The search in uncovering new talents never ends, as Breeze magazine, together with Limkokwing, went on a quest to search for the ideal male and female model who will grace the covers and in addition, be featured in the glamorous fashion spreads of the magazine. 

A road show for the event, which was held recently at The Spring shopping mall, attracted more than two hundred hopeful contestants aspiring to penetrate the modeling scene. They had to participate in test shots after which two of their best shots will be selected for the next stage of the competition.

Despite not having any experience as a model, Yvonne Tang, an aspiring model, did not let that hold her back from participating in the model search. “I have always been interested in modeling, as it has always appealed to me as being classy and elegant,” she says.

“I think that the Breeze Limkokwing Model Search is a great opportunity for many of us, as it provides us with the means to walk down a path that would have been nothing more than a dream,” she continues.

This is exactly what Breeze had in mind when they first thought of organizing the Breeze Model Search. Fronting Breeze in Sarawak, Ron Lim understood that there were many young people out there who wanted to try their hands at modeling but lacked the chance of actually getting involved in the field. By organizing a model search that was open to everyone and not just experienced models, this event hopefully opens up an avenue for the many promising contestants.

“There are some good participants who are not at all ‘camera-shy’ and this makes our job easier when we want to get some nice shots of them,” said Ron as he observed the test shots conducted by Limkokwing’s Graphic Design students.

“There are of course a few contestants who have the looks but lack the self esteem,” he adds. “This was apparent from their reactions when we first approached them. However, I believe that this event will help them build their self confidence and they really do deserve a big round of applause for not letting their fears stand in the way of achieving their aspirations.”

According to Ron, he is sure that the participants will be able to gain so much more than they expected from this competition, especially the experience of being able to work with photographers as well as being able to pick up the tricks of the trade with the training that they will receive as the competition progresses.

This event also attracted many Limkokwing students, who not only participated in the competition but also played a vital part in the organizing and running of the event. Limkokwing’s Indusity Co-ordinator, Petrus Alfred Paul said “It has always been an objective for us at Limkokwing Borneo to ensure that our students actively partake in whatever events we organize as part of our Indusity training.”

“We believe that the exposure that the students gain from the Indusity training (Industry within University) not only enriches their learning process but also provides them with the necessary experience that will enhance their careers when they graduate,” he added. 

It was evident that Limkokwing students enjoyed the opportunity of being in a real industry environment.

Angel Yu, an international student from Taiwan, found the assignment challenging. “I gained a lot over the three days, especially the real experience of working on-site,” she says. “Taking photos of models is very different from taking outdoor shots, and I was exposed to the challenges of this form of photography, such directing the models and working with the lighting to get the kind of shots I wanted.”

“As a creative institute, we involve ourselves in industry related projects and we call these Indusity (Industry within University) projects,” says Assistant Director Corporate Development Nikki Lugun. “The industry-oriented environment at our campus proves to be a winning formula. This ultimately benefits the students before they graduate.”

The official audition for the model search is scheduled for April 24 from 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. and on April 25 from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, located at Jalan Nanas. Participants for the model search who had their test shots taken will be required to come dressed in proper attire, with hair and makeup done, as well as to bring along with them both a full length and half length 4R sized photos of themselves.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the auditions held at the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology this Friday and Saturday. The auditions will include interviews with candidates and walks down the runway to judge the ability of the participants.

Short listed participants will have the opportunity to take part in the test shots in actual catwalk runway and fashion shoot before the final stages.  They will also be invited to the launch of Breeze magazine held at the Victoria Arms on April 30. The event, presented by Intimate is one of the highlights of the Kuching lifestyle and society scene.

Winners will walk away with prizes worth up to RM50,000 which include scholarships from Limkokwing, shopping vouchers and hampers as well as exclusive interviews by the media. Apart from that, aspiring models will also gain the exposure to the modeling industry, which can be seen to be an opportunity of a lifetime.