Think Short People Can’t be Models? 4 M’sian Modelling Scene Stereotypes That Can’t be More Wrong!

Misconceptions happen in every profession but one industry that attracts the most stereotypes has got to be the world of modelling. If you think only tall, skinny people can be models then you’d definitely be surprised!

Recently, we’ve found out about a Malaysian model search competition that offers a prize pool of RM100,000 and seeing how some may have reservations from entering due to false misconceptions, we’ve decided to debunk some of them below.

1. Short people can’t be models

Source: Fashionweekdaily

Do you know what Fazura, Nora Danish and Hannah Tan all got in common? Of course, all of them are famous celebrities and successful models in Malaysia and internationally but did you know that all of them stands just below 170cm in height?

That’s right! Here’s a list of all their heights as well as other famous Malaysian models:

• Fazura – 165 cm
• Juliana Evans – 165 cm
• Hannah Tan – 163 cm
• Lisa Surihani – 160 cm
• Nora Danish – 160cm

Source: Nur Fazura

Source: Juliana Evans 

Source: Hannah Tan

Relatively small sizes for fashion models don’t you think? In fact, world-renown Malaysian actress and model Neelofa who was awarded the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 Asia award in 2017 stands at only 157cm weh!

Well, if these models can make it locally and abroad, there’s nothing stopping you from succeeding just because of your height.

Source: Neelofa

2. You have to be fair-skinned to be a model in Malaysia

Source: koalasplayground

This stereotype, unfortunately, emerges because most Asian societies have this concept of beauty that relates directly to the fairness of your skin.

Thankfully, this has become a remnant of the past within our country as the modelling industry no longer considers one’s skin complexion when looking for talents.

Source: Deborah Henry

Source: Nabila Huda

Malaysian models that have darker skin complexion such as Deborah Henry, Nabila Huda and Shangkharee Nadarajan definitely highlights this change.

As brave as they are beautiful, these gorgeous models definitely proved that the fairness of your skin does not determine your success in your modelling career!

Source: Shangkharee

3. All male models need to be bulky and have a six-pack

Source: Mirror

Sure, having a nice physique does help but how many times have you actually seen models being bare-chested during photoshoots anyway?

In fact, most clothing brands actually prefer their models to be less bulky in order to make their lineup more relatable. Just take a look at famous Malaysian models such as Afeq Saad, Jason Loo and Adiq Rahman and you’ll see that this stereotype has no weight to it whatsoever!

Source: Afeq Saad

Source: Adiq Rahman

Source: Jason Loo

4. You need to have an “orang dalam” to start in the industry

Source: style.series

This probably came from those not familiar with the inner-workings of the industry. Instead of succeeding due to good “connections”, here’s how most Malaysian models actually got their big break:

• Practically anyone can become a model. Sheer hard work and perseverance are key!
• Tirelessly scouring through the internet and newspapers for modelling roll calls and auditions.
• Sending their portfolios to modelling agencies and professional photographers.
• Luck also plays a part, as some models actually got spotted by scouts when they visited the mall.
• Joining model search contests also help as it’ll give you more public exposure. Even if you don’t win, your presence may pique the interest of agencies that are scouting for new talents!

In fact, did you know that world-famous Malaysian models such as Michelle Yeoh and Amber Chia actually got their big break by entering model search competitions?

Well, if you want to follow in their footsteps and want to try your luck at modelling, we know the perfect place for you to start.

Come and join the Velocity Model Search 2019 brought to you by Sunway Velocity, Malaysia’s most fashionable mall!

The Velocity Model Search 2019 not only gives you a chance to win a huge chunk of its RM100,000 prize pool but also a 1 (ONE) year modelling contract with Runway Productions by Benjamin Tong!

Sounds awesome right? Here’s all you need to know:

• Registrations are open from now until 28th of July 2019.
• Open to all Malaysians, male or female age 18 to 30.
• Contestants aged 18 – 25 need to be a VeloStudent member to participate and will be enjoying a discount on registration fees!
• To sign up as a VeloStudent member, click here.

Registration fee is only RM30 and for each successful registration, you will receive RM100 worth of vouchers and gifts! Woah, that’s super value weh!

Awesome. Think you have what it takes to become a model in Malaysia? Then the Velocity Model Search 2019 is definitely a competition you should consider!

Well, there’s no harm in trying kan? For more information on the contest and other amazing events happening in Sunway Velocity Mall, click here.