She bought the Miss Universe Organization on Wednesday for $20 million, marking the first time the beauty pageant organizer has been owned by a woman.
“It’s almost one billion people watching and owned by a Thai transwoman, one hundred percent. “We have the best vehicle now and so why don’t you just use me?” Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Group. She has purchased the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, according to NBC News and The Guardian.
Miss Jakrajutatip is also a reality television star in Thailand — appearing on the country’s versions of shows like Shark Tank and Project Runway, the outlets said.
Miss Jakrajutatip also previously helped establish the Life Inspired for Transsexual Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports transgender rights. “We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation”, she added.
Ms Jakrajutatip’s purchase came as the Miss Universe pageant has moved towards being more inclusive.
From next year, organisers have said that married women and mothers will be allowed to compete for the title.
The competition was previously only open to women who had never been married, and had no children.
The pageant has been held annually for 71 years and is broadcast in more than 160 countries.
Thailand will also benefit a lot from this in order to boost its tourism and this will also benefit other neighboring ASEAN countries like Philippines. a very good strategy as we improve tourism industry in the region.
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Jeoff Solas 