Miss Universe Singapore uses national costume to spread an important message

Miss Universe Singapore, Bernadette Belle Ong, has used her national costume to spread an important political plea – "Stop Asian Hate".

Taking to the pageant runway on Friday, Ms Ong made a literal fashion statement with the message written on a cape inspired by her country's national flag.

The 26-year-old beauty queen designed the costume herself, later posting images to her Instagram page and affirming her desire to use her platform for greater good.

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"What is this platform for if I can't use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence!", she wrote.

"My national costume is inspired by Singapore's National Flag - it symbolises unity for all and social harmony in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and inter-religious country."

She wasn't the only Miss Universe contestant getting political on the pageant stage, with a slew of this year's contestants making statements to raise awareness around humanitarian issues.

Miss Universe Myanmar's Thuzar Wint Lwin wore a traditional Burmese costume while holding a banner that said, "Pray for Myanmar."

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Uruguay's Lola de los Santos Bicco wore a rainbow-patterned dress with the words "no more hate, violence, rejection, discrimination."

Ong was born in The Philippines and moved to Singapore when she was 10 years old.

Reaction to the statements on social media was overwhelmingly positive, praising her for a brave move to politicise a beauty pageant, with one social media user labelling the move that of a "true queen".

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Miss Universe Australia, Maria Thattil also took to the runway in her national costume, only for an unlucky mishap to derail her showcase.

Moments before taking the stage, Ms Thattil's spectacular costume, which was inspired by Australia's black swan, malfunctioned in a "heartbreaking turn of events".

"When things go 'wrong' you flex your muscles of grit and resilience," she later revealed on Instagram.

Miss Universe 2020 will officially be selected and crowned this Sunday.