Zahra Khanum Takes Singapore’s Peace Legacy to Miss Universe
Stepping onto the Bangkok stage with a mission
In June, Singapore played host to a landmark meeting: the first-ever summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. A historic milestone that set the tone for this year’s Miss Universe Singapore (MUS) national costume.
When 24‑year‑old sociology grad Zahra Khanum steps into the spotlight in Bangkok on Dec 17, she’ll be rocking a design that screams global harmony.
The dress that literally takes flight
- 3‑meter white dove wings that seem to say “I’m here to help”
- A bodice that bears an elegant peace symbol
- An electric blue skirt emblazoned with a digital handshake, one arm wearing the North Korean flag, the other the U.S. flag – all set against Singapore’s skyline
It’s like a couture protest against division, with a style that’s both angelic and fiercely contemporary.
Design behind the dreamy dove
Take a look at Moe Kasim, 48, the creative mastermind behind the costume (in his third consecutive year designing for MUS). He’s thrilled to play on a classic pageant “make‑peace” trope, but with a twist that makes the world a bit more thoughtful.
“The trick was blending the political message with a tasteful aesthetic. I had to make sure we didn’t misinterpret anything,” Kasim told The New Paper. “Since the summit was about peace, it felt natural to steer the theme that way.”
He spent three months turning concept into reality, working side‑by‑side with MUS national director Nuraliza Osman—an artist who brings local flair into the global realm.
Why this costume stands out
Kasim notes that there’s no obvious blend of Singapore’s iconic multi‑racial symbols or its famed architecture this time. Instead, the design anchors entirely in a single, resonant event: the historic summit held right on Singapore soil.
“It’s unique,” he says. “It highlights Singapore’s role as a global peace broker, not just a regional one.”
Miss Khanum’s personal pledge
When asked about the outfit’s impact, Zahra sums it up: “It’s about unity and friendship, not hate. I want to inspire people, no matter where they’re from.” She recalls preparing for the showdown by immersing herself in global affairs:
“I read about world issues every night, took notes, and listened to thoughts from folks I admire—like Michelle Obama and Priyanka Chopra,” she shares.
Balancing rigorous training and a healthy diet, she’s keeping her eye on the big finish in Bangkok, determined to deliver a performance that will make Singapore feel proud.
From a 2018 crown to a 2025 runway
The 2018 MUS winner, Manuela Bruntraeger, wore an LED Supertree so eye‑catching, and the 2016 champion, Cheryl Chou, spotlighted Peranakan aesthetics. Now, Zahra’s dove‑sized dream dress looks set to become an international talking point.
We can’t wait to see this proud, peace‑promoting fashion showcased on the world’s biggest stage—where every eye will be on Singapore’s next steps toward a united future.
