MALAYSIANS will soon get a taste of what a local modelling contest is like via Malaysia’s Supermodel Search Presents Ford Supermodel of the World, a reality TV programme that will be aired in mid-October.
Executive producer Yap Wen-Ji and supermodel Amber Chia announced this during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce the show. Production is excpected to begin this month.
The show aims to showcase the diversity of beauty that is present in Malaysia and help aspiring models enter the global stage.
Ford Supermodel of the World is an international modelling contest established by Eileen Ford in 1980 that showcases young fashion model entrants from over 50 countries to discover new talents for the fashion industry, and has unearthed notable models like Adriana Lima, Chanel Iman, Camila Finn, Kang Seung-Hyun and Elsa Benitez.
Chia will act as mentor to the show’s contestants, in terms of teaching and grooming them, as well as sharing her knowledge based on almost 10 years of experience in the fashion industry.
Sealing the deal: Chia (left) and Yap agreeing to the final details over a firm handshake. “We wanted to provide a platform for the younger generation to achieve their dreams of becoming a model,” Yap said.
“The show offers an avenue for Malaysians to showcase what they have to go international. The experience and exposure that they get will be invaluable.”
Yap said they are collaborating with Ford models in New York, which had a hand in selecting the contestants, as they shared similar objectives.
“Modelling shouldn’t be viewed as a part-time job, but as a sustainable career,” she said.
“One of the things we’re looking for is passion — someone who is willing to go through the hardships and make the effort like Chia,” Yap said.
Aside from looks, Chia said the models would be judged on their catwalk performance and confidence.
“We’re hoping to find someone from a small town like me, and groom them to go on to have a career in international modelling.
“What is important is the potential that the model has.
“This project is a new challenge and opportunity for me, and hopefully will open doors to more ventures for my company Amber Creations,” Chia said.
Citing America’s Next Top Model as a great TV series to learn from, Yap cautioned Malaysians not to expect something similar as the budget and resources were different.
“We will try to incorporate some Malaysian elements into our show, like our planned night photoshoot at Asian Heritage Row,” she said, stressing that there would be nothing sleazy or sexy in the show.
“We will have three main judges on the panel, with invited guest judges like famous designers, photographers and stylists,” Yap said.
The show’s pre-judging sessions culminated in August.
Out of the hundreds who auditioned, only 22 contestants — 11 women and 11 men — will be selected for the taping.
The top female and male model will win RM50,000 each, and the opportunity to sigh up for lucrative modelling contracts.
The women also stand a chance to compete in the Ford Supermodel of the World competition, while the guys get an opportunity to undergo professional modelling training in the United States.
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