KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — A Malaysian model of Brazilian-Chinese ethnicity, Samantha Katie James is the new Miss Universe Malaysia 2017!

Crowned by Kiran Jassal at The Majestic Hotel on February 23, the 170cm tall beauty has beaten 16 other contestants in Malaysia, and will now represent the country at the Miss Universe 2017.

"I’ve come a long way, I honestly never expected this because everyone here was so amazing; they performed so well, such smart, beautiful girls. The only thing that I had and I kept telling myself was to keep believing in what I wanted and keep visualising that I will be there, and I finally reached my dreams,” said James in a statement.

This is James’ second attempt at the Miss Universe Malaysia competition, as she was previously a finalist of the Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 pageant.

Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha Katie James is flanked by first, second and third runners-up, Dana Low, Ollemadthee Kunasagaran and Laura Simon. — Handout via TheHive.Asia

"I joined this before when I was 18, and I did not make it. I wasn’t ready then but I knew this time around that I'm ready and I’m here now!” she added.

Hailing from Klang, Kuala Lumpur, the 22-year-old also received a cash prize of RM50,000 by Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation, RM2,000 cash by main sponsor senZues and sponsored prizes worth over RM150,000.

Meanwhile, the first, second and third runner-up places went to Dana Low, Ollemadthee Kunasagaran and Laura Simon, respectively.

James is also the subsidiary title winner for Miss Tsubaki Crowning Glory. — TheHive.Asia