Hijab-Wearing Contestant of M’sian Descent Makes It As Miss Universe NZ Finalist!

Another reason to be proud of our nation! A 20-year-old of contestant of Miss Universe New Zealand 2018 who is of Malaysian and Indonesian heritage, has decided that she will be wearing a “tudung” or hijab in the competition.

This move is so radical in the country’s competition that it broke a record when she was named a Top 20 finalist in the competition! You go girl!

A month ago I was announced as a finalist for Miss Universe New Zealand. I remember the feelings I had before and after the announcement. I prayed that if this opportunity is good for me and my religion, then I wanted God to let it happen. If it wasn’t, then I wanted Him to turn me away from it. Now a couple weeks into the journey and I can tell you that it hasn’t always been easy. But in saying that, I’ve already grown so much as a person. Just never give up. It’s all about trusting that everything will be okay because He knows better. Alhamdulillah, I’m also super grateful for all the love and support so far. I hope that my intentions will always be kept pure and I will try my absolute best to fulfil them, insyaAllah. Also, don’t forget to vote for me, link is in bio. ? #missuniverse #missuniversenewzealand #roadtomissuniverse #journeytomissuniverse

A post shared by Nurul Shamsul ? (@nurulzbshamsul) on May 30, 2018 at 12:40pm PDT

On Instagram, Nurul Shamsul said that as a woman who wears the hijab, she will be the first in New Zealand to make it to the finals and one of the first in the world to achieve such a feat.

To new hopes and dreams. May democracy prevail. ?? It is important to always know who you are and where you come from. Stick to your culture and your traditions because it’s such a shame when people assimilate to fit in. Be proud of all that you are. ❤️ From my own experiences, what I love about New Zealand is that people are more accepting of different cultures and ethnicities. This is what makes New Zealand unique- all the different cultures we have. So don’t be afraid to embrace who you are and don’t forget about your roots. ?

A post shared by Nurul Shamsul ? (@nurulzbshamsul) on May 10, 2018 at 11:12pm PDT

“I hope that this opportunity will help break boundaries and stereotypes. I also hope that together we can redefine the meaning of what beauty is,” she said. In another post she has also said that her religion will always be a huge influence in her life, even though she is competing in a beauty paegent like this one.

“I prayed that if this opportunity is good for me and my religion, then I wanted God to let it happen. If it wasn’t, then I wanted Him to turn me away from it,” she said.

She has mentioned to her fans that her mother is Indonesian and her father is Malaysian.

She mentions that she studies at the University of Waikato, majoring in psychology with a minor in social policy. Beautiful, and smart!

“I would love to help communities thrive and liberate and empower individuals in the future,” she said.

Not only is this a big step for Malaysians, but also for hijab-wearing women everywhere!

The finals of the Miss Universe New Zealand 2018 will be held on August 4. Keep your fingers crossed for her guys!

Also read: Sabahan Girl With Mole All Over Body Auditions for Miss Universe Malaysia, Redefines Beauty