The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) PNG has announced its first contestant today.
Renee Jasmine Siaguru is sponsored by Pacific Balance Fund/ Melanesian Trustee Services Limited.
The 24-year-old is of East Sepik and Simbu parentage.
Siaguru is a lawyer by profession, currently engaged with Allens Linklaters, an international law firm.
She has taken over the title from last year's Melody Leke and will be the face of PBF/MTSL this year.
"I am delighted and honoured in representing a company that goes back into the pre-independence days. PBF/MTSL support youth empowerment and women like me who are passionate about youth empowerment and therefore put their brand behind me for the pageant this year," she said.
Lawrence Stephens, General Manager - Corporate Affairs and Governance, MTSL, said the fund was strong on women empowerment and gender equity.
He said the pageant allows MTSL to create gender balanced education in the country by supporting woman like Renee.
Renee has a passion for youth empowerment and will now be dedicating much of her time to committing to support other young women in tertiary institutions.
Renee aims to use this platform to network both locally and regionally to connect youth across the Asia-Pacific region for creation of cultural and social cohesion, respect and unity in diversity
She volunteers as PNG country co-coordinator with PACE48 (Promoting Access to Cultural Education in 48 Asia-Pacific countries), a multinational youth led network supported by the UNESCO Chair in Intercultural and Interreligious Relations - Asia Pacific.
Renee will be dressed by Miriam Siaguru Xkenjik throughout the pageant period.