Faced with a New Face chance

TNP PHOTO: Ariffin Jamar

IT’S The New Paper New Face modelling contest’s 20th anniversary and 20 girls will eventually become this year’s finalists from a field of about 130.

And last weekend, when the finalists from last year’s competition gathered for their first day of scouting on Orchard Road for fresh faces to join this year’s contest, 20 girls were selected.

Girls who are chosen by The New Face scouts will receive a passport, enabling them to go straight to Round 2 of the competition.

In the team of scouts were Dacy Ho, Atikah Suhaime, Natasha Pang, Sheryna J, Lisah Suhaimi, Jayley Woo, Charlotte Hand, Sabrina Noor Alim and Nicolette Yip. After a makeover session at Clinique, the girls split into two groups and headed out.

And it was a record-setting haul of 20 potential finalists that afternoon – the most the alumni have chosen in one day of scouting.

Friends Tianna Loh and Karisma Raywikan were spotted outside *SCAPE, browsing through the items at the flea market. The students, both 15, were surprised when approached but, after receiving passports, they said they were looking forward to the contest.

Another of the chosen ones was 21-year-old Nadiyah Farhanah Masrani. She was spotted outside 313@Somerset. The shy and reserved student confessed that she “has no confidence” to join a modelling competition because of her height (1.57m), so she was caught by surprise when the scouting team swooped in.

She said: “I’m looking forward to it now that I’ve been given the opportunity. I’m definitely excited.”

Student Ivy Wong, 21, on the other hand, approached the group and was rewarded with a passport to Round 2. Mixed with emotions, she said: “I’m actually really flustered. I actually joined the contest a few years back, but didn’t make it past the audition.

“When I heard that the team would be in town to scout, I decided to shop in the area and hoped to bump into them.”

For another lucky girl, it is now a chance at a second shot at the title. Hayley Woo, 21, twin sister of Jayley, is trying again this year. She joined with her sister last year, but did not make it past Round 2.

Said Jayley of her sister being scouted: “I didn’t want to pick her because people might think that it’s unfair (since I’m her sister).

“But she is interested and I think she has what it takes, so I wish her all the best this year.”

Other New Face 2012 hopefuls are encouraged to come in for the walk-in audition on June 9 at *SCAPE from 2 to 6pm.

“If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a model, pluck up your courage and take the challenge this year,” encouraged Ms Chok Huey Jiuan, brand and promotions manager from SPH’s marketing division, who was also part of the scouting team for New Face.

She added: “Give yourself and the judges a chance to discover if you have what it takes.”