26-year-old PR executive crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2024, first winner under pageant's new criteria

On Sunday (Sep 22) night, 26-year-old public relations account executive Charlotte Chia was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2024 – the first winner under the pageant's new criteria. In July this year, it was announced that Miss Universe Singapore 2024 would have no age limit and restrictions on marital and parental status.

As such, this year's competition saw applicants as old as 62 years old, with the runner-up winner being a mother to a two-year-old child.

Dedicating her win to her mother and grandmother, Charlotte Chia said: "I am so grateful, so thankful for the opportunity. I will do my best to live up to this responsibility."

In addition to her full-time PR executive role, Chia is also the communications director of the Singapore Women’s Association – a non-profit organisation to empower women, children, and seniors.

Chia, who was also named Miss Body Beautiful, will represent Singapore at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico City on Nov 16. 

Coming in second is 29-year-old Adelene Stanley – the founder of the movement collective The Dance Circus. The dancer-choreographer is a single mother to a two-year-old daughter and had previously danced for the British Royal Family at the Royal Variety Performance. 

Stanley previously spoke about making it as a finalist at this year's competition, saying: "I think it’s really awesome that Miss Universe Singapore has opened up to include and consider more women who are in my position.

"I have always been a fighter and incredibly determined, despite the adversities I have faced, I know my choices and actions in life so far are ones that I can be proud of. Choosing to do this gives me another opportunity to show my daughter what a strong woman can be. More importantly, I want to show her that anything is possible.”

In a statement, Elaine Daly, the national director of Miss Universe Singapore said: "The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are thrilled to witness the culmination of this effort. We are immensely excited to see Miss Universe Singapore take the global stage at the finals in Mexico and represent the heart and spirit of Singapore with grace and pride."

As the winner of Miss Universe Singapore 2024, Charlotte Chia walked away with a cash prize of S$10,000 (US$7,735) and a smile makeover procedure worth S$25,000 from Orchard Scotts Dental.