SINGAPORE — Slightly over a week after being crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2026, Vion Erico Tan has received some disappointing news.

The beauty queen will no longer be competing at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico slated for November 24, following an ongoing dispute over franchise rights.

“I’ve just received the news, and honestly, it has hit me harder than I can put into words,” the 22-year-old wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday (October 21).

Reflecting on the experience, Vion shared that the pageant journey was “never just about a crown or competition”.

Rather, it was a meaningful opportunity to represent Singapore on the international stage, sharing its culture, stories and spirit.

Thanking everyone for their support, the Miss Universe Singapore 2026 winner said that while she is unsure of what the next chapter holds, she is determined not to let the situation falter her.

Vion is among six South-east Asian representatives affected, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos.

The decision came after the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) said on September 18 that franchise agreements involving the countries, executed by Miss Universe Eastern (MUE), were not valid.