Miss Puerto Rico Valerie Hernandez Matias (C), runner-up Miss Colombia Zuleika Kiara Suarez Torrenegra (L) and second runner-up Miss Thailand Pinka Kulsoontornrut (R)

Puerto Rican beauty Valerie Hernandez Matias has been crowned Miss Intercontinental 2014 at the Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo, Japan.

Miss Colombia Zuleika Kiara Suarez Torrenegra was the first runner up, with Miss Thailand Pinka Kulsoontornrut as second runner up.after being awarded the title of Miss International 2014 during the Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo on November 11.

Miss Puerto Rico Valerie Hernandez Matias, now Miss Intercontinental

The new beauty queen said she has a political agenda in her country.

She said she hopes to pay back her country’s education system for the opportunities it afforded her, after crediting teachers with helping her overcome learning difficulties as a child.

“My plan for the future is not only to work for my country on social problems which affect us, but also to set an example for people to follow in order to achieve a better future,” the 21-year-old said in an interview, eyes dried and make-up restored after her emotional win at Tuesday’s gala Tokyo event.

“One of the biggest social problems affecting Puerto Rico is in education. In high school I was in a special education programme. I suffered from attention deficit disorder but I managed to beat my condition thanks to the help I received from my teachers and people around me.

“Sadly, that type of help is declining nowadays,” she added after a knockout victory over Mexican Vianey Vazquez, considered by many as the favourite.

Colombia’s Suarez took away the ‘Miss Best Dresser’ award for her plunging, sequin-lined evening wear, which drew gasps from the audience, and earned her a pearl necklace from sponsors.

“I want to become a leader against racial discrimination, which is a really hard thing in my country,” said the 20-year-old, who also won the ‘Miss Friendship’ gong. “I want to take my message to every corner of Colombia and the world.”

Thailand’s Punika Kulsoontornrut valiantly forced a smile as her abundant charms and calls for world peace only brought her third place.

But Frenchwoman Aurianne Sinacola struck a blow for couch potatoes by winning the ‘Miss Perfect Body’ category.