by Jacqueline Raphael. Posted on January 24, 2011, Monday
MIRI: The Malaysian edition of the prestigious Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search 2011 surprised many in the industry by having its first nationwide audition at a longhouse here yesterday.
WHO’S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL?: Here they are … the 18 finalists of Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011. The grand final, which will be held in Kuching on Feb 16, will see bigger cash prizes this year.
It was held at Gua Longhouse, a homestay which is a haven for travellers seeking to experience the unique lifestyle found only in the rainforest jungle.Supported by Miri division Gawai Dayak Committee (MDGDC), the collaboration undoubtedly added an exciting touch to the search.
The committee was responsible for bringing to the Ford Models audition, exotic representatives from 15 ethnics associations, comprising of amongst others the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Speaking at a press conference prior to the audition yesterday, the organising chairman Dato’ Nancy Yeoh said, the idea of the longhouse symbolises the culture and tradition of ethnic Sarawak, adding that the ultimate Malaysian girl to represent the country may not necessarily lives in the city. “Malaysia indeed has a small population, hence we should not leave no stone unturned if we intend to find that one true Malaysian girl to represent us to the world,” she exclaimed.
“We realised that there are undiscovered people living in the rainforest who cannot afford to come to us so we need to go to them,” said Yeoh, who is also the president and chief executive officer of STYLO International, the company appointed as organiser for Ford Model Search in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the Orang Ulu National Association’s Gawai coodinator Margaret Nawan said the Ford Models Search will greatly encourage East Malaysian ladies as they do not have much opportunity to participate in international events such as the model search.“This is an opportunity for the Dayak community of Sarawak to show that they too are able to get involved in an event that is of international standard,” she added.The Miri audition will continue again at 2pm today, at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort and is open to ladies age 18 and above who are at least 5’ 7” in height.After the audition here, the organiser will proceed to Kuching on Jan 25, then to Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Johor with a finale in Kuala Lumpur after the Chinese New Year.
The audition in Kuching will be carried out in collaboration with Society Atelier Sarawak. “We would like to call all ladies who have the criteria mentioned, not to miss this opportunity and to come for our audition in Miri tomorrow (today) as well as in Kuching on Jan 25. “Sarawakian ladies who are in Kuala Lumpur can also attend our audition there by contacting us earlier. We will announce the date and time of the audition there later,” said Yeoh.nMeanwhile, interested ladies can contact the Ford Supermodel Hotline at 014-7297541 or email the organiser at fordsupermodel@stylo-international.com.
