On 25 Oct, Riona Krishnan Dighe was officially named Miss Teen Universe Asia 2026 in a ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she represented Singapore in its historic first win.
The 18-year-old also earned the Miss Popular Choice award through online voting, edging out her 13 competitors.
Source: Contente PR & Communications
Riona, a fifth-generation Singaporean of Indian descent, shares more about her triumph despite not being in the best condition that day.
Speaking to MS News, Riona recalled feeling “an overwhelming mixture of excitement, nerves and gratitude” leading up to the announcement.
It didn’t make things easier that she was battling a high fever that day.
“By that point, I had given absolutely everything I had to the competition,” said Riona.
“But I knew that regardless of the outcome, I had pushed myself further than I ever imagined.”
When Singapore was declared the winner, the 18-year-old student described the moment as surreal.
Her thoughts immediately went to her mother, her National Director and coach Adeline Hokulani, her team and everyone back home who had believed in her.
“It felt like a victory we had achieved together,” said the newly crowned beauty queen.
Ms Hokulani, Riona’s coach, told MS News that she was incredibly proud of her mentee’s victory, stating that every single moment of hard work had paid off.
She commended Riona for her discipline, dedication and commitment throughout the training process, especially given her young age.
As her mentor, there is no greater reward than seeing a young woman you’ve guided achieve something extraordinary while proudly representing Singapore.
Source: Riona Krishnan Dighe via Instagram
For Riona, representing her country meant far more than just winning a glamorous title and shining crown.
During the competition’s talent round, she performed a Peranakan-inspired traditional dance to showcase Singapore’s multicultural heritage and diverse traditions.
Riona wanted to introduce the beauty of Peranakan culture to people from around the world, proving “that there is so much more to Singapore than its size”.
“Singapore may be one of the smallest nations in Asia, but we have never allowed our size to define our ambitions,” she said.
“Growing up, I was taught that where you come from should never limit how far you can go, and I wanted to carry that spirit with me throughout this journey.”
Outside of her life onstage, Riona is currently studying at the Global Business School for Health at University College London.
She previously completed her A-Levels at Cheltenham Ladies’ College in the United Kingdom (UK).
While pursuing her studies, Riona has also established a flourishing modelling and pageantry career abroad.
She has walked the runway for international fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, London, and New York, and graced publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Elle.
She was also previously Miss Teen London 2024 and first runner-up at Miss Teen Universe UK 2025.
Source: Eve Jardine-Young via LinkedIn
When asked about balancing her various pursuits, the beauty queen stated that she has never viewed her academic and creative ambitions as mutually exclusive.
Riona acknowledged the need for discipline and careful time management, but shared that she genuinely enjoys having a multifaceted life.
Where studying business strengthens her understanding of leadership and entrepreneurship, modelling and pageantry teaches her self-confidence, communication and resilience.
She believed that these experiences can be holistically integrated into her future, as she hopes to build a business of her own.
Ultimately, I don’t believe young women should feel pressured to choose between being academically ambitious, creative or entrepreneurial. We can be all of those things.
Riona told MS News that her dream was to “continue representing Singapore on the international stage”.
“Singapore is my home. It is the country that has shaped my identity, my values and the person I am today,” she said.
With her platform, Riona also hoped to further her pursuits in charity and social advocacy.
In particular, she has been passionate about improving access to education and opportunities for underprivileged children from a young age.
Having visited rural communities in countries such as Bhutan and India, Riona has continued to establish village libraries, donate educational resources and support charitable initiatives.
She has also launched a breast cancer awareness initiative called Project Pink in Singapore.
“Winning Miss Teen Universe Asia gives me a larger platform to bring attention to these causes, connect with organisations and hopefully encourage other young people to become involved,” said Riona.
Source: Riona Krishnan Dighe via Instagram
Speaking to MS News, both Riona and Ms Hokulani sought to deconstruct the stereotype that pageantry is limited to showcasing physical beauty.
“It requires an enormous amount of discipline, confidence, public speaking ability, cultural awareness and resilience,” said Riona.
“You learn how to present yourself, communicate with people from different backgrounds and remain composed under pressure.”
Ms Hokulani added that these are lifelong skills that will benefit Riona in the future when she starts a career.
Riona’s advice to girls in Southeast Asia aspiring to break into pageantry is to never underestimate themselves based on their background.
She encouraged them to take the time to become well-rounded individuals and pursue their dreams while staying grounded.
Pursue your education, develop your interests, find causes you genuinely care about and build confidence in who you are… Dream boldly, work hard and never forget where you came from.
Source: Contente PR & Communications
Ms Hokulani believed it was crucial to remain true to one’s authentic individuality.
She also emphasised that “winning a crown comes with great responsibility […] to fulfilling your duties and representing your title with commitment”.
Riona’s dreams of social activism remained constant throughout her pageantry career. She hopes to keep them alive beyond her victory as Miss Teen Universe Asia.
“I hope that long after my reign ends, the impact of the work I do will continue,” she said.
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Featured image adapted from @riona.dighe via Instagram (left) and Contente PR & Communications (right).