Miss Universe Singapore 2016 - Luisa Gan

Struggling with body image issues when she was younger, Luisa often felt discouraged.

In 2014, she weighed 68kg and was rejected from modelling agencies for being "too fat".

She worked hard to shed the pounds, losing 20kg in nine months, while her jeans waist size went from 31 to 23. After the transformation, she weighed 48kg.

Now, the business and management graduate from Singapore Institute of Management and TV actress wants to encourage other women like her. Luisa said: "Everybody has different perceptions of beauty. One day, you will find someone, an agency or a mentor, who sees your potential and both your inner and outer beauty."

What is one cause you would champion if you become Miss Universe Singapore 2016?

Positive body image in women. I have struggled a lot with this and it is important to push aside negative thoughts from the media and start loving yourself.

Which influential living person would you like to meet?

(Harry Potter author) J.K. Rowling. She has overcome so many obstacles (and went) from being a single mother on welfare to one of the best-selling authors in the world.

What is your greatest asset?

My determination. I never give up and I believe that the strongest battles are given to the toughest warriors.

What is your proudest achievement so far?

Juggling acting and university. It was especially tough during my last semester because I had to prepare for my final exams and still go for full-day filmings. I'm glad I managed to graduate with second class honours.

Which was your most memorable celebrity encounter?

Meeting (Hong Kong actor) Chow Yun Fat at the gala premiere of (his movie) Cold War 2. He was extremely patient and friendly to the media and that made me respect him more.

Watch the video and more at facebook.com/thenewpaper

Miss Universe Singapore 2016 will be crowned on Oct 16, 7pm, at Grand Copthorne Waterfront. To buy a pair of tickets to the dinner and finale with performances, visit https://eventreg.asiaone.com/register/mus2016finale.

CREDITS:

Creative director: Yeoh Wee Teck

Photographer: Jonathan Choo, using the Canon 1D-X

Writer: Constance Goh

Page design: Ho Yan Hao, Kelvin Chan

Make-up: Cosmoprof Academy

Hair: Monsoon Group

Stylist: ZH Tan

Cover: Bikini by Silvian Imberg (www.silvianimberg.com)

Centrespread: Dress can be rented from Covatella (www.covatella.com)

All pages: Jewellery by Paqarina Jewellery (www.paqarinajewellery.com)