Sunishma Singh from Sigatoka embodies the belief that beauty encompasses confidence, compassion, and the commitment to create positive change. As a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and environmental resilience, she recently represented Fiji in the Face of Beauty International 2024 competition held in Taiwan from September 9 to 23, where she was crowned Miss Continental Oceania, a title given for her representation of beauty, intelligence, and leadership.
“I felt it was an absolute honor and one of the proudest moments of my life,” she expressed. Singh is driven by the desire to use her platform to promote sustainable practices and instigate positive change, especially in relation to climate change and environmental resilience. “The ability to showcase Fiji’s cultural heritage while advocating for causes that are close to my heart has motivated me greatly.”
At 28 years old, Singh works as a sustainability officer for Tourism Fiji and is an accredited member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). She holds a bachelor’s degree in geospatial information systems and geography, along with a postgraduate diploma in climate change from the University of the South Pacific (USP). Additionally, she successfully runs a business, Singhs Herbal Hair Oil, whose products are available in 65 supermarkets nationwide.
To mentally prepare for the pageant, Singh engaged in Bible reading and prayer. She emphasizes the importance of daily reminders of her purpose in authentically representing Fiji and advocating for her passion areas. To maintain her physical health, she follows a consistent exercise routine and a balanced diet, supported by her family, friends, and online community.
Excited to showcase Fiji’s warmth, hospitality, and vibrant cultural diversity, Singh dedicated her efforts to promoting eco-friendly tourism practices and the significance of sustainable development through the pageant. “Representing Fiji is both a great honor and a responsibility,” she noted. “As a sustainability advocate, I am eager to demonstrate how Fiji is at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable tourism, aligning with my professional expertise. I am deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and empowering women.”
Committed to supporting educational initiatives for young women in rural areas, Singh’s journey as an entrepreneur and advocate inspires others to follow suit. “I viewed this pageant as an opportunity to raise global awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. My experiences have shown me that we all have the potential to be agents of change in our communities, and I hope to inspire others to leverage their unique strengths to do so.”
Reflecting on her transformative experience, Singh intends to continue advocating for climate action while fostering local communities through entrepreneurial initiatives.