24-year-old art graduate crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2017

Manuela Blanka Brunteger, 24, was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2017 on Oct 11.

She beat 19 other finalists at the grand finale held at Resorts World Sentosa's West Ballroom to win the coveted title. The finalists were evaluated in swimwear, gown as well as a question and answer segment.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate took home a cash prize of over $10,000 as well as over $40,000 worth of prizes including a smile makeover from Orchard Scotts Dental as well beauty and wellness services from Beaute hub.

Manuela will go on to represent Singapore at the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas on Nov 26.

She received the crown from last year's winner, Ms Cheryl Chou.

She told The Straits Times:

"I’m in so much shock. I worked really hard for this and it’s something that I dreamt of, so I’m very happy to be standing here with this crown on my head. I hope it’s because the judges saw my hard work and determination."

"To say that this was a dream would be a complete understatement. It’s amazing to be able to call myself a beauty queen and I guess even more amazing to be able to represent Singapore.”

The first runner-up is pricing analyst Rudhira Ramathas, 26, while the second runner-up is Ms Emilbiany Nenggal Intong, 18, a theatre student at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

Watch the grand finale of the Miss Universe Singapore pageant below.