Flame Awards: Vote for Transformer of the Year

Over the past year, local acting newcomer Jaspers Lai lost 10kg and shed three inches off his waist by following a strict low-carb diet and rigorous exercise regimen.

The 27-year-old was motivated to get trim after seeing his chubby self on the big screen in his movie debut The Lion Men, Jack Neo's lion dance flick which opened in theatres in January.

Lai, who is 1.75m tall and weighs 66kg now, said: "My friends who haven't seen me in a while thought that I became sick and asked me why I slimmed down so much." He added: "Nowadays, when I wear a T-shirt, I no longer have a muffin top. My body is more 'solid'."

The actor, who will star in local director Neo's upcoming film Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen, gives himself a high score for his transformation.

"I feel that my whole persona changed too. My mindset and attitude have toughened a lot. I used to look like an Ah Beng yoga instructor, now I seem more like a gym instructor."

Lai, who is signed to Neo's artiste management company J Team Productions, protested vehemently when told of his competition in this category. "It's not fair! How to fight? I saw Kelly (Poon) recently, she is really much prettier than before. The two females should fight it out in this category."

Well-known blogger Hong Qiu Ting, better known as Qiu Qiu, literally had a new face this year.

She underwent at least six sponsored cosmetic surgery procedures to improve her appearance.

She also blogged about the process openly, and was criticised by detractors for being insecure and plastic.

But she isn't done with "transforming" just yet.

After all, the 27-year-old is currently six months pregnant, and told TNP that she has gained 20kg so far.

UPS AND DOWNS

Looking back on the year, Qiu Qiu said: "It has been a journey of ups and downs for me in terms of transformation. I looked bad right after my surgery in May, as I was all swollen. Then I looked good again after I recovered."

She added: "A month later, I found out I was pregnant and started gaining weight. I am always changing."

Qiu Qiu thinks that she might clinch the Transformer of the Year title, saying: "Since (local singer) Kelly (Poon) said she did not undergo plastic surgery and (local actor) Jaspers (Lai) lost 10kg, I think I would probably look the most different as compared to before. I guess I have a chance to win."

Oh no, they didn't!

We hate playing the bad guy, but someone has to point out the most cringe-worthy people this year. Critics, take your pick!

We bet Miss Tan has since learnt to hold her tongue on social media.

In March, the Miss Singapore Universe 2013 finalist made fun of a man's hole-ridden shirt which he wore while napping on the MRT train.

The 25-year-old snapped a photo and posted it on Facebook with the caption: "Holey moley. Sibei trendy worzxxz".

It went viral and raised the ire of netizens, forcing her to apologise for being insensitive.

The 55-year-old victim, Mr Koh Hee Huat, was a worker at Ye Shang Hai Teochew Porridge stall in Bukit Merah. He said the incident made him lose face.

We were unable to get in touch with Miss Tan via Miss Singapore Universe organiser Derrol Stepenny Promotions.

But we are pretty sure she has since grown up. A quick check on her public Facebook profile for similar posts which shame others yielded no dirt. She now sticks to sharing reflective personal thoughts and quotable quotes.

Acid-tongued aspiring singer Stephanie Koh made headlines for all the wrong reasons this year.

The 22-year-old first attracted negative attention for shooting her mouth off and threatening a manager on reality TV series K-pop Star Hunt 3 in January.

In the end, she made it to the top four, but did not win the competition.

She also irked Singaporeans by making a video stating the reasons why she is not proud to be a Singaporean.

In the viral video, she said that Singaporeans were narrow-minded, uncreative and unhappy, among other things.

Then she attracted more attention by getting into a brawl with her aunt over a bedroom in a four-room HDB flat that Koh's aunt and grandmother stay in.

Despite the controversy, her polarising personality has gained her a fair share of supporters, some of whom agree with her views online.

Koh could not be reached for comment.

It seems trouble follows this "bad boy" wherever he goes.

Local singer Aliff Aziz has been attracting a wide range of criticism, from his lack of discipline at work to running away from debt. He's also been called a player.

The ultimate shocker came in September, when he was fined $2,000 for stealing two mobile phones in May.

Aliff, 23, had made off with a HTC One and a Samsung Note 1 with an accomplice. The phones were valued at $800 each.

The phones belonged to a man identified as Mr Yong Kit Siong.

Aliff has been seeking a fresh start and working on his upcoming album, aptly titled Rebirth.

MISTAKES

"I can't say I am surprised (at this nomination). I know I've made some mistakes in 2014 and it has been a learning journey for me.

"I've not been the best of men but 2015 will see a brand new me. I'm not looking back," he told The New Paper over the phone.

Aliff maintains his innocence in the incident, but chose not to elaborate on it. In trying moments, he relied heavily on the support of his close friends and family, including his singer-sister Aisyah Aziz.

On the constant controversy surrounding him, Aliff said: "I just can't get a break. I am not blaming anyone but I hope people will pray for the best for me instead of condemning me."

He remains hopeful despite the ordeals in the past year. "Hopefully I won't make it to this category again next year.

"Who knows, you might nominate me for Comeback of the Year or something. My chances of winning this year? No comment," he said.

Vote at tnp.sg/flameawards and stand to win these attractive prizes:

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