TWENTY-TWO participants took a bold step when they participated in the Mr Model International Competition (Malaysia) 2019 at Hotel Jan in Penang recently.
They were complimented by Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit when he officiated the contest on Sept 22.
“It’s not about winning but trying their best. This showed their confidence as the first step for the event.
“Let Penang show what confidence and having fun is all about,” he said in his speech.
At the event, donations were also made to two charitable organisations, namely the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animal (IAPWA) and Crystal Family Care Centre (CFCC).
Both IAPWA and CFCC were represented by Esther Ong and David Barnabas respectively.
Organising chairman Jeff Wong said the event aimed to give the local youngsters a platform to shine.
“Malaysian guys would normally go to Hong Kong and Taiwan for the modelling market is huge there.
“Locally, it is almost at a standstill,” he stressed.
During the first round of competition, the contestants paraded in casual wear and carried out a self-introduction. Later, they also came out in sportswear and smart wear.
The panel of judges had a trying time in picking the top three winners.
Eventually, it was Wong Leong Kit, 40, an actor from Kuala Lumpur who won the hearts of the judges to take the Mr Model International Competition (Malaysia) 2019 title.
Kit, as he wished to be called, said he has been an actor for about 12 years and has enjoyed all the fun in his career.
“I am trying my best to mix and share ideas with the younger generation and be among the top models one day,” he commented.
Second place went to local-born Andrew Eyeo Chun Ann, 19, who said he was surprised to have been placed second.
Eyeo said entering the competition itself was a very good experience.
“Yes, my ambition is to be a model,” the local boy from mainland Jawi said when asked about his future plan.
Cathay Wong Kok Thai, 21, from Kuala Lumpur, who took third place, said he was very happy to be placed third.
“I will continue to be a model and hope to be successful in future,” he added.
The top three winners at the competition took home cash prizes of RM2,000, RM800, RM400 respectively as well as trophies.
Story & pix by Danny Ooi