ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL 5: ‘EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED’

StarWorld’s highly anticipated modelling competition and original production, Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM), returns for its fifth season – bigger, better and bolder! Among the fourteen young models shortlisted this season, two Malaysian lasses – Alicia Amin and Shikin Gomez – have been chosen and will be competing in rigorous modelling challenges with other contestants for the coveted title of Asia’s Next Top Model.

Speaking at the exclusive premiere screening session held for media friends, Marketing Director for FOX Networks Group (FNG), Penny Tan, said that this season of AsNTM is pushing the envelope with a roster of competitive talent they have found within Asia’s modelling industry.

“We have been seeing better participants every season, and this gives us more opportunities to push them further. With the theme of ‘Expect the Unexpected’, the participants are not only challenged, but are surprised with a mid-season twist! Also new this season are our two new judges – model mentor, Cara G McIlroy, and special guest Pia Wurtzbach – who will each bring their unique expertise to the panel,” said Tan.

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On that note, Tan introduced two very special guests for the evening – the versatile and talented AsNTM host, Cindy Bishop, and supermodel and entrepreneur, Cara G McIlroy. Bishop expressed her excitement in reprising her role to host the series. Together with renowned fashion photographer and creative director, Yu Tsai, she looks forward to the energy that Cara McIlroy and Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach, will be bringing to the show.

She believes that with McIlroy and Wurtzbach joining her and Yu Tsai in the judging panel, they all have something different to offer through their advice and experience, honing the girls’ skills to benefit their future as models. “What is unique about AsNTM is the overwhelming diversity and expertise that we bring to the table, and it is our goal to utilise these advantages to help the contestants transcend and bring out the best in them,” said Bishop.

Hailing from Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan, the fourteen contestants were chosen from scores of auditioning hopefuls to compete for the title. Viewers will get to learn the stories of women such as Valerie and Veronika, the first twins to be on AsNTM who will compete against each other for the first time; Tu, the feisty model with curves who says what’s on her mind; and Clara, the emotional child of privilege who learns to become independent as she forges through the challenges. These are only four among the fourteen exciting young women aiming for the top—all telling their own colourful story and all possessing great modelling potential.

Both Malaysian representatives, Alicia Amin and Shikin Gomez, are no strangers to the industry. Alicia, who is 22 years old and originally from Johor, who recently moved back to KL after residing in Australia has been modelling in both countries; whereas Shikin, who is 24 years old from Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, is a name well known in the local modelling scene.

Alicia stands out with her strong features and is not shy to express her individuality. “I’m the kind of person that needs to express myself in any medium, and because of that I thrive on being constantly inspired,” she said. Regardless if she wins the competition, her ultimate goal is to return to her studies in law to become a humanitarian rights lawyer.

A graduate in Communications, Shikin started as a freelance model and eventually found her calling to become a full time model. The lanky and humble girl hopes to put the heat on the other girls, and in the long run, wishes to visit and work in different countries while learning about new cultures. “I want to be known for my consistency of being good at my profession. I believe that passion is a huge driver for everything that I do, and in whatever career you choose, you must have passion,” said Shikin.

Tan concluded by saying that the presence of two Malaysians in the competition signifies that the country has a lot of potential to be realised. “It places Malaysia on the radar in the international arena, showing that we can also produce competitive models. The future is bright for the industry and aspiring young models!” she said.

Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 was made possible through partnership with Subaru, Maybelline, Zalora and Sunway City as the Premier Destination Partner. The winner will drive home the all-new Subaru Impreza, as well as grace the magazine cover of Nylon Singapore and star in her own fashion spread. She will also be travelling to Europe to be represented by one of the world’s biggest modelling agencies, Storm Model Management.

How will the intense competition unfold this season? Will Alicia and Shikin stand a chance to win and take home the coveted title of Asia’s Next Top Model? ‘Expect the Unexpected’ and stay tuned to find out!

Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 premiered on Wednesday, 5 April 2017, on StarWorld (Astro Channel 711 and HD 722) at 9.00 p.m. MYT. Subsequent episodes premiere every Wednesday, 9.00 p.m. MYT. For exclusive news and updates, log on to www.asntm.com, or follow AsNTM on www.fb.com/AsNTMOfficial, Twitter and Instagram @asntm, or #AsNTM #AsNTM5.