Sarawakian Mr Universe subsidiary title winner hopes to see more govt support for male pageants

KUCHING (Sept 1): John Watson Tamin, who won the Mr Talent subsidiary title at the recent Mr Universe 2024 in India, hopes to see more support from the government and social bodies for male pageants in the future.

He said his participation at the internationally-recognised Mr Universe competition, which took place in Lucknow from Aug 21 to 25, was primarily self-funded, with “handouts” from friends and relatives.

“I feel that the male pageant industry deserves more attention from the relevant parties due to its growing recognition at the international level,” he told The Borneo Post.

According to him, he had sought assistance from a government ministry and some agencies to sponsor his participation in Mr Universe 2024 but was turned down.

“But thanks to friends and relatives, I managed to get to the venue in India on time. However, my journey was not without other challenges and I nearly quit upon arriving at the airport there.

“But mindful of our ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ (never give up) mantra, I decided to carry on.”

Apart from Mr Talent, the other subsidiary titles were National Costume, Swimwear, Fitness, and Photogenic. Subsidiary title winners only receive a certificate of recognition.

“I was disappointed not to win the main Mr Universe title, but am proud nevertheless to bring back the Mr Talent subsidiary title,” said John.

He said from the initial 30 contestants initially expected to take part, only 17 were able to compete due to various reasons, including visa-related issues and disqualification for ‘breaching etiquette’.

“Anyway, my aim was to compete and elevate the Dayak culture and heritage and bring glory to Malaysia,” he said, adding the pageant was won by a contestant from Australia, with first and second runners-up going to contestants from Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, respectively.

He said unlike female pageants in Malaysia, there are no contests at state or national level for Mr Universe.

“The Mr Universe pageant organiser, now based in India, picks one person from each country. I was selected because I am the reigning Mr Heritage International 2023 which was held in the Philippines.”

John, a fitness trainer, said he is now hoping to guide those interested to become male pageant contestants, and also set up an association focusing on raising public awareness on the benefits of taking part in such pageants.

He also thanked those who had helped him in his Mr Universe journey in cash and kind, including outfit sponsors.