Nanphasorn Kasikidpongpant did not expect to hear Malaysia called out as one of the top names at an international pageant.
“I was honestly shocked when Malaysia was announced as 2nd runner-up,” she said. “It was my first international pageant, and I did not expect to make the Top 6. This experience proved that dedication, hard work, and passion truly pay off.”
Winners of Mr & Ms Chinatown Global 2026 at the finals in the Philippines. From left: Yi Fang Gao (Canada, 2nd Runner-Up), Nanphasorn Kasikidpongpant (Belle) (Malaysia, 2nd Runner-Up), Ang Wei Yang (Malaysia, Mr Chinatown Global 2026), Tyra Rosnuk (Canada, Ms Chinatown Global 2026), Oliver Liu Xu (Switzerland, 1st Runner-Up), and Khaohom Seeramroongruang (Thailand, 1st Runner-Up).
The INTI International College Penang student, known as Belle, is pursuing a Bachelor of Business (3+0) in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. She went on to finish as 2nd Runner-up at the Mr and Ms Chinatown Global 2026 competition in the Philippines, where she competed against 23 contestants from 16 countries. Representing Malaysia on an international stage for the first time, she stood out for her confidence, cultural adaptability, and strong stage presence.
While the competition brought her into the spotlight, it was what happened outside the pageant itself that stayed with her the most. During her time in Manila, Belle visited the Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation, where she met cancer patients undergoing treatment.
“Speaking to the patients was deeply emotional,” she said. “Despite their struggles, they were incredibly warm and positive. It made me reflect on resilience and reminded me that success is not just about titles, but about how we impact others.”
That perspective was shaped not just by what she saw, but also by what she had gone through in preparing for the competition. In the months leading up to it, Belle underwent intensive preparation in Malaysia and Thailand while recovering from an ankle injury that at one point left her unable to walk in heels.
“Physically, it was a challenging journey,” she said. “But mentally, I focused on staying calm, reducing pressure, and trusting the process. These lessons now shape how I approach both my studies and future career.”
Nanphasorn Kasikidpongpant, known as Belle, an INTI International College Penang student, placed 2nd Runner-Up at the Mr & Ms Chinatown Global 2026 competition in the Philippines, where she competed against contestants from 16 countries in her first international pageant.
Working through those challenges also made her more aware of how she handled pressure and uncertainty. Belle found that the skills she had developed during her studies became increasingly relevant as she prepared for the competition and stepped onto the international stage.
“My time at INTI, especially through the Swinburne business programme, pushed me out of my comfort zone through presentations, discussions, and real-world case studies,” she said. “It strengthened my communication skills and taught me how to stay composed under pressure. These directly contributed to my confidence on stage.”
Dr Gan Kia Hui, Interim Dean at the Centre for Australian Degree Programmes (CADP), said Belle’s experience reflects the demands of competing on an international platform.
“Competing in a global environment requires more than preparation. It involves adapting to different cultures, managing pressure, and presenting yourself with confidence,” she said. “These are qualities Belle demonstrated throughout the competition.”
Looking back, Belle sees the experience not just as a competition, but as something that changed how she approaches opportunities.
“Representing Malaysia is not about being perfect, but about being authentic and confident in who you are,” she said. “Opportunities do not always come to you. Sometimes you must take the first step.”