Catching up with New Face alumni
PUBLISHED ONMay 22, 2015 4:00 PMByJade Teo
The New Paper New Face is back for its 23rd edition. We catch up with two of the New face alumni, who will be judging the walk-in audition held at bugis+ on June 13.
Sharin Keong, 23, 2012 WInner
FROM CATWALK TO REALITY TV
Although Keong (see image) is now signed with Mannequin Studios as a model, she also doubles up as a Montessori teacher.
She was last seen in the SupermodelMe television series, where she placed sixth. It is a reality series where 12 aspiring Asian models vie for a chance to launch their career in fashion.
Keong described the reality TV show as "good exposure".
"It was pretty much similar to America's Next Top Model with all the tears and drama," she said.
But as an early childhood educator, Keong said she had to be more careful with her words and actions because some of her students' parents may have watched the programme.
Keong said the mix of teaching and modelling works for her.
"Some people say that these two jobs are like heaven and hell, but I can't help it. I just love being around children and I love modelling," she said.
And now, she will be picking the girls who will have a chance to move into Round Two of this year's New Face.
OPPORTUNITY
"New Face created an opportunity for me to achieve my dream, which I did.
"Now, it's my turn to share what I have learnt with the new batch of hopefuls," she said.
Her advice?
"Try to be as simple as possible for the walk-in. From make-up to clothes, do not overdress.
"Most importantly, come with the attitude that you can conquer the stage."
Eunice Annabel Lim, 21, 2012 finalist
FROM CATWALK TO SMALL SCREEN
Social media star Lim has gone from the catwalk to the small screen - she will star in Channel 5's Mata Mata season 3, which will air at the end of the year.
She was also an ambassador for brands such as Sunsilk and Maybelline.
And Lim is grateful for the opportunities.
"Being in front of the camera has always been a dream of mine, and I am glad that I was given the resources and opportunities to pursue that dream, and turn it into a reality."
Her childhood dream to act became a reality when she appeared in Channel 5's docudrama series 2025 and local tele-movie The Circle House this year.
"I've worked with veteran actors like Lim Kay Tong and Amy Cheng. It was surreal because I grew up watching them on TV."
Even though she is busy working on Mata Mata and other local productions, Lim would still make time for New Face.
She said she learned a lot from her New Face experience - staying professional at all times, learning from mistakes and being adaptable.
She also learnt to put her "best face and personality forward".
These are also the values an individual needs in order to strive and succeed in the entertainment industry, she said.
"If I could do this all over again, I'd have even more fun and make as many friends as possible with the other girls.
MAKE THE BEST
"Even though this is a competition, it is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Her advice for aspiring contestants?
"Make the best out of this and create as many great memories as possible," she said.
"I understand that the audition can get really nerve-racking (all auditions are!), but try your best to not think too much about it, and don't be too hard on yourself.
"The key is to just stay calm, confident and SMILE."
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Here are some prominent The New Paper New Face finalists, who have since launched careers in entertainment, modelling and fashion.
Velda Tan, New Face 2006 finalist, now a popular blogger and Instagram star.
She recently launched a new womenswear line, Collate The Label, at the Singapore Fashion Week. She is also co-founder of e-store Love, Bonito
Julie Tan, first runner-up at New Face 2009, now a MediaCorp actress and model.
She was recently crowned Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes for Star Awards 2015 and will star in The Dream Makers 2 and The Journey: Our Homeland
Vanessa Ann Vanderstraaten, New Face 2009 finalist, now a Fly Entertainment artist.
She has guest-starred in local television dramas such as Code of Law and In Cold Blood and hosted MediaCorp's The Final 1
Jayley Woo, New Face 2011 finalist, now a Mediacorp artist.
The popular blogger turned actress starred in local film The Girl in Pinafore and was nominated for Star Awards 2015 Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes
Atikah Suhaime, New Face 2011 finalist, now a full-time actress based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Since she was discovered by a Malaysian talent management company, she has starred in Malay movies such as last year's horror flick Kelibat and comedy Kasut Ku Kasut
SOCIAL HUNT
When: From now till June 6
This is our Instagram hunt. Follow the New Face Instagram account (@tnpnewface) and use hashtag #TNPNEWFACE15 to tag your photo.
The New Face team will go through the photos and pick 10 who will skip the walk-in audition and be put through to Round Two.
STREET HUNT
When: June 7, Sunday
Time: 1pm - 2.30pm
Where: Bugis+ & Bugis Junction
TNP New Face 2014 finalists will roam the two malls to find candidates to put through to Round Two.
WALK-IN AUDITION
When: June 13, Saturday
Time: Registration is 2pm - 3pm
Where: Bugis+ Atrium, Level 2
Audition outfit: Fitting top and miniskirt/shorts ensemble, high heels and light make-up. Bring along a close-up photo of yourself (non-returnable).
PRIZES (FOR TOP 3 TITLES)
Winner: $10,000 cash + exclusive feature in Her World
1st runner-up: $5,000 cash
2nd runner-up: $3,000 cash
SPONSORS
The New Paper New Face 2015 is presented by: Subaru MotorImage
Official Apparel: Levi's
Official Footwear & Accessories: New Look
This article was first published on May 21, 2015.
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