Andrea Fonseka is the new force behind Miss Universe Malaysia 2010. As its national director, the former beauty queen has vowed to shake up the lethargic pageant.

"My team and I have changed the format," Andrea gives The Daily Chilli the lowdown on the newly revamped Miss Universe Malaysia pageant in an exclusive interview.

"We want the Miss Universe pageant in Malaysia to move on with times. We want it to be hip and urban. So we’re going to run it like a reality show."

Think of America’s Next Top Model-meet-The Amazing Race-meet-Survivor-meet-American Idol and you’ll get the idea.

"The way these shows are run are perfect for beauty pageants," says the 26-year-old model/actress.

"As the Miss Universe Malaysia is still predominantly a beauty contest, the judging system will have to follow that of a beauty pageant. But we’re not just looking for beauty; beauty is only 50 percent of our selection criteria."

"The other 50 percent will have to come from intelligence, personality and talents.”

Andrea is looking for pretty women with substance.

"It is an initiation to change. I want to get better quality girls to join the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant. I want to change the way beauty pageants are run in this country and I want to change how the public views beauty queens and beauty pageants."

Top local actor Hans Isaac, will be part of the change. He will double as key judge and acting teacher in the pageant.

"Learning acting will help the contestants in overcoming their nervousness," says Andrea, adding, "It will also help them develop a good career from this pageant, especially in entertainment, even if they don’t win."

Interested beauties are invited to send in their applications from January 27 to March 23. There will also be casting calls in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

For details, visit www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my