Architectural studies graduate Carey Ng could not describe her feelings when her name was announced as Miss Universe Malaysia 2013.

The 23-year-old Kuala Lumpur lass, who sees herself as “a nerd”, claimed that she has always been an introvert.

“It’s something I never thought would happen to me. This pageant has been some sort of a benchmark for me because I wanted to prove to myself that I can be confident,” she said after being crowned the winner during the finals held at Setia City Convention Centre last night.

Ng underwent months of training, including a gruelling five-week long beauty camp in a reality TV series with 15 other contestants before she succeeded in entering the finals.

In addition to a RM500,000 Rafflesia pearl tiara which she would wear as Miss Malaysia Universe, Ng also won a full scholarship to Limkokwing University and received RM48,000 cash.

On her duties as newly-crowned queen, Ng wants to work closely with NGO Architecture for Humanity to provide the poor with basic housing.

Like her predecessor Kimberley Leggett, who is in the United States for the Miss Universe pageant, Ng will represent Malaysia in next year’s event.

The first and second runners-up were Natalie Ng and May Salitah respectively. Both are 24. Symren Kaur, 20, emerged in fourth place.