Miss Global Samoa Nicolina June Ah Kuoi is on a mission to represent her homeland with pride as she heads to Cambodia and Thailand for the 11th Miss Global pageant from 24 February to 9 March. 

With a deep passion for her culture and a strong sense of responsibility, Ms Ah Kuoi’s preparation for this prestigious event has been nothing short of intense. Her goal is clear: to showcase Samoa's beauty, heritage, and values on the global stage.

During a farewell luncheon hosted by Vodafone Samoa at the Taumeasina Island Resort, Ms Ah Kuoi expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support she has received from her family, friends, Vodafone Samoa, and the wider Samoan community. 

"I truly appreciate everyone who has supported me, prayed for me, and believed in me,” she said.

She explained her journey has been one of sacrifice and hard work, from altering her diet to dedicating hours to training. 

"I’ve given up family time and put in a lot of effort because I want to make my country proud," Ms Ah Kuoi shared.

"Pageantry has given me a voice.," she stated, emphasising her desire to use the platform to advocate for women's empowerment and raise awareness about cancer. 

"Beauty is most powerful when it is used to uplift, empower, and inspire other young women and people out there," she said.

"I’m most excited to share with them our Samoan way of life, our values of respect, service, and love for one another. It’s those values that make me one proud Samoan, and I can’t wait to showcase it with everyone else."

Acknowledging the achievements of Haylani Pearl Kuruppu, the former Miss Global Samoa who finished as Vice Miss Global 2023, Ms Ah Kuoi expressed admiration. 

"Haylani's journey inspired many, including myself," she said. 

"But I do not see that as pressure or competition. I see that as inspiration. Haylani proved that Samoa has a place on the global stage. I will try my best to maintain that legacy for Samoa and to prove that despite our small size, we have big hearts and can achieve big dreams."

The upcoming pageant will feature several segments, including a sashing ceremony, swimsuit competition, preliminary competition, and a National Costume Parade, with the grand coronation set for 9 March in Bangkok.

Ms Ah Kuoi's wardrobe for the competition is being designed by a renowned Vietnamese designer, with the support of Vodafone Samoa, while her national costume has been created by two local designers. 

Vodafone Samoa’s CEO Rana Bose explained that the national costume was a key aspect of the competition, where designers were encouraged to innovate and creatively represent their country’s culture.

When asked about Vodafone Samoa’s involvement in the pageant, Mr Bose shared the company’s deep-rooted commitment to community development. 

"We do not look at ourselves as money-making machines," he said. "We also focus on how we can contribute to the development of Samoa." 

This includes promoting local talent and empowering young Samoan women through pageantry. Vodafone Samoa has long supported local, regional, and international pageants, including Miss Global and Miss Universe.

 "It is strongly embedded in our values that we contribute to the development of the country and its people," Mr Bose added.