Malaysia's Sheena Liam Wins 'Asia's Next Top Model' Season 2; Filipino Netizens React
Apr 10, 2014 08:22 AM EDT
Malaysian model Sheena Liam was declared the winner of "Asia's Next Top Model" Season 2, besting two runners-up both from the Philippines, Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez.
For the final photoshoot, the three finalists were tasked to do an editorial shoot that depicts the Malaysian "kampung" or village life at Tanjong Jara Resort in Kuala Terengganu.
For the final runway show, the models went back to Kuala Lumpur before distinguished fashion icons, such as Datuk Jimmy Choo.
Rodriguez was the first to be sent home during the judging of the final photo, leaving Liam and Pendre as the final two.
Winning most of the best photos, Pendre was one of the top contenders during the whole competition. She was best known for her signature levitation in her photos.
While Pendre was lauded for final runway walk, Liam was declared the winner because she was the "modern face of Asia."
This earned several negative reactions from Filipinos who have been rooting for Pendre and Rodriguez. Filipino netizens took to social media to express their disappointment with the results.
Some tweets claim that Liam won only because the show was shot and sponsored by Malaysia. Others even expressed their sympathy for the missing Malaysia Airlinesbut still disagreed with Liam's win.
Liam won a cash prize, a cover and spread for Harper's Bazaar Malaysia and Singapore, a brand new Subaru XV and a three-month modeling contract with London-based Storm Model Management among others, Malaysian Digestreported.
"Asia's Next Top Model" Season 2 started with 16 contestants representing 12 Asian countries. The finale was aired on Star World at 9:40 p.m. on April 9, 2014.
According to Liam, she always felt like she was the one going home every elimination round so her win was overwhelming and unexpected. She added that she was not trying to sound humble.
Admitting that she had two very tough competitors, Liam said she was her own harshest critic. She said she hopes her victory will serve as an inspiration to people and make Malaysian girls realize that they can also be international as long as they dream
But the ugly side of the Internet with unhappy netizens lashing out at the results.
Liam, 22, ended the search ahead of two Filipino bets, Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez, when the judges of the reality TV show announced the results of the competition’s second season here on Wednesday.
Fans of the show immediately took to social media to air their reactions, some in support of Liam and others stating their disappointment at the results.
The title holder won a three-month contract with Storm Model Management in London, a chance to appear in a spread and on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar(Singapore/Malaysia edition), a cash prize from Fox International Broadcast, a Subaru XV and becoming TRESemme model for its 2014 campaign.
Some comments went as far as to blame her win on unrelated issues, like the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight, and insulted the winner and the organisers.
“Just because it’s a ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ doesn’t mean you have to choose your representative to be the winner? This show won’t go any further! Judge’s deliberation sucks!” Patrick Angeles lamented on Facebook.
“Congratulations to Sheena Liam for bagging #AsNTM2Finale despite having bleached hair and an ugly horselike face,” posted a sarcastic fan with the Twitter handle @heyoKINIKIT.
Liam, speaking on the backlash during an interview with R.AGE, the youth platform ofThe Star, confessed that it was difficult seeing the criticisms and the fighting among fans on social media.
“There’s really no point in justifying their existence. I would suggest that everyone stop fighting back as well. They’re just comments!” she said.
For more of Liam’s AsNTM win, reaction to her haters and what more is in store for her, check out her full interview on R.AGE on Tuesday.
THE STAR
