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New Straits Times

Building confidence in young

FUAD NIZAM 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.