POOR Shenise Wong.

As if getting criticised for wearing the 'tacky and hideous' Merlion-inspired dress wasn't enough, the 26-year-old Miss Singapore Universe 2008 was crowned at a pageant in May that did not make it on air this year.

MediaCorp, which has produced the show for the past seven years, dropped it from its scheduling because it was attracting fewer viewers and less sponsorship money.

It led to a long debate over whether the iconic pageant is still relevant today.

But the 1.73m beauty remained unfazed by the criticism, even what was said about the national costume she wore at the pageant.

She told The New Paper in an earlier interview: 'Instead of the typical sarong kebaya-sari- cheongsam mixed together, this year is very different.

'I thought it was a brilliant idea, and I'm very proud and honoured to wear something so outstanding on stage.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 30, 2008.