Miss Universe Singapore applicant: Travelling taught her to be brave
She had always been a shy girl growing up.
Even during her junior college days, Miss Toh Pei Yu (right) did not have the confidence to talk to boys.
"I was always an introvert. I was very comfortable in my shell," she told The New Paper.
But now she has broken out of that comfort zone - far enough for her to join Miss Universe Singapore 2016.
The 25-year-old, an account executive at a social media advertising company, said she has her travels abroad to thank for it.
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"When I started travelling more, whether it was by myself or with friends, I became more daring and started doing things that I'd never done before," said Miss Toh.
Japan, Vietnam, Italy, Sweden and Myanmar are among the list of about 15 countries she has visited.
"During my trip to Sweden, I remember trying snowmobiling for the first time.
"I realised then that trying something new wasn't so bad after all, even though I kept crashing into the bushes."
Looking back on her timid personality, Miss Toh said she wished she had broken out of her shell sooner and tried different things.
"Because of my past nature, I never tried working in the modelling industry," she said.
"It was such a waste that I didn't even get to try."
To make up for lost time, Miss Toh has decided to go out on a limb and give Miss Universe Singapore a shot.
"This is my chance to prove my bravery to myself and do something that I've always been too shy to do, before I become too old for it," she said.
"Miss Universe Singapore has been very prestigious for as long as I can remember.
"I used to watch it on TV as a kid. It would be nice to be a part of something like that.
"I know I'll regret it if I didn't give it a shot. Even if I don't make it through, at least I tried."
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