FOUNDER’S STORY
The Woman Behind the Movement
TAANUSIYA CHETTY
MISS WORLD MALAYSIA 2024/25
Taanusiya Chetty is an educator, youth advocate, and humanitarian dedicated to empowering underserved communities through inclusive education and meaningful social impact.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Taanusiya is currently pursuing her career in education with a Bachelor of Education in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil, and Mandarin, she is passionate about connecting with diverse communities and creating learning environments that nurture both academic growth and emotional well-being.
Her work focuses on supporting children and youth from underserved backgrounds, particularly those in rural villages, Orang Asli communities, special needs centres, and hospital-based learning environments. Through educational outreach, mentorship programs, and community initiatives, she advocates for opportunities that allow every child to grow with confidence, dignity, and hope.
In April 2022, she founded Be.The.Change_MY, a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering children through education, mentorship, and personal development. What began as grassroots outreach soon expanded into structured programs reaching communities across Malaysia. In 2025, the initiative evolved into a formally registered non-governmental organization under the name:
Pertubuhan Suara Perubahan Insan Murni (PPIM).
Under her leadership, the organization has implemented initiatives supporting indigenous communities, special needs centres, hospital-based education programs, and environmental awareness efforts. These projects reflect her belief that meaningful change begins when education, compassion, and community action come together.
In December 2024, Taanusiya was crowned Miss World Malaysia 2024/25, earning the opportunity to represent Malaysia on the global stage at the 73rd Miss World competition. Through this platform, she continues to champion her advocacy for inclusive education and emotional empowerment through the global Miss World “Beauty With A Purpose” initiative.
Today, she remains committed to using her voice, platform, and professional journey as an educator to inspire young people and create lasting opportunities for communities that need them most.
Her work reflects a simple yet powerful belief:
Every child deserves access to education, support, and the chance to shape their own future.
MY Story
My story is one of resilience, a journey shaped by loss, strength, and purpose.
When I was fourteen, my family faced a devastating tragedy. My cousin, who was studying in Australia, lost her life in a violent incident. Soon after, while travelling for her funeral, my parents were involved in a serious accident. My father survived, but my mother did not.
Within a month, I lost both my cousin and my mother. At fourteen, I had to grow up quickly, helping care for my younger brother and supporting my father as we navigated life without her.
During this difficult time, an incredible woman came into our lives. A single mother herself, she travelled long distances just to support our family. She never tried to replace my mother, but her kindness, strength, and compassion helped us rebuild our lives.
Her example taught me the true meaning of empowerment, a woman uplifting others through love and courage.
That inspiration led me to create Be.The.Change_MY, a platform dedicated to listening to, educating, and uplifting underserved children across Malaysia. Through this work, I have travelled to different communities and witnessed the challenges many children face, especially those lacking emotional support and access to education.
These experiences strengthened my belief that education is not only about knowledge but also about healing, dignity, and hope.
Today, as a future educator fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil, and Mandarin, I am committed to advocating for inclusive education and emotional well-being for children across Asia.
My journey has taught me that while we cannot choose the tragedies we face, we can choose how we rise from them by turning pain into purpose and using our voices to create hope for others.
Achievements & Milestones
National Recognition
In December 2024, Taanusiya was crowned Miss World Malaysia 2024/25, earning the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the 73rd Miss World competition. Through this platform, she aligns her advocacy with the global Miss World “Beauty With A Purpose” movement, which promotes humanitarian initiatives across more than 140 countries.
Founder of Be.The.Change Malaysia
Founded in April 2022, the platform has since evolved into a registered NGO under: Pertubuhan Suara Perubahan Insan Murni (PPIM) Her initiatives have impacted rural villages, Orang Asli communities, special needs centres, hospital-based classrooms, and cross-border outreach efforts.
Advocacy & Outreach
Her work has extended to Establishing Malaysia’s first Sekolah Dalam Hospital dedicated to Orang Asli children, Leading coastal education initiatives (Project Lestari Laut), Supporting rural Sabah communities, Advocating for digital inclusion and sustainable education Her advocacy bridges local action with global representation.
“We cannot choose the tragedies that shape us – but we can choose how we rise from them.”
My journey reflects transformation — like a butterfly turning struggle into strength and purpose into wings.
