Esparanza Martins has been crowned Miss Petite 2024, securing the opportunity to represent Namibia in Malaysia in May.

Martins, in her debut pageant, clinched the title with Angelica Varela as her first runner-up and Helena Shiya as the second runner-up.

Reflecting on her journey, Martins spoke about the challenges of her first-time participation in a pageant, emphasising the demanding nature of the experience.

The Southeast Asian nation of Malaysia celebrated its Independence Day on Thursday. 

The National Day was marked with a ceremony at the Malaysian High Commission in Windhoek.

Malaysia's flag as an independent and sovereign republic was raised for the first time 66 years ago, on August 31st, 1957. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, growing to become what was referred to as an Asian tiger.  

It is imperative that Namibia and Malaysia strengthen bilateral relations to the level they were at the dawn of Namibia's independence.

This was said by President Hage Geingob during a farewell courtesy call by the outgoing High Commissioner of Malaysia, Hishamuddin Ibrahim, at State House.

The Malaysian diplomat completed his tour of duty after a seven-year posting to Namibia.