No part of this story can be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg.
Qatrisha Zairyah, the transgender beauty queen who made headlines when she became Miss Universe Singapore’s first transgender finalist in 2024, returned to compete at this year’s pageant.
This time, Qatrisha took the third spot at Miss Universe Singapore 2026, which was held at *SCAPE on October 13. In 2024, she placed in the Top 5.
The Miss Universe Singapore 2026 crown went to 22-year-old entrepreneur and model Vion Erico Tan.
Despite improving from her Top 5 finish two years ago, Qatrisha, 34, tells 8days.sg: “Yes, of course I was disappointed [that I didn’t win].
“I put my whole heart into this, and I wanted it deeply. I clearly and strongly believe that this time, I deserved the crown. Part of me felt that perhaps Singapore still wasn’t ready for me, although that is my personal feeling and what people see,” she says.
Still, Qatrisha says she’s able to acknowledge the disappointment while celebrating what she achieved.
“The result does not erase the work my team and I put into that stage. Even if I didn’t win, I hope my performance made people see a clear winner in me — a woman ready to wear the crown and represent Singapore,” she says.
This time, Qatrisha also found herself taking on an unexpected role of a mentor this time, even though the other contestants were technically her competitors,
“Most of the contestants remembered me, and it was touching to know that some looked up to me. Although we were competing, I also found myself becoming a bit of a mentor to them. They asked me plenty of questions about my experiences, and I really enjoyed sharing what I had learned,” she says.
When 8days.sg last caught up with Qatrisha after the 2024 finals, she seemed genuinely happy with what she’d achieved. So why put herself through another competition?
“I felt I still had more to give. In 2024, I was stepping into unfamiliar territory while going through changes in my personal life. Since then, living abroad and pursuing modelling have helped me become more independent and understand myself better,” she explains.
Yes, quite a bit has changed in Qatrisha’s life since her first Miss Universe Singapore appearance.
When we spoke to her after the 2024 finals, she revealed that she and her husband of seven years had decided to separate. In 2025, she moved to South Korea, where she spent a little over a year pursuing her modelling career.
“It has been a period of rebuilding.. I needed time to heal, build my independence and find my direction again. Living abroad challenged me and taught me to trust myself,” she explains.
Qatrisha says she participated in Seoul Fashion Week and is represented by modelling agencies in both Singapore and Korea.
While she wants to keep current relationship status private, she reveals: “What I can say is that I’m single, but not available. And yes, he’s Korean. We’re taking our time getting to know each other.”
She clarifies she moved to Korea not for love but “to rebuild [her] career, regain [her] confidence, and find [her] strength again.”
Following the MUS 2026 finals, Qatrisha took to Instagram Stories to thank those who had supported her.
“Thank you, everyone, for all the love and well wishes. Although I didn’t take home the crown again, I believe I won something just as meaningful — a place in your hearts,” she wrote.
“I hope you remember me as a woman who dared to break barriers, open doors, and create possibilities for others who dare to dream. Perhaps the world isn’t ready for me yet, and that’s okay,” she added. “A crown would have been beautiful, but knowing my journey has inspired you is an honour I will always carry.”