Miss Universe Singapore 2018: Chloe Padirac most comfortable when surrounded by nature

Chloe Padirac

Reiki practitoner, 26

Born to French and Chinese parents and raised in France since she was nine years old, Miss Chloe Padirac learnt how to adapt to her constantly changing environment.

Growing up, she has also lived in Vietnam and Thailand.

The 26-year-old reiki practitioner is most comfortable when she is surrounded by nature and spends her free time going on solo mountain biking trips.

She also advocates an eco-friendly lifestyle free from the use of plastic products.

Where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world?

Being a nature lover, I would love to go to Bhutan as 72 per cent of the country is forested. I love the country's laws on sustainability in protecting the environment, as well as its people and their cultural identity. It has also banned plastics since 1999.

I am a spiritual person, so I would enjoy the picturesque views, visiting temples, mountain biking and connecting with the locals.

Bhutan is also famous for being the happiest country in the world, thanks to its Gross National Happiness philosophy, and I would love to experience it.

What is the most interesting thing about yourself, and how does this set you apart from the other contestants?

I am brave, adventurous and independent. I do not mind leaving everything behind to start a new life in a foreign country where I do not speak the language and do not know what to expect.

Miss Universe Singapore taught me that anything is possible as long as I am willing to make an effort to step out of my comfort zone.

I am not afraid to take risks, and to learn and adapt to my surroundings.

What is your proudest achievement and what has it taught you?

I am at the proudest stage of my life right now.

I used to be quiet, and I used to struggle with social anxiety. I was afraid to speak in public. But Miss Universe Singapore taught me that anything is possible as long as I am willing to make an effort to step out of my comfort zone.

If you could change anything, what would it be?

I would like to teach empathy and mindfulness meditation to everyone.

I believe if meditation is taught in kindergarten, the world would turn out differently and people would be able to cope with stress in a healthier way.

It allows people to understand one another better. Society would be less judgmental and there would be less hate and violence.

Who are your personal icons of beautiful, empowered women?

Yoko Ono is one of my favourites. She is a peace activist, great artist and feminist.

She made significant contributions to the arts and social activism scene and is committed to continue John Lennon's legacy of world peace.

Anne Frank is an author I admire. She was mature despite her young age.

She wrote in her famous diary: "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart", and that is a quote I live by.

I also look up to Malala Yousafzai.

She just turned 21 and is an activist for female education, and she is also the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.