The stark contrast in the styles of the dresses - one modern, and the other, ethnic - was a deliberate move, he added.
 
"After getting to know Tania, I realised that while her outlook was very modern, there was another side of her that is homely and traditional. I hope to flesh out these two sides of her. (The sari-inspired ethnic gown) will also reflect Singapore's multi-racial background very well," said Ng. Lim professed to "loving both" as they "complement" her body shape.

The gowns add up to more than $10,000 and her pair of custom-made high-heeled shoes, adorned with Swarovski crystals, costs $4,500.

Lim will also be parading a new national costume created by Raffles Design Institute student Tracy Wu at the grand finals.

Judging from the available sketches, Ms Wu's design is heavily inspired by the architecture of Singapore's urban landscape and differs greatly from past MSU national costumes.

Gone are the outlandish references to the Merlion and Vanda Miss Joaquim as well as the ethnic mash-up of Chinese, Malay and Indian styles.

Lim said: "It's very modern, the colours used are dark grey and silver. The design was modelled after skyscrapers and the Marina Bay Sands skyline, so it's definitely unique."

Was she concerned that as a national costume, it may come across as too contemporary and lacking in dramatic impact?

"The designer wanted to show that Singapore, besides being a cultural city, is also one that's very forward-thinking," explained Lim.

"That was the direction she took and I'm confident that the national costume will work on the world stage."

Lim has been gearing up for her big night. "I've been working with a personal trainer in the gym three times a week," she said.

"Also, I've been attending grooming lessons to improve my posture."

She has had veneers done to her teeth and attended a few hypnotherapy sessions which "helped boost her confidence level".

Has she set herself an achievable target at the Miss Universe competition?

"I don't want to put expectations on myself," said Lim. "Hopefully, the judges will see that with my mixed heritage, I represent the Singaporean culture pretty well."

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This article was first published in The New Paper.