Sunishma Singh, a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and environmental resilience from Sigatoka, represented Fiji in the Face of Beauty International 2024 competition held in Taiwan from September 9 to 23. During the event, she was honored with the title of Miss Continental Oceania for exemplifying beauty, intelligence, and leadership.
“I am incredibly honored and this is one of the proudest moments of my life,” Singh expressed. “My platform has always been about promoting sustainable practices and instigating positive change, especially concerning climate change and environmental resilience. Showcasing Fiji’s cultural heritage while advocating for the causes I care about has driven me immensely.”
At 28 years old, Singh serves 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.
In addition to her professional duties, Singh runs a successful business, Singhs Herbal Hair Oil, which distributes products across 65 supermarkets in the nation. To prepare mentally for the pageant, she engaged in Bible reading and prayers to stay focused on her purpose of authentically representing Fiji and advocating for her passions.
“Physically, I keep a routine of regular exercise and a balanced diet,” she added. “The unwavering support of my family, friends, and online community has kept me grounded.”
Singh expressed her excitement to showcase Fiji’s hospitality and rich cultural diversity during the pageant. She emphasized her commitment to promoting eco-friendly tourism and sustainable development, inspiring others to embrace sustainability and pride in their culture.
“Representing Fiji is both an honor and a responsibility. As a sustainability advocate, I hope to demonstrate how Fiji leads in climate resilience and sustainable tourism, aligning with my professional background. I am passionately focused on environmental sustainability and empowering women,” she stated.
In her efforts, Singh is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives that empower young women in rural areas. Her journey as both an entrepreneur and advocate serves as encouragement for others to follow suit.
“With my sustainability expertise and my dedication to empowering women, I view this pageant as a chance to raise global awareness about the significance of environmental stewardship,” she said. “My experiences have taught me that we all possess the ability to drive change in our communities, and I aspire to motivate others to leverage their unique strengths to contribute.”
Reflecting on the transformative nature of this experience, Singh plans to continue her advocacy for climate action while supporting local communities through entrepreneurial projects.