Singapore teen is youngest and tallest on Asia's Next Top Model's new season

When she was just 15, Si Yi Han walked in her first runway show at Singapore's Digital Fashion Week.

And while juggling her studies at Nanyang Girls' High School and Hwa Chong Institution, she snagged more runway gigs like Singapore Fashion Week 2017 and Max Tan's Fall/Winter collection 2015, as well established brands like Pandora, Uniqlo and Poh Heng.

Now, the 18-year-old freelance model from local modelling agency Basic Models is the only Singaporean contestant in the upcoming sixth season of reality TV modelling series Asia's Next Top Model (AsNTM).

There are 13 other girls from around Asia who are also vying for the title.

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AsNTM 6 premieres on FOX Life (Singtel TV Ch 301 and StarHub TV Ch 501) on Aug 22 at 9pm, with a simulcast livestream on FOX+.

Si is the youngest contestant this season, but she feels that is no disadvantage.

She told The New Paper: "When I knew that (some of the other competitors) had years of experience in modelling, I felt intimidated as they probably knew more than I would. That's one of things (I was concerned about), but (being the youngest contestant also means) that I am starting on a clean slate."

She also enjoys an edge over the others, as she is the tallest at 1.81m.

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Born to an architect mother and engineer father, Si, an only child, said she was forced to mature faster than her peers as she experienced a difficult childhood.

She said: "(Since young), my father has always been (travelling) around working and he's usually not at home. He was always away for a long time. Because of that, I am more independent and this has helped me stay sane in the competition.

"I (was also) used to not being near my parents, but I am actually quite close to my mother. And (there were times during the competition) where it was difficult for me as I had (limited) contact with (the people I love)."

Si, who will be majoring in architecture at the University of Sydney next year, felt modelling has boosted her confidence, as she is usually reserved.

In addition, she said joining AsNTM would provide "good exposure" for her career.

She said: "I was very awkward (as a younger teen) and I didn't expect to be signed to an agency, let alone be able to walk for runway shows."

Meanwhile, as with previous seasons, viewers can anticipate a lot of "drama" in AsNTM 6. Just don't expect the baby of the group to get involved.

"It's impossible for 14 girls to not have drama but given my personality, I am one to avoid conflict," said Si.

This article was first published in The New Paper. Permission required for reproduction.