Earlier this month, Miss Universe Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong dominated headlines around the world with her bold, statement-making outfit at the Miss Universe 2021 National Costume Show. Designed by Arwin Meriales, the costume took inspiration from the Singapore flag with its red and white colour theme, but what caught the most attention was her advocacy for the #StopAsianHate movement with a hand painted message by Paulo Espinosa on her cape. It s a positive cultural shift, where people in the public eye are using their platform to draw attention to social issues in the wider world. Just think of Ong s peers, Miss Universe Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin and Miss Universe Uruguay Lola de los Santos, where the former drew attention to the situation in Myanmar, and the latter with an overarching message against discrimination and prejudice.
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Bernadette seinding her powerful Stop Asian Hate message (Instagram)
SINGAPORE: Miss Universe Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong has used the international platform to advocated against the spread of Asia hate.
Bernadette posted a picture of herself on Instagram wearing a a long cape with the colurs of Singapore’s flag with the words: “Stop Asian Hate”.
“What is the platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence? Thank you #MissUniverse for giving me this opportunity!!!” the Singaporean model and actress stated in her post.
“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 ♥️.