PUTRAJAYA: ALIST Academy, a modelling and coaching institute focusing on children and teens between age 4 and 18, recently organised the International Next Top Model championship to provide modelling exposure to its students, both locally and internationally.
Supported by Tourism Malaysia, the event marked a significant milestone in promoting youth participation in the arts, particularly in modelling and fashion.
The inaugural two-day championship was held at the Putrajaya Marriot Hotel on Dec 14 and 15.
International Next Top Model 2024 organiser and ALIST Academy founder Melinda Lee said the competition served as a platform for students to showcase their talents in a competitive yet supportive environment and was a success.
"More than 120 participants from Malaysia and across the globe gathered for the event, which highlighted cultural exchange and the diversity of the youth fashion scene. Countries represented included China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Singapore and India.
"This event was designed to not only foster creativity, but also give young talent the chance to gain exposure and showcase their creativity while embracing their cultural identities on an international stage."
The competition had four themes: Cultural, Denim, Fashion Balland Futuristic.
"The themes encouraged participants to explore different aspects of fashion, individuality, and confidence, allowing them to express their creativity through unique runway performances," said Lee.
She said the event created a space for youth to connect with peers from various countries, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of different fashion traditions.
"The International Next Top Model competition was a success.
We believe initiatives like this will further solidify Malaysia's position as a global hub for youth modelling and fashion, attracting more international participants and new collaborations across borders."
International Next Top Model winners received a certificate of endorsement from the World Youth Achievement Records, recognised and backed by the Youth and Sports Ministry.
At the event, five ALIST Academy students were honoured with the World Youth Achievement Record for those under 18.
Among the record makers was Sim Yu Min, 14, for the highest number of poses with a flag performed in one minute 169 poses.
Oon Jya Chyen, 10, performed 97 star jump poses in one minute to become that category's winner at the Super Model Challenge Championship.
Ilyn Loh, 16, performed 139 poses to win in the most number of poses with a chair under one minute category and Carprice Hue, 13, pulled off 128 poses to winthe most number of poses with a frame within the given time category.
Ilyn and her younger sister, Elyn Loh, 12,emerged winners in the most number of poses with sunglasses category after modelling 146 poses within the stipulated time.
The championship's grand winner was Jayson Bong, the first runner-up was ,and in third place was Chua Yixuan.
Lee was also honoured for setting a new World Youth Achievement Record. She became the first kids' modelling coach to guide 111 students to international fashion weeks and competitions in 10 countries within two years.
This recognition highlighted her dedication to elevating young talent in the modelling industry at international fashion events and modelling competitions.
Her experience includes bringing students to compete in international modelling competitions in China, Paris, Japan, Vietnamand Luxembourg.
These achievements highlight talent and determination of the participants, inspiring others to push boundaries and reach new heights in their own pursuits.
Lee said ALIST Academy wascommitted to raising the standards of junior modelling in Malaysia and aimed to provide participants with not just a competition, but an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
"It's not about winning all the time. It's the exposure that these children get from performing on international stages and the things they get to learn — new poses, modelling and showmanship tips from their peers at these international competitions.
"Apart from that, they also make new friends and can start networking from a very young age."
Lee said her students become more confident in themselves and their capabilities when they perform at international modelling competitions.
"When I take them to compete in other countries, their energy, enthusiasmand confidence level is simply unbelievable.
"At ALIST, our focus is not just modelling. We play an important role in helping parents identify their children's interests and coach them to become more confident, poised and optimistic about their capabilities.
"Our focus transcends modelling skills.We aim to nurture confidence in children and empower them with leadership mindsets and professionalism.
We want them to represent Malaysia on international runways," Lee said in her opening remarks.
She said shehoped to establish the Kuala Lumpur Junior Fashion Week as a biannual event next.
The panel of judges for International Next Top Model 2024 include Malaysian fashion icon Ivan Choo, internationally recognised Malaysian designer Aden Yong, Teacher Yang from the International Profession Certification Association in China, internationally certified model trainer from Singapore Kiko Wang, celebrity model coach from Hong KongMurine Tsui,model and pageant coach from the United Arab Emirates and IndiaAthul Suresh and child and teenmodel specialist from Cambodia Mathew Tan.
With their wealth of experience and expertise, the judges provided invaluable feedback, guidance and mentorship to the participants, enhancing their skills and boosting their confidence.
Another highlights of the two-day championship was the fashion showcase featuring local and international brands, such as Maglifestyle, Soda Kids by Voir Group, Aden Yong Couture House, Thomas C Designer, Mothercarend international designer Vigorously.
Attendees included OE Edu Group's Datuk Calvin Khiu, celebrity junior models Emma from Thailand, Xiao Yaya and Xiao Yiyi from China, Victoria from Mongolia, Isabella from Singapore and Wen Jing from Malaysia and their parents.
Global Ambassadors Elyn Loh andCaprice Hue, Ambassadors Emilia Goh, Oon Jya Chyen, Ilyn Loh, Jeavyn Khoo, Sherven Ng, Sim Yu Min, Jacquin Khooand Eunice Qing were also present at the grand championship.
Lee said the event would not have been possible without the support of partners and sponsors, including official makeup partner Sanyu Chen Makeover Academy, hair academy partner Le Classic Academy, Amazing Baby, Rookie Kids, Urban Hygienist, PN Kids, Simfoo Sdn Bhd