Rathi Menon is Miss Singapore

Rathi Menon, 23, a pharmacy technician, will represent Singapore at Miss Universe 2014. Singapore has been sending representatives to Miss Universe contest as early as 1954. The title of the first Miss Singapore ever was won by the actress Mariani Ismail in 1951. Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler from Venezuela will crown her successor during the grand coronation night of 63rd Miss Universe beauty pageant competition.

The 23-year-old Singapore Institute of Management undergrad beat 11 other contestants in the finals held at Shangri-La Hotel on Friday 22 Aug. She takes home $5,000 in cash and diamond earrings worth over $30,000 among other prizes, as well as a chance to represent Singapore in the international Miss Universe pageant in December. Menon expressed surprise at the win, adding that the catwalk segment of the competition was the most difficult as she had no prior experience in modelling. (Yahoo Entertainment)

In 1987 when Singapore played host to the Miss Universe pageant, home favourite Marion Nicole Teo came in at the 9th place.

Shi Lim represented Singapore last year at Miss Universe in Moscow, Russia. She was unplaced. Below, she poses with Berrin Keklikler, Miss Universe Turkey 2013 and Paulina Malulu, Miss Universe Namibia 2013.