Riona Krishnan Dighe has been crowned Miss Teen Universe Asia 2026, marking the first time a Singaporean contestant has clinched the regional title. Competing against more than 30 delegates at the global finals in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Oct. 25, the 18-year-old advanced through the initial cuts from the Top 20 to the Top 14 before securing the crown, asiaone.com reported.
In addition to the main title, Riona won Miss Popular Choice, an award decided by online public voting that established her as the audience favourite among her cohort. Her platform centred on children’s education and access, built through charity work she has maintained since she was 11 years old.
Global Pageantry Journey to Phnom Penh
Riona advanced to the Phnom Penh finals after winning Miss Teen Universe Singapore 2026 in July. Her international pageantry experience prior to the Cambodian finals included competing as Miss Teen London 2024 and finishing as the first runner-up at Miss Teen Universe UK, mothership.sg reported. During the talent segment of the finals, she performed a traditional Peranakan dance to introduce Singapore’s heritage to an international audience.
Reflecting on her victory in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Riona noted the significance of representing a small nation on a continental stage. “I came to Cambodia as a girl from one of Asia’s smallest nations and I leave with the honour of representing an entire continent,” she wrote. She expressed gratitude to her mother, manager, team members, and fellow contestants for supporting her journey.
Riona conducts artificial intelligence research at Cornell
Outside of her pageantry and international modelling career—which includes walking at New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks—Riona has spent two years conducting academic research. Working with a mentor from Cornell University, she applied natural language processing to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness framework.
The research involved developing code using off-the-shelf natural language processing to measure the Gross National Happiness Index as a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys. Her findings were published in the International Journal of High School Research and presented to the King of Bhutan, following visits to Bhutanese schools where she discussed the project with children and officials.
Her academic background includes completing her A-levels at Cheltenham Ladies’ College in the United Kingdom and reading Business at University College London’s Global Business School of Health, mothership.sg reported. She also partnered with local brand Origin Teahouse to launch a limited-edition drink that raised funds for Project Pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Pageant
Where were the Miss Teen Universe Asia 2026 finals held?
The finals took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Oct. 25, where Riona competed against more than 30 other delegates.
What awards did Riona Krishnan Dighe win at the competition?
She won both the Miss Teen Universe Asia 2026 crown and the Miss Popular Choice award, which was determined by online public voting.
What was the focus of Riona’s pageant platform?
Her platform concentrated on children’s education and access, supported by charity work she has undertaken since she was 11 years old.