2018 Face of Asia-Pacific Model Search

FOR the past two decades, there has been a face that has been synonymous with realising dreams, exuding grace and achieving success. 

A face we proudly call our own, our inspiration, our pride… our celebrity supermodel, Amber Chia. The time has come, to embark on a quest in search for the next face of Asia. 

When Chia organised the Ford Supermodel of the World Model Search in 2009, her vision was to create a platform for the next generation of models to learn and gain exposure, locally and internationally. 

In 2010, she started Amber Chia Academy, which has graduated over 2,000 students to date. In 2011 she envisioned a new kind of model search in conjunction with the Korea Model Association to help propel young models to the global stage, the “Asia New Face Model Search”, which seeks models that not only have the potential to be the next fashion icon, but the next celebrity star. 

Over the past 8 years, this model search competition has been grown to over 30 countries in Asia. For the first time, we will be organising a regional finals called, “Face Of Asia-Pacific” in 2018, which includes models from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In 2019, we expect this contingency to extend to Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Philippines as well. 

In 2018, the Face of Asia-Pacific model search aims to look for the next face of Asia that embodies not just the qualities to be a supermodel, but possesses the talent and passion to be in the entertainment spotlight as well. In today’s digital age, the contestants must also be able to kick up a storm on social media networks, as well as possessing the natural flair to own the centre of attraction at public events. 

The live auditions to select the finalists for Malaysia took place on the 1st of April at Amber Chia Academy, with over 300 registrations. 

Our judges include Amber Chia (Franchise Holder of Face of Malaysia), Raulen Lee (CEO of Face of Asia-Pacific), Anuar Faizal (Fashion Designer) and Jeisey Giam (2018 Face Of Asia Grand Prize Winner). 

6 finalists (3 female & 3 male) from Malaysia were selected to join the other 18 finalists from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan to take part in the grand finale which will be held at the Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Friday the 13th of April, 2018, from 7pm to 10pm. 

One female winner and one male winner will be selected from each country to represent their respective countries for the grand finals in Seoul, South Korea on 5 May 2018. One female and one male will also be selected as the winners of the 2018 Face Of Asia -Pacific. 

The gala dinner will serve 50 tables of the elite of the fashion and beauty industry, from professionals and clients to models and celebrities. 

The 24 finalists of 2018 Face Of Asia-Pacific are: 

Malaysia 

1. Joey Yeung (Female) 

2. Tee Wan Ying (Female) 

3. Frost Yaw (Female) 

4. Jack Goh (Male) 

5. Asyraf Dasley (Male) 

6. Calvin Lee (Male) 

Singapore 

1. Queenie Lim Yi Xuan (Female) 

2. Heng Pei Yu, Peggy (Female) 

3. May Low (Female) 

4. Ng Su Yu (Male) 

5. Lai Bao Qi (Male) 

6. Syahrul Naem Bin Jailani (Male) 

Hong Kong 

1. Wong Ching (Female) 

2. Pair Mercedes Romero (Female) 

3. Matthew Chung Ka Chun (Male) 

4. Derick Wong Chung Hin (Male) 

5. Wu Sung Hin (Male) 

Taiwan 

1. Chen Guan Qi (Female) 

2. Shang Yu (Female) 

3. Liu Hui Yu (Female) 

4. Shih Ping Han (Male) 

5. Lo Wei Ming (Male) 

6. Syu Yi Kai (Male) 

During the grand finale, 5 celebrity awards will also be given out to the top celebrities of the year, namely in the fields of acting, singing, hosting, blogging and social media. 

In 2017, winners of this coveted award went to Ning Baizura, Awal Ashaari, Tong Bing Yu, Daphne Iking, Leng Yein, Monika St. Maria, Arja Lee, Ahya Rosli and Jordan Yeoh. 

Trivia Asia Model Festival Awards 

Established for the appreciation and cultivation of modeling talent, the Asia Model Festival Awards (AMFA) plays an important role in promoting harmony and exchange between models all over Asia. 

Organised annually by the Korea Model Association (KMA), which is the only government-sanctioned body under South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the prestigious AMFA is touted as the Academy Awards equivalent to the Asian modeling and fashion industry. 

An estimated 1.3 billion people, across 128 countries around the world, are expected to watch next year’s AMFA as it will be aired over more than 20 channels such as SBS Plus, China Gunaxi TV, KNTV Asia and Arirang TV, just to name a few. 

Set to be held in June 2017 at the majestic Olympic Hall of the Seoul Olympic Park, the 12th AMFA will take place throughout an eventful three days, which will include fashion shows, beauty fairs, an awards ceremony and of course, the Face of Asia Model Search. 

Other past award recipients at AMFA included the crème de la crème of the international fashion, modeling and entertainment industry such as Taiwanese supermodel Lin Chi-Ling; Taiwanese actors and singers Jerry Yan and Joe Cheng; Hong Kong singer Leo Ku; China’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 winner Susanna Mao; international recording artist and actor Rain; 

American actresses Celeste Thorson and Esther Chae; Japanese actress Hayashi Tantan; Thai actress Khemupsorn ‘Cherry’ Sirisukha; South Korean girl groups Wonder Girls, Girls’ Generation and 4Minute; South Korean boy bands Super Junior and 2PM; Filipino actors Aljur Abrenica and Iza Calzado; Filipino singers Frencheska Farr and Freddie Aguilar; South Korean designer the late Andre Kim; and many more.  - 7KLIK