JENA MARICAN, 28, a media and analyst executive, single

Height/Weight: 1.7m/108kg

Why she joined the pageant: 'I found out about it through a friend. The first thought that came to my mind was to 'go for it'. I'm taking part in the contest because I believe this is a great platform for plus-size women to celebrate and embrace who they are.'

Dating game: 'I don't have many suitors and basically, I spend a lot of my time on my hobbies such as playing the drums. I'm taking up percussion drumming and I have been learning how to play the bhangra dhol for two years.

'If I were to date, it would be someone who is chatty and can hold a conversation.'

Her diet: 'I don't intend to go on a crash diet to be someone I am not. But as I grow older, I have become more health conscious. I watch what I eat and have cut down on oily and fried food.'

Being a plus-size: 'I love and I accept the way I look. Well, I can't complain as I have fuller breasts and I'm a lot curvier than most women. I have everything in abundance, including my sense of humour.'

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This article was first published in The Sunday Times.