Mrs Malaysia Universe Carol Lee made the country proud by winning the Mrs Universe 2013, the first Asian to ever win the pageant.

The news presenter and former talk show host was crowned during the finals on Aug 11, which was held at the resort of Aruba in the Caribbean.

The 39-year-old also runs Starz Studio, a child development and learning centre.

According to The Star Online, Lee has spent 10 months preparing for the competition themed - ‘Stop Domestic Violence’, which was an issue she personally championed.

She also won the Mrs Popularity subsidiary title and received 88,649 online votes, beating 29 other contestants from around the world.

Lee's costumes at the pageant were designed by Asia's "Top Designer of the Year 2009", Malaysia's Carven Ong.