Spunk is what seems to set this year's Miss Universe Singapore (MUS) contestants apart from those of previous years.

Speaking at the press conference for the pageant yesterday, the 14 finalists exuded confidence and for some, even a daredevil attitude that was a refreshing change from the shy Singaporean girl stereotype.

Competing for a cash prize of $5,000 and a chance to represent Singapore at the international finals in December, the girls brought along what contestant Lynn Tan called their "A-game".

This year's Miss Universe Singapore local finals, which will be hosted by Jean Danker and Mike Kasem, will be held on Sept 9 at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Said MUS chief executive officer Errol Pang: "The standard of the girls this year is high and can rival previous years as more intelligent girls are coming forward and not shying away from the pageant any more."

We spoke to four who are hopeful of taking the crown.

Lynn Tan

Swimming with sharks, flying over a lava-spewing volcano and frequent rides on the roller-coaster are some of the activities she has taken part in.

Lynn Tan, 24, who also won the FHM Model Of The Year accolade last year, was one of the most outspoken contestants at the press conference.

With a "bring-it-on" attitude, she surprised everyone when she stepped forward with her introduction and alluded that she would blow the competition out of the water.

Tan, an associate with accounting firm Deloitte, told The New Paper: "I'm a thrill seeker because I like to push personal boundaries and challenge myself constantly.

"Yes, I think I'm going to win because I'm bringing my A game to this competition.

"I've been modelling part time since my university days, so taking part in MUS would be an extension of what I've always enjoyed doing."

A former Raffles Junior College student, she added that her reasons for joining this year's pageant included her desire to change society's perception of beauty queens.

"There's always this notion that beautiful women can't be intelligent.

"My sister, who is nine years older than me, is beautiful and she's a lawyer.

"She's my role model and I want to show the world that beauty and intelligence do exist together."

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