dragon Boat Festival

Are multi-generation flats the next million-dollar HDB trend?

Top picks for Mother's Day 2025 in Singapore: Brunches, blooms and spa bliss

What to do this weekend (May 9 to 11)

Cat A COE premiums go past $100k in first bidding exercise for May 2025

Digicult

Digicult

A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress

Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years

Google Pixel 9a: The best AI-centric phone under $800 in 2025?

Western intelligence agencies warn spyware threat targeting Taiwan, Tibetan rights advocates

Taiwan says China using generative AI to ramp up disinformation and 'divide' the island

Russian court fines Telegram app for refusal to remove anti-government content, TASS reports

One Beijing man's quest to keep cooking — and connecting with Americans — on camera

Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in June with US$449.99 price tag

Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game

Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes

Money

Money

Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore

Why paying minimum on credit cards may cost you in the long run

Here's where you can find the biggest 2-bedder condos under $1.8m in 2025

Best fixed deposit rates in Singapore (May 2025): Minimum deposits from $500, rates up to 2.50%

5-room DBSS flat in Kallang sets new town all-time-high record at $1.49m

All-time high of 141 million-dollar flats sold in April 2025 as HDB resale prices, volume continue to rise

Japan, China, South Korea, Asean enhance regional financial safety net

Trump plans to hit movies made outside US with 100% tariffs

Do high floors equal to high returns? Let's unpack the numbers

What DIY property buyers in Singapore might miss out on (and why it matters)

Latest

Latest

Taiwan denounces Russia, China for distorting World War Two history

Residents stockpile food, rush to bunkers as conflict rattles India and Pakistan

What's in the new pope's in-tray: Financial woes, doctrinal rows

In Peru's north, locals remember Pope Leo driving pick-up, playing tennis

First white South Africans to arrive under US refugee plan as soon as next week

Pakistan says it has launched military offensive against India

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says participation in Russia-Ukraine war justified: KCNA

European leaders head to Kyiv to show support after Putin's parade

Ahead of China-US talks, Trump says 80% tariff 'seems right'

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It

'Dog will return soon': GE2025 independent candidate Jeremy Tan wants to contest again

Ong Ye Kung leads PAP team to victory while elder brother Howard Ong loses in Australia's election on the same day

Tan Kiat How weighs in on viral video of Gan Kim Yong being ignored by passers-by in Punggol

PSP's Tan Cheng Bock turns 85; SDP's Paul Tambyah joins celebration at Teban Gardens

PM Wong urges voters to 'choose leaders of good character' in PAP's first party political broadcast

It is 'important for Singapore's democracy' that WP wins more seats, says Pritam in election broadcast

GE2025: PSP, RDU, SDP, PPP, PAR, NSP promise to push for policy changes if elected to Parliament in first political broadcast

'Everyone has the right to express their feelings': WP candidates address four-cornered fight in Tampines GRC

PAP's Desmond Lee responds to opposition's calls for GST exemption, says 'we want to make it progressive'

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.