Foreign Women of Beijing: Will You Be Crowned Miss Laowai 2022?

There’s a beauty contest on the horizon that has one question for foreign women of Beijing – will you be the next Miss Laowai?

Odd names aside, the Miss Laowai beauty pageant has a bit of history in Beijing. This will be third iteration of the contest, which can trace its lineage back to its premiere in 2010 and its long-awaited encore in 2017. After half-decade hiatus, the pageant is back for its 2022 edition and is now collecting applications.

To find out more about the competition, we spoke to the event’s main organizer Prudence Mutinta Sinkala, who works for the Embassy of Zambia in Beijing and the Organizing Committee of the China International Friendship and Culture Festival. 

What can we expect from Miss Laowai 2022? What sets it apart from previous editions of the event?
For this year, we’re hoping to promote healthy living as well as to focus on breast cancer awareness and treatment. We also expect to have more contestants representing as many countries as possible. We find that the more diversity we have in the showcase, the more talent there is.

Who is allowed to enter the contest and what are the requirements?
Women who hold a foreign passport, are 18-years-old or up, and currently reside in China or expect to reside in China by December 2022 are eligible to participate.

Turning to the charity aspect of this event, who will you be working with to promote the treatment of breast cancer?
We currently plan to work with three hospitals: Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing Cancer Hospital, and United Family Healthcare. Any other hospitals or clinics who are willing to work with us are welcome.

How will the competition be laid out? Are there any sort of elimination rounds for the final event?
The competition will be run like a normal beauty pageant, albeit with a few twists, one of which is a Chinese talent segment, during which contestants can either sing, dance, or play an instrument all while utilizing Chinese language for a maximum of four minutes.

Based on the number of contestants, we might run an elimination system or find more ways in which all contestants can showcase their beauty and talents. Besides Chinese language, all participants will be judged on personality and national outfit, in which participants will introduce themselves and list their education and accomplishments (two minutes). Then there is the country-specific talent, in which participants will showcase their country’s culture via dance, song, poem, or however they choose to express themselves. Next is the evening gown segment, during which participants will walk the stage in evening dress. Finally, there is a brief Q&A segment. Judges will also consider overall posture, composure, presentation, eye contact, and smile.

What can the winner of the competition expect? Are there any sort of expectations for winners?
The Miss Laowai China Pageant winner will be expected to dedicate a full year of her time as an international spokesperson, advocating for greater interest in her home country, as well as fostering a better understanding of global culture, health, and wealth.

The winner will also receive a cash prize (TBA), media exposure, and courses on social skills.

How can people enter the pageant?
Interested foreigners can apply by writing to us at misslaowai@yahoo.com and sending a message detailing their full name, age, nationality, and occupation in China, along with head and full body photos.

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Images courtesy of the Miss Laowai China Pageant