Wonder Woman: Paloma Cruz
November 13, 2024
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental challenges, individuals who can combine passion, expertise, and advocacy are vital for driving meaningful change. Qiara Loh, the newly crowned Miss Planet International Malaysia 2024, exemplifies this blend of commitment and skill. A distinguished lawyer and accomplished entrepreneur, Qiara’s journey is defined by her unique ability to merge her professional background with her fervor for sustainability. In this article, Qiara shares how she plans to leverage her platform to champion eco-friendly initiatives, inspire businesses to adopt sustainable practices, and advocate for stronger environmental policies that align with global goals.
As Miss Planet International Malaysia 2024, how do you plan to use your platform to combine your expertise as a lawyer and entrepreneur to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility?
As Miss Planet International Malaysia 2024, my goal is to utilise both my legal expertise and entrepreneurial ventures to advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility. I believe the intersection of law and business offers a powerful platform to drive meaningful change. As a lawyer, I understand the crucial role that strong policies play in advancing sustainability. Legal frameworks must not only regulate but also incentivise sustainable practices, and I see my role as an advocate for policies that encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly models.
Can you tell us more about your business and how it aligns with your passion for sustainability? How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your entrepreneurial ventures?
My entrepreneurial ventures, including Qing Chambers Corporate Service LLP (based in Singapore) and my law firms (based in Malaysia), reflect my commitment to sustainability. We have incorporated eco-friendly practices such as minimising paper usage, promoting digital workflows, and supporting green initiatives within our operations. In our corporate services, we also guide clients on integrating sustainability into their businesses, from legal compliance to adopting sustainable business models.
As a lawyer, you understand the importance of policy and advocacy. How can legal frameworks and business initiatives collaborate to drive impactful change in sustainability, and what role do you see yourself playing in this?
True impact comes from collaboration. By bridging legal frameworks with business initiatives, we can create lasting change. I see myself playing a pivotal role by advocating for policies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, and encouraging businesses to embed sustainability at the heart of their operations.
In your journey to becoming Miss Planet International Malaysia, what have you learned about the intersection of business, law, and sustainability, and how do you plan to inspire others to follow this path?
In my journey to becoming Miss Planet International Malaysia 2024, I’ve come to understand that the intersection of business, law, and sustainability offers immense potential for creating impactful change. Through my work as a lawyer and entrepreneur, I’ve seen how legal frameworks can shape business practices and how businesses can be agents of positive environmental change. Sustainability is not just a moral responsibility but also a viable business strategy, one that can be embedded into the core of operations through thoughtful policies and innovative practices.
I plan to inspire others by demonstrating how businesses and professionals can adopt sustainable practices without compromising success. By advocating for stronger policies that incentivise eco-friendly business models and encouraging a culture of sustainability in professional settings, I hope to show that sustainability is both achievable and beneficial.
What specific actions or projects do you hope to launch or support during your reign that will contribute to sustainability, and how can your professional background empower these initiatives?
During my reign, I aim to support projects that drive awareness and action on issues like waste reduction, renewable energy adoption, and responsible consumption. For example, I hope to collaborate with businesses to promote sustainable packaging and reduce single-use plastics. Additionally, I want to support policy reforms that encourage green practices, such as offering tax incentives for businesses that implement energy-efficient systems.
My professional background empowers these initiatives by providing a foundation for navigating the legal and regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and leveraging my business acumen to forge partnerships. I also plan to utilise my legal expertise to advocate for stronger environmental policies, ensuring that sustainability becomes a standard part of business operations in Malaysia and beyond.