Yogamathi Ulaganathan, 29, and Thiru Umaran, 33, both from Penang, became the female and male champions of Super Model Universe Malaysia 2022.
The final was held at the Royale Chulan Damansara Hotel, Petaling Jaya on July 16, 2022, where 35 contestants competed for the trophy.
The duo will represent Malaysia to compete in the Super Model Universe World Finals to be held later this year.
Competitors showcased their modeling strengths on the catwalk wearing collections from local designers. These included Alex Lim’s menswear collection, Jonathan Kok and Farel Mikhail’s batik collection, Faridz Salleh’s evening dress collection, and Zanbra’s swimwear, among others.
Supermodel Universe Malaysia Country Manager Ammetta Malhotra said she was proud of her team, designers and competitors who pulled out all the stops to make the event a very successful finale.
“The designers have outdone themselves this year. Their collections were fresh, new and a hit with the crowd and the models put on a stellar performance. It was gratifying to see that the six months of training and workshops really paid off in producing a quality show,” she said after the event.
Notably, the competition also included international and teen/kids categories, but they did not show up for the international competition.
Speaking about her victory, Yogamathi, a doctor at KKM Putrajaya, said, “I am very honored, blessed and extremely happy to be the recipient of this award.”
Standing 165cm (5′ 5”), Yogamathi said competing was a whole new experience for her and she learned a lot from it.
“I have gained so many good experiences, positivity and confidence in embracing myself and my body through this competition and I hope to achieve more.
“I would definitely use my voice to spread my plea to the younger generation to overcome body shame and promote self-embracing, to accept themselves as they are and also to improve themselves mentally and physically. If I can inspire a person’s lifestyle and mental health in a positive way, that’s a big achievement for me.
Yogamathi first worked in the Emergency and Trauma Department of Seberang Jaya Hospital and got her internship in the Infection Control Department of KKM Putrajaya a few months ago.
After moving to Kuala Lumpur, she started to focus on her passion for fitness and modeling where she got the opportunity to enter the world of pageantry.
“The biggest influence was my parents who encouraged me to enter the world of modeling and pageantry. My father is a former kickboxer and my mother is very passionate about fashion and makeup.
“My parents are also fitness conscious and they always encourage us to find our passion through fitness, body goals and fashion. They always taught us to eat healthy and exercise regularly to maintain a good physique.
Yogamathi was only 16 years old when she entered her first Saree Queen competition in her hometown where she won second place. The win paved the way for further competitions during her time in medical school. She was placed in the top 18 of Miss World Malaysia 2018. That year, she also won second place in Miss Vogue India 2018.
“After that win I started my household at a hospital where I actually thought I had quit pageants and modeling. I was busy focusing on my medical career at that time and took three years of hiatus before returning to modeling and pageantry. So here I am today in Supermodel Universe Malaysia 2022.”
Yogamathi is currently pursuing her part-time studies in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetics Medicine and in Dermatology with the Malaysian Academy of Family Physicians.
“I hope to explore skin, body, and aesthetics more to beautify people to feel happy, comfortable, and confident the way they want.”
Although he is new to modeling pageants and competitions, Thiru won the Super Model Universe Malaysia title on his first try. It also won the Best Fitness Affiliate title.
Thiru, who is 175cm (5′ 9″) said, “I am proud to be a champion of personal growth while building a new benchmark for future Super Model Universe contestants.”
Thiru said he won the Super Model Universe Malaysia 2022 title through teamwork.
“Love and support from individuals who believed in me, who had various skills required in this pageantry, and it was my team who worked with me to win this title.”
Thiru is a medical graduate and entrepreneur who is an aspiring model and wants to succeed in the fashion world. He has already made waves with his first achievement and is now more determined to achieve his goal.
He realized that the medical profession was simply not for him. He took the opportunity to become an entrepreneur.
Thiru is the managing director of a digital agency specializing in digital and conventional marketing, as well as the manager of a packaging factory in Penang.
“Because I felt like it wasn’t for me and I had more time for personal and character development, which I felt was more related to my life goals and dreams.
“My participation in Super Model Universe Malaysia has helped me bridge the gap in my understanding of emotional intelligence which is the key to success in any industry. Through this, I hope to achieve success in my business and as an individual in my community.”
Thiru spends most of his time in the gym or outdoors doing extreme sports.
“I am a fitness enthusiast, on top of that I love nature and I travel a lot to places close to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
OFFICIAL RESULTS
FEMALE:
Champion – Yogamathi Ulaganathan
1st runner-up – Vanisha Kuharaj
2nd runner-up – Agnès Liew
3rd runner-up – Jessica Arasu
4th runner-up – Chelsea Colette
Subsidiary title
People’s Choice Champion – Agnes Liew
Best Talent – Cammie Chin
The most photogenic – Vanisha Kuharaj
Most Popular – Jessica Arasu
Best Parade – Anuregkha
Better physical form – Chelsea Colette
Best figure – Cammie Chin
MALE:
Champion – Thiru Umaran
1st runner-up – Vasanthan Sinnapan
2nd runner-up – Muhammad Yusry
3rd Runner Up – Athavan
4th runner-up – Eugene Joseph
Subsidiary title
People’s Choice Champion – Vasanthan Sinnapan
Top Talent – Athavan
Best Physical Shape – Thiru Umaran
Best Body – Jason Veera
Best Personality – Eugene Joseph
The most photogenic – Muhaimin
Mr Conviviality – Yusof Jamil
Mr Body Positivity – Kelvin Delmotte
Most Eloquent – Ribbon
Promising new talent – Spencer Tan
INTERNATIONAL MAN:
Champion – Bashir Tayari (Libya)
1st runner-up – Sunny (India)
2nd runner-up – Fouad Bashar (Syria)
3rd runner-up – Jahangir Khan (Pakistan)
4th runner-up – Josh Nero (Solomon Islands)
Subsidiary title
People’s Choice Champion – Sunny (India)
The most popular – Syed Hamid Hussain (Pakistan)
Best Physique – Fouad Bashar (Syria)
Best Parade – Jahangir Khan (Pakistan)
Promising new talent – Mustapha (Somalia)
Grand Malaysia Ambassador 2022 – Bashir Tayari
INTERNATIONAL WOMAN:
Champion – Oliza Khan (Bangladesh)
Subsidiary title
Best Personality – Oliza Khan
Diamonia Jewelry 2022 Ambassador – Oliza Khan
Greater Malaysia Ambassador 2022 – Oliza Khan
Teenager:
Champion – Ryan Liew
1st runner-up – Suhaanikaran
2nd Runner Up – Sumyuktha Lissandra Khanum
Subsidiary title
People’s Choice Champion – Sumyuktha Lissandra Khanum
CHILDREN (UNDER 12):
Champion – Chloe Law Zhi Ling
1st runner-up – Bavisha Kaur
2nd Dauphine – Sandyaa Ribbon
Subsidiary title
People’s Choice Champion (Female) – Bavisha Kaur
People’s Choice Champion (Male) – Rhanadheeran
Photo Model Champion – Hansen Chua
