New Face 2012 Profile: Monique Freidanck

MONIQUE has travelled to many countries and she feels that she has been shaped by her experiences abroad.

She was born in Sydney, Australia, but has lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Germany and now finally in Singapore again – all because of her father’s job.

She admits that there is a bit of a Singapore “Ah Lian” in her, as her boyfriend says, because of her use of Singlish and certain local mannerisms.

But every country has left its mark on Monique.

She said: “I developed a taste for white wine in Australia and became a dim sum addict in Hong Kong.

“The Philippines taught me to be more open and understanding of people’s plights because they are a happy and grateful lot despite not having a lot in life.”

As for German influences, Monique says her dad taught her to be more “laid back and relaxed” and that “tomorrow will be a better day”.

And the traveller in her already has plans for more: “I plan to go to France for a month and work on my French.”

Clothes: Levi's
Make-up: Clinique