The new owner of the Miss Universe pageant, a Thai celebrity media magnate and transgender rights champion, has stated her intention to utilize the contest to empower other trans women and promote tourism in Thailand.
CEO and largest shareholder of JKN Global Group PLC (JKN), Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip has been on local adaptations of Project Runway and Shark Tank.
Her firm announced on Wednesday (Oct. 26) that she had purchased the Miss Universe Organization for US$20 million (about 759 million baht), marking the first time a woman has controlled the beauty pageant’s governing body.
According to Jakapong, Miss Universe may help promote Thailand’s “Five F-factors” tourist program, which aims to promote the country’s fighting (Muay Thai), cinema, festivals, fashion, and food.
