Tatler’s digital editor for Gen.T, Valerie Lim, who was Miss Universe Singapore 2011, discusses the role of the beauty pageant, evolving beauty standards and what’s missing from the world’s first AI-generated beauty contest, Miss AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance at a rapid pace, the burning and ever-lingering question at the forefront of the minds of many is: will AI eventually replace humans? It seems that the time may have come.
The Miss AI pageant is the world’s first AI-generated beauty competition featuring digital contestants. There are 10 finalists in the competition, each created by developers and vying for the title of Miss AI. A panel of judges, both AI-generated and human, including beauty pageant historian Sally-Ann Fawcett, will judge the computer-generated models, with the top three creators behind them, sharing a cash prize of over US$20,000.
Generated using both off-the-shelf and proprietary AI tools, the 10 photorealistic “participants” exist only on social media, primarily Instagram. The judging criteria for clinching the “coveted title”? Their beauty, tech and social clout.
See also: AI doesn’t like to credit its sources. For artists, that’s a problem
While I looked on in awe at the effort and technical know-how required to create these hyperrealistic, glass-skinned contestants, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Who are you?”
As someone who has experienced first-hand the hard work, dedication and personal growth involved in competing—twice representing Singapore internationally and then organising four national competitions—the images are devoid of the personal journeys and do-good that is expected of contestants these days.
While some may argue that supporting a charity or a cause can be trite or performative for personal gain, I’ve met contestants whose generosity comes from genuine places. From fundraising to mentoring at-risk youth, these women have mastered balancing ambition with genuine empathy in a way AI cannot comprehend nor reach. The human experiences that spur us into service cannot be manufactured.
It is also the lived experiences that shape a person’s unique identity and demonstrate qualities unseen to the eye. Call it the cliché “inner beauty”, but traits like tenacity, humbleness, adaptability and accountability shine through in-person interviews and events. A person’s dedication quickly reveals itself when they keep to deadlines and schedules that affect the individual and the team.
