Taanusiya Chetty finishes third in Miss World 2026, matches Malaysia’s best-ever result

Taanusiya, 26, finished among the top three after delivering impressive and consistent performances throughout the nearly month-long competition, overcoming the challenge of 110 other contestants from around the world. — Instagram screenshot

First Published: Sunday, 06 Sep 2026 11:29 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 —Malaysia’s representative Taanusiya Chetty matched the country’s best-ever result at the Miss World pageant 28 years ago by finishing third in the 2026 final in Nha Trang, Vietnam, last night.

Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026, while Elisabeth Reynes Alabern of Spain finished second.

Taanusiya, 26, finished among the top three after delivering impressive and consistent performances throughout the nearly month-long competition, overcoming the challenge of 110 other contestants from around the world.

The achievement matches the record set by Lina Teoh, who also finished third at Miss World 1998, making the two Malaysian representatives the country’s best-performing contestants in the history of the contest.

Apart from Teoh, other Malaysian representatives who previously recorded strong results include Rahimah Orchient Yayah, who advanced to the Top 10 in 1994, while Deborah Henry made it to the Top 16 in 2007.

Taanusiya, better known as Taanu, qualified for the Top Six after winning the Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) segment, edging out Zimbabwe’s Brunette Makanyiso.

BWAP is one of the major Miss World recognitions, awarded based on the contestants’ commitment to and impact of the community projects they champion.

Meanwhile, during the evening gown segment, the Miss World Malaysia 2024/2025 titleholder looked elegant in a pink gown by Vietnamese fashion designer Minh Tuan Couture.

Throughout the competition, Taanusiya attracted attention with her confidence, personality and impressive performances in several segments before securing a place on the podium. 

She also captured public attention after a video of her speaking in four languages - English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil - during the Miss World 2026 Head-to-Head Challenge on Aug 23 went viral.

The achievement not only brings pride to Malaysia on the international stage, but also establishes Taanusiya as one of the emerging figures in the global beauty pageant scene. — Bernama