If we separate Oceania and redirect the transcontinental beauties to Europe, the host continent would be the smallest group. And it was even made smaller with Korea’s confirmed delegate never showed up on account of an injury. Nevertheless, this is the most formidable roster. So, formidable, in fact, that even the hometown girl isn’t a finals shoo-in and, had they ditched the continental format, at least three could easily make the Winners’ Circle. Given that, it’s a no-brainer that my personal pick comes from this group. But even on that level, I’m still torn. Here’s my take on Team Asia/Oceania:

ARMENIA – Adrine Achemyan. Eight years later, Noah’s Ark’s landing spot has yet to catch a break. This actress is more or less perceived to continue the trend, though she did briefly qualify for Talent.

AUSTRALIA – Jasmine Stringer. At first glance, this educator may seem more competitive than her predecessor who won Miss World Oceania, but, face it, this year’s a different game. Much as her Sports and Talent nods might indicate a back-to-back placement, the regional momentum seems to be with her “neighbor”.

BANGLADESH – Aklima Atika Konika. Last confirmed, but by no means unprepared: This celebrity’s a Talent short-lister, whose BWAP project, “Young Mind Matters” is compelling enough to earn notice. Plus let’s not discount the fact she’s competing “next door”.

CAMBODIA – Julia Russell. It’s clear as day that her name is not Cambodian (she’s Khmer-Brit) and she’s here in place of another Eurasian, the erstwhile Miss Universe fan favorite, Manita Hang. Much as the ASEAN onslaught still overwhelms, it’s nice to see the country still taking steps in the right direction. For a start, she placed in Talent.

CHINA PR – Wanting Liu. She’s not to be confused with the retired tennis player from Beijing or the actress from Curse of the Golden Flower. Besides, both are overage and this isn’t Miss Universe. This Xiamen model is as striking as a PR candidate can get, but isn’t foreseen to go far. Just what exactly does the country need to do to be back in contention? Host again? 

INDIA – Nandini Gupta. Look, she really wasn’t the region’s best in Top Model, but they obviously had to let her through one way or the other. She’s gorgeous – think Demi Leigh Nel-Peters, but South Asian –  and she’s bound to showcase her eloquence once she grabs hold of the mic. But with the Asian race shaping up to be the most intense in recent years, making the second cut might be enough. 

INDONESIA – Monica Kezia Sembiring. As if securing her country’s streak with her Talent win wasn’t enough, this environmentalist scored another Challenge victory with her BWAP project, Pipeline for Lifelines, which gives communities access to clean water. She’d easily be Asia’s pick, if the Continental Queen were picked based on Fast Tracks alone. But, for the nth time, it isn’t and there are two more ASEAN goddesses voraciously vying for top honors. Nobody in the region is assured.  

JAPAN – Kiana Tomita. A reversal of fortune isn’t fully guaranteed yet, but this news anchor did figure in Sports and Head to Head. She also might earn nods for her BWAP project, which concentrates on disaster relief and awareness.

KAZAKHSTAN – Sabina Idrissova. 25 years since Margarita Kravtsova’s stellar breakthrough, this Talent qualifier aims for the same heights. Much as she’s one of many strong possibilities, her work with disabled children might just swing votes in her favor. Given her country’s occasional surprise placements, it’s not far-fetched.

KYRGYZSTAN – Aizhan Chanacheva. Central Asia’s Alps has yet to gain traction, but this hotel manager might just make waves with her unique BWAP initiative, focused on revolutionizing gender roles.

LEBANON – Nada Koussa. Obviously, this clinical psychologist would like to follow the footsteps of Yasmina Zaytoun, who went from Miss Universe non-placer to 1st Runner-Up last year. While a similar finish is far from guaranteed, her Head to Head citation at least boosts her chances.

MALAYSIA – Saroop Roshi. For a country that historically struggled with placements, a four-year streak is a golden feat. There’s a high chance this motivational speaker can still boost that to five. She’s a Talent short-lister whose BWAP project concentrates on mental health.

MONGOLIA – Erdenesuvd Batyabar. Safe to say, the country’s back on track after being completely ignored last year. But, while this college senior’s Sports nod can be deemed an improvement, it has yet to indicate a return placement. 

MYANMAR – Khisa Khin. Call it inevitable that her BWAP project focuses on helping her country get back on its feet, after that devastating earthquake. That makes her presence here more than inspiring, especially with her Talent placement.

NEPAL – Srichchha Pradhan. Before you dismiss her as the one who might end the placement streak, consider that BWAP is her country’s speciality. Even if she went unplaced in the Challenge, her environmental and cultural activism are still worthy talk points.

NEW ZEALAND – Samantha Poole. Well, she charmed the Miss International judges enough last year, that’s for sure. Now, she seems en route to experiencing similar fortunes here, with her Sports, Top Model, and Multimedia placements. Factor in her winning Designer Dress, and even the Miss World-Oceania title feels imminent, regardless of how far she goes. 

PHILIPPINES – Krishnah Gravidez. The fact of the matter is, even with Megan Young seemingly “breaking the curse” in 2013, the Motherland still struggles here. But then, it’s hard not to call a spade a spade, when this civil engineering student has been nailing every single appearance, most notably her singkil bit in the opening ceremonies. Still, it’s a nail-biter, given how her predecessor missed the cut despite several Challenge placements. Yet there’s comfort knowing she’s reportedly the local press favorite, with her Hindu-sounding name being a constant topic. These are promising signs that, at the minimum, the fortunes can at least be reversed. Once she’s in, she’d be tough to derail.

SINGAPORE – Delvina Katerina Luther. This Sunday school teacher can be deemed a cut above the average Singaporean bet, with the Sports citation to prove it. But with not much buzz outside of that, her best bet would be to promote her BWAP project, Nourish to Flourish.

SRI LANKA – Anudi Gunasekara. This international relations student is gaining more press by the day, with her Talent nod and her BWAP project focusing on menstrual health. Now, factor in her Head to Head placement and Multimedia near-win and she’s bound to put India’s Teardrop back in contention.

THAILAND – Opal Suchata Chuangsri. To call it the plot twist of the year would be an understatement. But, as mentioned days ago, she deserves not to be kept in the shadows and the circumstances entitled her to this gutsy move. Winning Multimedia is only the first step, of course. Her mission now is to outdo the placement she wasn’t even able to relish and to have another shot at being treated like a queen. In all likelihood, she can but it won’t be smooth. Indonesia and Philippines are around, and with the one-finalist-per-region format keeping Asian mouths foaming in suspense, expect a death match. Like it or not, a heavy favorite’s bound to face the axe early. 

TURKIYE – Idil Bilgen. Her BWAP project revolves around Ukraine, as she was once assigned there. For now, this physician can celebrate following through her predecessor’s drought-ender, thanks to her Head to Head win. Again, the resurgence is welcome. It’s the second cut which might be a bigger struggle.

VIETNAM – Huynh Trân Y Nhi. More often than not, internet-based challenges are this country’s lifeline. While it’s sad that this E-Commerce student was overpowered in that department, her BWAP citation did give her a strong upper hand. The streak’s likely to remain. And, besides, the organization might want to keep thanking her country for hosting Mr. World. 

SUMMARY:
ALREADY QUALIFIED: Indonesia (Talent/Beauty with a Purpose), Türkiye (Head to Head), India (Top Model), Thailand (Multimedia) 
TOP 40 PICKS: Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
ALTERNATES: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Japan, Lebanon, Singapore
DARK HORSES: Armenia, China PR, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal