Deborah Priya Henry (born 21 July 1985), also known as Priya Emmanuel,[3] is a Malaysian TV host, former model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 but did not make it to the semifinalists round.[2] She was also crowned Miss Malaysia World 2007, and placed in the Top 15 at Miss World 2007.[4]
Deborah Henry | |
|---|---|
 Henry at Miss World 2007 | |
| Born | 21 July 1985[1] |
| Alma mater | University of Queensland |
| Occupation(s) | Model[2] TV host |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[2] |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Title | Miss World Malaysia 2007 Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 |
| Agency | The Talent Factory |
| Hair colour | Dark Brown |
| Eye colour | Dark Brown |
| Major competition(s) | Miss World Malaysia 2007 (Winner) Miss World 2007 (Top 15) Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 (Winner) Miss Universe 2011 (Unplaced) |
Henry left her modelling career to champion the lives of refugee children in Malaysia.[5]
Early life
editDeborah Henry was born in Dublin, Ireland to a Malaysian Indian father and an Irish mother. She grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[6]
Henry spent her secondary school years at Sayfol International School. She particularly excelled in basketball and volleyball at school, and won a gold medal in the Kuala Lumpur International Schools athletics meet. She received a "Sportswoman of the Year" trophy from her school for her achievements.
Henry began modelling at the age of 15 and modelled in London three years later for seven months. She appeared in Malaysian rock band Estranged's music video "Itu Kamu".
Henry holds a B. Arts. degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, Australia.[6] Her focuses are on human rights advocacy and sustainable development with a long-term goal to eradicate poverty.
Career
editModelling
editHenry started modelling at 15, as a catwalk and print model in Kuala Lumpur. She moved to London in 2003. She took a hiatus from modelling in 2004 to further her studies in Brisbane. She returned to Malaysia in 2007 and participated in Miss Malaysia World 2007. She has also appeared on the covers of Elle India, Harper's Bazaar Malaysia, Marie Claire Malaysia and many more. She has also been featured in Vogue India.
Henry is the Face of Malaysian International Fashion Alliance (MIFA) 2011.
Beauty pageants
editMiss World 2007
editHenry won Miss Malaysia World 2007 and represented her country in Miss World 2007. She is notable for having been selected in the Top 15,[7] the highest placement a Malaysian woman has achieved since Lina Teoh in 1998.
Miss Universe 2011
editHenry, who stands 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), competed in her country's national beauty pageant Miss Universe Malaysia, held on 27 January 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, where she became the eventual winner of the title, gaining the right to represent her nation in Miss Universe 2011, but did not place in the semifinals.[4]
TV Hosting
editHenry was also one of the three hosts for Bella, a magazine style talk show with Daphne Iking and Elaine Daly.[8]
Acting
editHenry was one of the cast for The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines,[9] a Malaysian film released on 10 March 2011.
Product endorsements
editIn March 2017, Henry released a ready-to-wear clothing line named Deborah Henry x FashionValet: Laidback Luxe.[10] In collaboration with Fashion Valet, the line features clothing intended for trendy travelers.[11]
Humanitarian work
editHenry co-founded Fugee School, a non-profit charity organisation that provides basic education to Somalian refugee children.[5] To date, the school has educated more than 250 students, and currently nurturing 130 students from age four to 22.[5] Henry is also a World Vision's Childs' rights Advocate.[12] World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation. She also speaks for the Harper's Bazaar The Pink Project PSA 2010.[13] Henry became the ambassador for Yes, I Can Campaign, an educational, awareness & advocacy campaign for the prevention of unplanned & unwanted pregnancy in Malaysia.[14]
In 2013, Henry was included in Forbes's list of top Asian philanthropists for her contribution in "helping the many refugees from war-torn Somalia who had found their way to Malaysia".[15]
In 2016, in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan, Henry launched a personal fundraiser under World Vision Malaysia to raise money for displaced Syrian nationals seeking refuge in Lebanon.[16]
Henry became one of Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter in 2018 joining the likes of Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Aaron Aziz, Bob Yusof, Dayang Nurfaizah, Joey G and Fahrin Ahmad to spread safe sex awareness in Malaysia. She will also be emceeing the 2018 Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award Gala Dinner alongside Fahrin Ahmad.[17]
Personal life
editHenry married Malaysian entrepreneur, Dr Rajiv Bhanot, on 27 February 2017 in a ceremony held at Udaipur, India.[18] They met when Henry was sixteen years old.[18]
References
edit- ^ a b "Around 'Suprise [sic] Birthday Party For Deborah Henry'". budley.com. 25 July 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2011.
- ^ a b c "Deborah Priya Henry". Archived from the original on 25 October 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b "Another crown for Deborah". Malaysia Star. 28 January 2011. Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
- ^ a b c Fugee School: A place of hope for refugee children in Malaysia. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
- ^ a b "Deborah Henry crowned as New Miss Universe Malaysia 2011". missuniversemalaysia.com.my. 27 January 2011. Archived from the original on 25 February 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
- ^ "China wins Miss World". Malaysia Star. 2 December 2007. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
- ^ Boost your day with 'Bella'[permanent dead link]. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
- ^ HIKAYAT MERONG MAHAWANGSA Archived 16 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
- ^ Deborah Henry and FashionValet perfected your holiday wardrobe Archived 15 June 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
- ^ Deborah Henry and FashionValet launch RTW collection for travellers Archived 24 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
- ^ Debbie's vision for the world. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
- ^ The Pink Project PSA 2010 – Deborah Priya Henry[permanent dead link]. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
- ^ "Yes, I Can Campaign advocating prevention of unplanned pregnancy". www.yesican.com.my. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 7 April 2011.[title missing]
- ^ 48 Heroes Of Philanthropy. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
- ^ Deborah Henry launches fundraiser for Syrian refugees Archived 25 June 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
- ^ Chris Mohan (12 December 2018). "Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter Deborah Henry on the importance of talking about safe sex". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 13 December 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ a b Deborah Henry ties the knot. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
