The Miss Chinese Montreal Pageant concluded its 2026 edition on Sunday night with an electrifying finale that saw Audrey Turcotte-Miao crowned as this year’s winner. Amid the cheers, dazzling lights, and touching speeches, the event marked the end of a transformative three-month journey filled with personal growth, cultural connections, and community pride.
Turcotte-Miao expressed her excitement and gratitude after being named the winner at the 41st edition of the pageant, which has been a cherished tradition in Montreal’s Chinese-Canadian community since 1984. She shared her eagerness to continue making a positive impact on the community and expressed her deep love for everyone involved.
The pageant is renowned not just for its grand spectacle but also for the rigorous preparation process that the eight finalists undergo. Participants engaged in over three months of intensive training, focusing on qualities beyond physical beauty such as intelligence, values, ambition, and strength – traits that embody the future leaders of the community.
According to Jimmy Chan, the vice-president and chairman of the pageant, the journey is about much more than just showcasing external attributes; it is about fostering unity and personal growth within the community. Chan highlighted the profound personal transformations that each participant experiences throughout the process.
The 2025 winner, Louese Hu, who played a mentorship role for this year’s contestants, emphasized that holding the title of Miss Chinese Montreal is a responsibility to empower the younger generation and preserve cultural heritage. Hu’s continued engagement in community events post-victory underscored the importance of unity and empowerment among young Chinese-Canadians.
Turcotte-Miao expressed her commitment to using her platform to serve and uplift others within the Chinese community, aiming to create new opportunities and voices for future generations. She detailed her plans for the upcoming year, including expanding volunteer initiatives and fostering connections with diverse communities in Montreal.
Reflecting on her win, Turcotte-Miao shared a powerful affirmation: “The world needs great women, so we have to start to do something now.” The overwhelming support and encouragement from the community have fueled her determination to make a meaningful impact and spearhead positive change.
As the event drew to a close, the Miss Chinese Montreal Pageant once again demonstrated its significance beyond a mere competition. It stands as a cultural tradition, a platform for mentorship, and a stepping stone for young women to discover their voices and contribute to their communities.
