Michaela Shuttleworth, 22 years old, from Australia, was crowned Miss Scuba International in 2019 on Saturday.

The student of marine science beat 22 other "ocean ambassadors" to win the title on the competition to increase global awareness for marine conservation.

Shuttleworth is assured that this identity will make her awareness more powerful.

"We've got so much work to do as humans and so much to cleanse, and I'm so happy I might be a leader in it, ever since I'm little it's something that has motivated me," she said after the crowning ceremony.

"That's a step into my future – practically protecting the oceans.

"My job won't change with or without this crown.I've already scheduled eight weeks in Thailand for other contestants on dive-school tours and on children's education.

"Now that I've got the crown, I've got a bigger voice ... but no matter if I've got it, the work I'm doing won't change."

Previously, Datuk Christina Liew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Environment, hoped more contestants will be interested in the pageant in the future.

This is the first home-grown global pageant that draws many tourists to discover the loveliness of our underwater world, thus creating friendships in Sabah.

"I truly believe that these beauties represent their respective Countries and regions as the brave ocean ambassadors.

"I thank them for their efforts to promote marine protection. This admirable cause is in line with the mission of my Ministry to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations," she said.

The competition was launched in 2011, with just 15 contestants from five countries taking part, in Miss Scuba International according to the founder Robert Lo.

"It is a special competition in which we focus on biodiversity.

"These beauties don't only come here for beauty contests but are qualified to become our ambassadors for conservation when they return to their respective countries," he said.