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A model determination
By BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI - March 31, 2017 @ 4:06pm
Shikin (left) took part in and won the Malaysia Supermodel Search in 2015. Alicia (right) did her studies in Melbourne before coming back to Malaysia for the competition.
Shikin Gomez and Alicia Amin, local contestants of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5, suit up for criticism, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
STAR World’s reality competition Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM) went through an unfavourable situation last year during its fourth cycle. Its sole Malaysian contestant, Tuti, a Muslim, received a backlash from Muslim groups for joining the competition.
Now, the two Malaysian contestants for the show’s upcoming fifth cycle, Shikin Gomez and Alicia Amin, are also Muslims. And they are far from amused by what Tuti had to go through.
”I am not perturbed by people policing what someone should and should not do, especially when it falls within the ground of religion,” says Alicia in an interview. “There is and should not be any negative perception surrounding someone who got up, chased her dream and made her country proud, regardless of race or religion.”
Shikin agrees. “The fact that Tuti was the only representative from Malaysia is something to be proud of. To be in such a competition, where the standards are high, and you’re representing your country, I believe that alone deserves support from everyone.”
Shikin, 24, adds that she had auditioned for the same cycle as Tuti but failed to make it further. “I’m glad that I didn’t have to go up against her.”
Alicia and Shikin are vying for the title of AsNTM, along with 12 other hopefuls hailing from the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Also look out for Valerie and Veronika, the first twins to be on AsNTM; Tu, the feisty model with curves who says what’s on her mind; and Anjelica, the model aiming to win so she can turn her fortunes around and take care of her family.
These contestants will compete through rigorous modelling challenges throughout the cycle. Returning is host Cindy Bishop and creative director Yu Tsai, joined by model mentor Cara Grogan and special guest Pia Wurtzbach.
Alicia, 22, is of Malay-German ethnicity and had spent the past two years studying to become a humanitarian lawyer in Melbourne, where she was based. She isn’t fazed by the possible criticism she might receive in Cycle 5, which premieres on Wednesday.
“I am a liberal, a feminist and a Malay. That combination itself has previously sent people on a hate fit on social media even prior to the publicity,” says Alicia.
Shikin, who is half Indian and had won Malaysia Supermodel Search in 2015, initially had concerns.
“In the end, though, I’m doing this for me, and I hope to make my family and country proud.”
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/03/225892/model-determination |
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Post time 25-4-2017 05:05 AM
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