From Engineering to Miss Malaysia: How Natalie Ang Built a Career Without Limits

Few people have seamlessly moved through industries as distinct as engineering, procurement, and pageantry as Natalie Ang has. As an Associate Consultant at Inverto (a BCG subsidiary), a former procurement specialist at Nestlé, and a Miss World Malaysia titleholder, Natalie has carved a unique space in multiple complex avenues, outlining only the start of an unconventional yet deeply intriguing and respectable career path. 

While many view success as having sights set on a distant and often singular objective, Natalie unveils a more colourful outlook; instead, it has always been about embracing opportunity, adaptability, and the thrill of learning new things. “I enjoy what I’m doing. But I also know that all doors are open, and I don’t have to choose just one,” she said.

From pursuing a degree in chemical engineering at UCSI to an expected foray into procurement, Natalie's life has followed the thread of curiosity rather than convention.

From Engineering to Procurement: An Unexpected Path

Of all the things that could have prompted Natalie's entry into the world of chemical engineering, a straw is what took that honour. Inspired by the story of LifeStraw–a simple invention that filters water instantly and was distributed affordably to communities in need– Natalie decided to let intellectual curiosity and purpose guide her post-secondary education.  “It hit two things for me: One, this was such a cool profession—you could invent things that actually help people. And two, using that talent for good? That was something I really wanted to do.”While UCSI gave Natalie an important foundation in technical knowledge, it also provided her the opportunity to interact with sharp, ambitious peers, many of whom were top scholars on academic grants. “It was a super conducive environment,” she said. “You’re around people who are the best in their fields, and that pushes you to do better.” Natalie also spent time in the Intervarsity Debate, often adjudicating rounds rather than competing formally. “Debating forces you to break down complex ideas quickly and structure your thoughts under pressure. That skill has carried over into everything I’ve done since.”

Despite having no prior plans to enter the field, Nathalie’s next step into procurement would prove to be both unexpected and transformative. Her shift into procurement was, by her own admission, pure luck. “There’s no inspirational story here—my brother just sent me a link to the Nestlé graduate programme and told me to apply,” she reflected. What started as a random opportunity soon became a career-defining experience. Having the opportunity to work in 4 key departments: supply chain risk management, legal agreements, and procurement strategy, Natalie saw firsthand how procurement shapes global industries. “Especially after COVID, people realised how important procurement and supply chains are,” she explains. 

Her time at Nestlé gave her a strong foundation in problem-solving and high-stakes decision-making, skills that would prove essential as she stepped into the fast-paced world of consulting.

Thriving in Consulting: A Career of Fast-Paced Problem Solving

After dedicating a year to working at Nestle's global procurement hub, an unexpected message from BCG’s HR team landed in Natalie’s inbox. “It was very similar to how I got into procurement—just another opportunity that came my way,” she admitted. But unlike with Nestle, where she could slowly build her expertise, consulting was something she had no experience with and had only discovered through friends. 

Of course, stepping into the industry wasn’t easy. Coming from an engineering background, Natalie had to catch up to her peers who had spent years preparing for consulting careers. “It was definitely intimidating. I was going up against people who had studied this, interned at top firms, and really knew the industry inside out.”

But rather than shy away from the challenge, Natalie immersed herself in learning. “I told myself that even if I didn’t have the same background, I could make sure I had the same level of knowledge and skills.”

After months of rigorous studying and learning on the job, Natalie has found her rhythm working as an Associate Consultant at Inverto, where her daily routine is intense, fast-paced, and constantly shifting. “It’s very invigorating,” she said. “Every day feels like a new puzzle you need to solve—quickly, under pressure, and at a really high level of complexity.”

The constant travelling also adds to the dynamic nature of the job. Currently based in Bangkok, she follows the typical consulting rhythm of flying in on Mondays and flying out on Thursdays. “It’s pretty standard across MBB firms, especially in Southeast Asia. If your case is outside your home country, you just live out of a suitcase for a while.”

Despite the high expectations, Natalie thrives in the environment. “I really like learning, and this job gives me that avenue,” she said. While Nestlé provided a strong foundation in procurement, consulting challenges her to think on her feet and adapt to rapidly changing situations.

Yet, beyond the boardrooms and fast-paced problem-solving, Natalie had another arena where she thrived; one that required just as much discipline, confidence, and adaptability: pageantry.

Grace, Grit, and Pageantry

While Natalie’s corporate career was premised on analysis and problem-solving, pageantry introduced her to a different kind of challenge, one that demanded confidence, stage presence and relentless preparation. Inspired by her mother, a former Miss Universe Malaysia contestant, she entered Miss World Malaysia in 2021 and again in 2023, where she placed as first runner-up.

Though often associated with glamour, pageantry required just as much discipline and resilience as her corporate work. “People see the gowns and the stage, but they don’t see the months of preparation—public speaking drills, hours of catwalk training, and the mental stamina to stay composed under pressure.” Spending 12 hours a day in five-inch heels was just part of the process. More than a competition, pageantry became a platform for growth. “It teaches you how to carry yourself, articulate your thoughts clearly, and connect with people—skills that translate into any industry,” she reflected.

Though her career in consulting remains her main focus, Natalie doesn’t see pageantry as something she’s leaving behind. “I don’t feel like I have to pick just one thing. If the right opportunity comes, I’d do it again.”

A Life Without Limits

Natalie has never confined herself to a single path. Instead, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge herself. Whether it be in the boardroom, on stage, or in front of the camera, her journey showcases an embracement of diversity, adaptability, and lifelong learning many of us could take away from. 

Looking forward, Natalie remains open to new possibilities, believing that success doesn't necessarily stem from confining oneself to a linear path but rather from creating one that reflects her unique ambitions, passions and strengths.