Building confidence in young
PUTRAJAYA: MALAYSIA'S Next Top Model 2025 brought the glamour of the runway to life for IOI City Mall Fashion Week, celebrating young Malaysian talent with confidence and pride.
Organised by ALIST Academy Malaysia, founded by Dr Blake Shiw and Melinda Lee, the event was held from June 21 to 22 and featured some 100 participants aged 4 to 18.
The young models showcased their flair on themed runway walks and in performance segments.
Melinda said the programme was designed to empower children and teens through confidence-building activities and character development.
"It is more than a modelling competition. The annual event is a platform to identify future Malaysian representatives for international pageants and modelling contests.
"Since 2023, ALIST Academy has trained 103 young talents who have gone on to represent the country in 18 international events, an achievement recognised by the Asean Records."
Wendy Lee, whose son has been with ALIST Academy since age 3, said the programme has helped him overcome his shyness.
"Before my son joined, he was camera-shy. To perform in public, he was a bit nervous. But now, after much practice and joining ALIST and engaging in modelling, magic and K-pop, he's confident to showcase his talent in public."
Now 11, her son has not only performed locally but also abroad.
"We're proud of his achievement and not only in Malaysia. ALIST Academy has gone on to the international stage.
"We just came back from Kazakhstan. We learnt about Kazakhstan's culture and food. We brought Malaysia, by designer Aden Yong, to showcase there."
Melinda said this year's programme featured four main segments: 'Saya Anak Malaysia', a runway celebrating traditional and modern attire; 'Toy World', a whimsical concept inspired by childhood nostalgia; 'Parent & Kid Fashion Show', which featured creative family duos in matching outfits; and, 'Supermodel Battle PK', a sports-inspired catwalk contest where participants faced off in posing duels.
She said eight winners emerged from the Supermodel Battle PK category — Ong Yu Shan, Lee Chen Er, Pandra Chai, Diorlyn Lim Jia Qian, Exin Ong, Kate Ng Kay Lyn, Avery Chan Si Rui and Ferra Lee.
"The grand winners of the competition are Jo Melone Tan, Tobey Koo, Reannbelle Lua Zenxi, Diorlyn Lim Jia Qian and Kate Ng Kay Lyn.
"The academy also named a group of IDOLs and ambassadors to represent the event's values and serve as role models to their peers.
"Among the selected IDOLs are Oon Jya Chyen, Cheryl Soo, Elyn Loh, Caprice Hue, Emilia Goh and Jeavyn Khoo. The Ambassadors included Eunice Khaw, Jackie Khoo, Sherven Ng, Kimerly Low, Allie Saw, Ray Soo, Jerju Loo and Sim Yu Min."
The panel of judges included international top model Yang from China, catwalk trainer Mathew from Cambodia, Le Classic Academy co-founder Tiffany Lee, Malaysian fashion designer Aden Yong and World Youth Achievement Record holder Ilyn Loh.
The event featured a contribution of RM5,000 to Pertubuhan Komuniti ELITE in support of the Children's Literacy Project, an initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged children through access to education.
Present at the event was Petaling Jaya member of parliament Lee Chean Chung, who presented awards to the newly named IDOLs and ambassadors.
During the special agent-themed grand finale, participants donned red and black couture designed by Aden Yong.
Malaysia's Next Top Model 2025 was supported by IOI City Mall, Le Classic Academy, Sanyu Chen Makeover Academy, International Profession Association, Rookie Kids and Aden Yong Couture House.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Jamal Abdillah: Alamak, I got another 'special grandchild'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian music icon Datuk Jamal Abdillah, 66, has announced the unusual birth of a five-legged calf on his integrated cattle farm in Bukit Merah, Perak. The legendary singer shared a video of the special male calf with close contacts via a WhatsApp broadcast, expressing his surprise and delight. "Oh my, I've got another 'grandchild' but his legs are extra long and 'special'," Datuk Jamal was quoted as saying, referring to the unique anatomical feature of the newborn calf. He further elaborated on the calf's distinctiveness: "But what's strange is that this male calf has extra legs, meaning it has five legs. This special calf is unique and I will not sell it and plan to continue to keep it." Datuk Jamal, who has rekindled his passion for cattle farming, also shared an update on the thriving state of his farm. "Actually, I enjoy raising cows and it's just a hobby," he explained. He revealed that he has been raising 25 integrated cows for approximately a year and five months. These cows were provided by the Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan for breeding purposes, with the understanding that they can be sold within five years. "I also took in a lot of female cows so that they would grow easily. Alhamdulillah, this is the second year and the cattle business is also thriving," he added, expressing gratitude for the farm's success. Datuk Jamal Abdillah initially ventured into commercial cattle farming in May 2023, operating his farm which spans almost two hectares in Bukit Merah.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Heart And Soul: A touching reunion of former SMK Bukit Mewah teachers
The writer (front row, standing, in long-sleeved batik shirt) reconnects with fellow educators from SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban, at their first full reunion in over 20 years. — LIONG KAM CHONG Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: heartandsoul@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". We are former teachers and head teachers of SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban – now scattered across the country after retirement or transfers over the past 20 years. Though we stay connected through a chat group aptly named 'SBM BFF' (Seremban Bukit Mewah Best Friends Forever), full group meet-ups have been rare. So, when someone suggested an in-person reunion, the response was swift and enthusiastic. What started with 20 interested members quickly swelled to 50. To ensure comfort, the organisers eventually capped the number as the hotel restaurant hosting our high tea had its limits. The date – May 16, 2025, Teachers Day – was perfect. True to our teacherly nature, a full programme was drawn up. And long before the 2.45pm registration, most of us were already there, buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was electric – like a scene of long-lost friends reunited. Handshakes, hugs, laughter and chatter filled the room. In that moment, we were no different from the noisy students we once guided. There were stories, questions, laughter – and heartfelt memories. Many had aged gracefully, some remarkably unchanged. Amid the joy, we paused to remember colleagues who had passed on. But we agreed – at this stage of life, acceptance is key. That, we decided, is the true recipe for healthy ageing. The organising chairperson opened with a brief welcome, followed by a doa (prayer). Then, the celebration began –our first full reunion in over 20 years. Ten of us, former school administrators, were seated at the 'VIP' table with a served meal, while the rest, seated across four other tables, enjoyed a buffet spread. But after two decades of retirement, titles no longer mattered – we soon left our seats, mingled freely, and helped ourselves at the buffet. Conversations flowed as easily as the laughter. More than the food, it was the reconnection that mattered most. Smiling faces and joyful chatter said it all. An hour was set aside for open sharing, and unsurprisingly, the slot filled quickly. Teachers, after all, rarely shy away from a stage. We heard stories of post-retirement life: travel, health, family time, and new hobbies. It was clear – retirement was not just well earned, but well lived. The highlight came with the cutting of the Teachers' Day cake, followed by a rousing group's declaration of 'Kami guru Malaysia, berikrar dan berjanji ...' (We, Malaysian teachers, pledge and promise...). Our voices filled the restaurant – Surely, the other guests knew their school-going children were in good hands! The photo session that followed was a flurry of activity. It took time to gather all 50 of us for the group shot, but that didn't stop the phones from clicking – smaller group photos, selfies, and candid moments captured in abundance. By 6pm, it was time to part. There were waves, hugs, and quiet goodbyes. And in every heart, the same thought lingered: When will we meet again?
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
'Malaysia in You' - A love letter to Malaysian children growing up abroad
FOR Dr Ayne Zarof, a London-based medical doctor and mother, the journey into authorship began with a question many diaspora parents quietly carry: How do I make sure my child knows where they come from? Her answer came in the form of a children's book titled Malaysia in You —a vibrant, heartfelt story designed to help Malaysian children living abroad connect with their roots and share their heritage with the world around them. The book is set to launch next month and is now available for pre-order at Born from Motherhood and Representation 'I became a mom three years ago, and when my son started reading, I couldn't find stories where Malaysian kids like him were represented, especially kids growing up outside of Malaysia. 'I wanted him to see himself in the books he reads and understand that you don't have to live in Malaysia to feel Malaysian. That identity can live in you, no matter where you are," Ayne told Sinar Daily after her book reading session at Aperture Cafe's Bual Space in Kuala Lumpur recently. The book, she says, was written first and foremost for her son but quickly evolved into something bigger: A bridge for all Malaysian children living abroad who may not have easy access to cultural narratives that reflect their unique identity. The book is set to launch on July 14 and is now available for pre-order at Reclaiming and Sharing Malaysian Identity In the UK, Ayne points out that Malaysians often don't even exist as a distinct category. 'In Britain, I'm usually grouped under 'Asian Other.' That lumps us into a monolithic Asian identity that doesn't reflect the depth and richness of our Malaysian culture, language or history.' Malaysia in You aims to change that narrative, she said starting with children's books where identity often first takes shape. 'I want Malaysian children to be proud and unapologetic about their heritage. There's so much richness, in our languages, our traditions, our food and we should be proud to share that with the world.' Why Food As the Starting Point? Interestingly, the book opens with a theme very close to Malaysian hearts: food. 'You can't really separate Malaysian identity from food,' Ayne laughed. 'It's how we connect. Every gathering, every celebration, starts with food and it reflects the melting pot that is Malaysia.' Through familiar tastes like pandan, gula melaka (palm sugar) and even spicy dishes, Ayne hopes to nurture the 'Malaysian palate' in her children, even as they grow up thousands of miles away. 'Food is an easy, joyful way to start conversations about culture, history and identity," she said. Ayne during the book reading session at Bual Space. A First Step, Not the Last While Malaysia in You is her debut children's book, Ayne hopes it's only the beginning - not just for her, but for other storytellers too. 'I'd love to see more books from and about Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Our stories deserve space on global shelves. I hope this book inspires other writers to share their voices," she said. As more Malaysian families plant roots across the globe, Malaysia in You stands as a gentle, colorful reminder: Identity isn't about geography - it's about belonging, pride and knowing your story.
