Just nine days into her reign as Miss Universe Singapore 2026, Vion Erico Tan, 22, was dealt a crushing blow: She would not be representing Singapore at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico on Nov 24 due to an ongoing franchise dispute.

She is among six contestants affected by the dispute, alongside representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos.

But while the news was disappointing, Vion, who works in her family's bee conservation business Nutrinest and also runs a wine business, admitted she felt something unexpected — relief.

The controversy stems from a dispute over franchise rights between the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and Miss Universe Eastern, headed by Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil.

In September, JKN Universe, which holds the rights to the Miss Universe brand, declared that franchise agreements for the six countries were invalid, claiming Miss Universe Eastern had no authority to issue them. Miss Universe Eastern disputed this, insisting that the agreements were valid.

On Oct 21, Miss Grand International (MGI), which is associated with Nawat, announced that the six contestants would not be participating, citing concerns over their eligibility and fair treatment.

Miss Universe Singapore organiser HyperLive Entertainment backed the decision, expressing concerns that the contestants might “face unequal treatment or unnecessary challenges during the international competition”.

Speaking to 8days.sg, Vion revealed that she had grown increasingly concerned about her safety as the competition approached.

“Initially, even though we knew this was a possibility, I was quite optimistic. I believed that an organisation built around women’s empowerment would find a way forward, and I hoped that the harsh words being exchanged were just words spoken in anger,” she said.

However, as preparations continued and flights were booked, her concerns grew.

“The way we were treated also made me increasingly uncertain about our safety. At that point, I realised that alongside my disappointment, I was also feeling some relief,” she shared.

Asked to elaborate on her concerns, Vion explained that she and the other affected contestants had felt excluded from official channels and opportunities to promote themselves.

“It left us feeling that we weren’t being given the same opportunities to represent ourselves and our country,” she said.

“I don’t wish to speculate on anyone’s intentions, but I believe every woman who earns the opportunity to represent her country deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity.”

She added: “As much as I wanted to be on that stage, I don’t think any crown should come at the expense of a woman’s safety or dignity.”

In a video posted on Instagram on Oct 23, she said: “When I was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2026, I never imagined I would have to fight for the chance to represent my country.”

And having that dream dashed so soon after her crowning “hurt”, especially since preparations for her international debut were already well underway.

“We had been working on outfits, planning our representation of Singapore, and preparing for what would have been an incredible opportunity to showcase our country,” she said.

She had also been looking forward to experiencing Puerto Rico's culture and showcasing Singapore's entrepreneurial spirit on the international stage.

Vion said she has come to terms with the situation, though the disappointment remains.

“I had a dream of standing on that international stage and representing Singapore, and I had worked really hard towards it,” she said.

“But I also feel relieved that our safety and dignity were taken into consideration.” Vion is now expected to represent Singapore at Miss Universe 2027, but her participation isn't guaranteed just yet.

HyperLive CEO and Miss Universe Singapore national director Dr Sean Wong told 8days.sg that the organisation has received confirmation from Miss Universe East that Vion can compete next year.

However, “her participation will still require the official approval of the Miss Universe Organisation,” he clarified.

Vion will also retain her Miss Universe Singapore title in 2027.

If a national competition is held next year, it will be to select Singapore's representative for Miss Universe 2028, though Sean said no decision has been made.

As for Vion, she admitted that having to wait another year wasn't easy, especially with no absolute guarantee that she'll get to compete.

“I can't honestly say that I have absolutely no concerns about the future,” she said.

“But I don't want to live in fear of what might happen. I want to focus on what I can control.”

She plans to continue working on her communication skills, fitness, stage presence and cultural knowledge, while expanding her advocacy work in entrepreneurship and bee conservation.

“I don't see this year as a year of waiting. I see it as a year of building,” she said.

“Next year, I don't just want to return as a more prepared contestant. I want to return as a woman who has spent the year doing meaningful work and becoming someone Singaporeans can be proud of.”

Photos: HyperLive Entertainment, vioncotan/Instagram, missuniversesingapore_official/Instagram