The power of beauty can be for positive and negative use. For positive use can be for charity that is promoted by Miss World pageant. For negative and selfish use to attract attention like attracting another woman's husband. Beauty can be in various forms. As a hot and sexy beauty or girl next door beauty. Using beauty for harmless flirting or dangerous seduction resulting in failed marriages or in tragedy. Beautiful women at most times with their feminine wiles get away with things like traffic summons when stopped by police. Beautiful women also tend to get what they want.
Nations went to war because of beautiful women like in the case of Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousands ships. Cleopatra purportedly used her beauty to get Caesar and Mark Anthony to help her run her empire. Matahari, a dutch exotic dancer used her beauty to get war secrets from German officers and passed to the British during the First World War. She was the classic femme fatal.
Beauty is seen as pervasive and negative force in society, but I think it has a positive influence on women of different ethnic backgrounds, size, height and skin color. Once a woman gets attention, the “snowball” effect gives women a feeling that they can achieve anything that they want when they are regarded as beautiful. The power that women attain, makes them gain respect and admiration in communities, they become well known and perceived as trustworthy. They also go on to use their beauty to enhance other women's experiences. Feeling beautiful is a powerful effect on your attitudes and habits, but it has to be balanced with reality. Unfortunately sometimes this power we achieve can become a dilemma for women who are unable to balance with reality, especially the younger women when they are most susceptible to outside pressure.
There is no measure for beauty as beauty is totally subjective. It is true that our society places a huge emphasis on physical beauty, because we are all beings who enjoy working with and seeing beautiful things. Therefore, based on the society's belief, these beautiful women use their physical beauty with panache and chutzpah to get what they want. Undeniably, beauty is a powerful weapon for women with which to achieve their goals. However, beauty can fade through time. If a woman is purely dependent on her external beauty in life, how far can she use her physical beauty? Next decade? Twenty more years?
With the aging factor, women need to maintain their beauty with their inner charms. A woman is beautiful because she is well-equipped in multiple aspects i.e. education, social contribution, career etc. Most importantly, she also has admirable values like empathy, kindness, thoughtfulness, selfless. She is willing to counter social standards for what she strongly believes in. Also, she believes that women do not have to be a size 2 size 0 to be beautiful. Most importantly, she utilizes her beauty to implement programs that help raise awareness that beauty can come in all shapes and size. A beautiful woman is not a fool who spreads foolish and cruel standards. A woman who can be able to be well-equipped with physical beauty and inner beauty is a woman with substance and eternal beauty.
Some historians say Cleopatra was not truly that beautiful. It seems she used her charm and ambition instead of beauty to make the two Roman leaders to fall in love with her.
Generally, power corrupts. Henceforth, possessing the power of beauty comes with responsibility. A pageant beauty, therefore, must use her beauty wisely and for the common good.
I describe myself as quirky and witty. My name can probably tell you more about myself.
C - Charismatic H - Happy-go-lucky A - Accomplishment N - Nice T - Tough E - Energetic L - Lively L - Lovely E - strive for Excellence
I always strive for excellence and continuously challenge my own competences and capabilities to move out from my comfort zone. My strict upbringing and education background had shaped me to be a well-rounded person. I have Ibanese heritage which can be traced back to my maternal descendant.
My childhood
Throughout my childhood, Ballet dancing has been a big part of my daily routine. Maybe because of my parent's separation, I always wanted attention to compensate for my insecurities and loneliness. Hence, since young I love stage performances.
Michelle Yeoh is no stranger to many Ipohans. Since young, I have considered her as my role model because she is from Ballet background. From a small-town girl who aspired to be a Ballerina, then turned beauty queen and mega-super star on the screen. She is somebody I look up to and hope to be like her in future. It was from her, my idol, I started to dream to be a beauty queen one day.
After 13 years of Ballet training, I was determined to get my diploma in Ballet and to pursue a Ballerina career. It was when I was seventeen, my Ballet teaching asked me to stop pursing my dream as a Ballerina. My figure is too tall for a professional Ballerina which make me have difficulties to master Pirouette. My Ballet coach's words were sharp, and until now I still remembered vividly that the moment I need to seek for another direction in life after her advice.
Other than Ballet, I have been an active member in school Coral Speaking team and participated at the national level. Despite having finished my secondary education from pure science stream; I faced difficulties to opt between study accountancy and anthropology. Anthropology is something which really stirred up my interest to carry out in-depth examination of context cross-cultural comparisons. However, having an interest on accountancy was purely because of calculating with currency seems something fascinating to me. After all, I have chosen to become a chartered accountant and later I was sent to Manchester to further my studies.
From the East to the West
My first year as an overseas student in Manchester was unbearable yet exciting. I realized that I suffered from ‘cultural shock’ as an Asian trying hard to adapt into the British lifestyle. However, this was the golden opportunity for me to learn to become independent and be acquainted with people from all walks of life. This is the period of transformation from a geek to a ‘university socialite’. Soon, I became accustomed to the British routine, getting used to the ‘dry humour’.
Participated in the Manchester Student Dance Stuart
From my past experience as a ballerina, I got involved in my university dance team. I was first captivated by the three-inch dance shoes . Taken by surprise; I was selected as Manchester's representative to compete in the inter-university dance competitions. Through all the endurance of the challenging training sessions from my dance coach, my dance partner and I successfully won awards in Latin and Ballroom dance competitions
Meanwhile, I was elected to be Honour treasurer of the Manchester Dance Society. I felt flattered to be accountable to the society’s funds and being an active dance member for my university.
Scout in Leeds In one summer, while I was having fun time with my mates at Leeds town centre, I was approached by a white guy asking whether I was interested in modeling. The first thing on my mind was to ignore him and thought that he might be just some rascal trying to pick up girls randomly for a chat.
He continued to follow me and explained his motive. Then, he confessed that he is looking for a Japanese girl to do a photo shoot for his modeling agency and asked me to go for a casting. After a few days I was informed that I got the job to model for Onisuka Tiger (One of the top sport retail brand in Japan). This was my first ever modeling experience.
This photo shoot was instead the turning point of my life. The experience of being a model seems enchanting, yet controversial to my ‘nerdy’ life. Hoverer, the amount of satisfaction I have earned from my first shoot was significant enough to inspire me to be a top model.
The Discover After graduating from my postgraduate studies, I moved to London for my internship. As an account trainee in hospital, my daily routines required great amount of discipline and hardship. I briefly worked in London for about a year before I decided to come back to my home country – Malaysia.
During my holiday in Malaysia, I took opportunities to join model search and some pageants. To my amazement, I was announced to be in top 5 in national final in my first beauty pageant. Two years ago, I decided to try out my luck in Miss Malaysia Model of the World 2007, I was announced as the national winner for that year. I have great experience to carry the honour to represent my country in Miss Model of the Year 2007 in China. I was one of the top 15 finalists competing with nearly 70 models around the world. In the same year, I was sent to Korea for International Model of the Year model competition, and I got into the top 10 at international finals.
Since then, I focus more on my professional life and ACCA than actively involved in local modeling industry. However, I still happened to appear on Deal or No Deal Season 2 as #7 briefcase girl.
Life as a Professional After two international competitions, I redirect my focus on my accounting profession. I worked in audit firms, whilst studying for my ACCA. Life was tough as an auditor, however, the experience from my hardship was rewarding. The experience that I have gained from audit work, helped me build up a foundation and a platform to be a prominent business consultant in future. I get a lot of satisfaction by helping my client to improve their business effectiveness and performance.
From my growing profession in audit firm, I gradually involve myself actively in Toastmaster Club – which is a public speaking club. I have played my roles during our Toastmaster meetings. From there, I improved my public speaking skills and present good speeches in front of the crowd.
Turning Point in my life After one and half years of professional training in audit firm, I started to question whether I am following the right career path. I realize I wasn’t really working on my passion for fashion. I think it is time for me to follow my innate talent to embark on fashion/ modelling career. I quit my professional job and decided just to be me, or rather to follow my gut feelings to chase my dream to be Fashion Stylist (Eco-stylist) and top model in the fashion industry.
As someone who is trained in corporate social responsibility (CRS) specifically in being environmentally concious, with empathy for the under-priviledged and my inclination towards fashion, I am embarking on a project with two pronged goals.
I shall endeavour as an eco-stylist to raise funds for under-priviledged children through promoting eco-friendly fashion. There, killing two birds with one stone. One is to help in anyway I can the needy children and the other is to do what I can with helping with the environment especially in raising awareness. Children who are under-priviledged need our sympathy and help because they cannot fend for themselves and they need our protection. They cannot be allowed to go out in society to do odd jobs because this will only put their well being in jeopardy exposing them to bad elements. The environment needs protection from no other than us humans who cause pollutions, create harmful gases, disposing garbage and toxins, destroying plants and living organisms and all the above are somehow attributed to manufacture materials to make clothes.
I shall therefore discuss in great lengths about eco friendly materials and clothings in order to give a clearer understanding more than the modus operandi of raising funds through fashion and fashion shows using ecofriendly materials for the needy children. This will also involve providing eco friendly materials for the outfits of student dancers I train at stART Foundation.
I would endeavour to make Malaysians to become more conscious about the products they are buying and how these products are made. It will be beneficial for manufacturers to be aware of creating styles crafted from sustainable resources. From clothes to accessories, eco-friendly products can be a welcome alternative that are designed to work in harmony with nature. When you buy a product that is organic, recycled or produced in an environmentally friendly way then you have spent wisely and helped create a demand for alternative products. Eco Friendly products is a new in the apparel industry and it will take time to make it to the mainstream in a more significant way, but as time goes on more products will be available for the consumer who is environmentally concious..
Eco-friendly clothing is becoming the rage these days and with the current world economy and our ever changing daily lives eco-friendly apparel is the way to go. Eco-friendly clothes are made from natural materials like bamboo, soy, organic cotton, and alternatives to leather. Organic clothing and recycled clothing are significant ways to respect earth and at the same time be fashionable and hip. The styles can range range from plain white t-shirts and hats made of bamboo, and casual wear created with recycled plastic bottles. There are pros and cons to eco friendly clothing such as it is more expensive, but in the long term, the benefits far outweighs the disadvantages. As more people become more aware and it catches on, the eco-friendly clothing will be more affordable.
Eco-Friendly Apparel is designed for healthy lifestyles and for the people who care about the environment enough to be aware of the impact their clothes have on those around them. We have a responsibility to leave earth to the next generations to live in a conducive living situation like we did. Even small gestures in wanting to contribute to making the earth's environment healthy goes a long way.
You can be eco-conscious, socially responsible and also be stylish at the same time. Be kind to the environment – buying eco-friendly clothings is the way to go! Corporations through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) can also play their part in this using their available capital and human resources.
Types of eco-friendly clothing and the benefits
Bamboo fabric is made from the bamboo pulp. It does not require chlorine to bleach it and it can be dyed easily without much use of water. Fabrics that have difficulties in dyeing are often treated with harsh chemicals and a lot of water, hence an organic fabric that dyes easily is good for the environment.
Organic cotton is much more environmentally friendly than the conventional one as it entirely avoids pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides during the growing stage. There are many who are growing this crop, and we can expect the number to increase.
Recycled clothingshas various benefits for the environment. Benefits include reducing the use of fuel, reduces discarded clothing, and as a result, reduce air, water and soil contamination. When a polyester clothing reaches a rubbish dump where they burn some of the garbage, polyester creates toxic emissions that will pollute the air – recycling of these garments reduce that toxic emission.
With the information above and further awareness to be disseminated through blogs, editorials, fashion shows and fund raising, those who shall benefit will be the children, society, and future generations. Children are among the best to educate as they are the future stakeholders of the earth's sustainable environment.
I describe myself as quirky and witty. My name can probably tell you more about myself.
C - Charismatic
H- Happy-go-lucky
A- Accomplishment
N- Nice
T- Tough
E- Energetic
L- Lively
L- Lovely
E- strive for Excellence
I always strive for excellence and continuously challenge my own competences and capabilities to move out from my comfort zone. My strict upbringing and education background had shaped me to be a well-rounded person. I have Ibanese heritage which can be traced back to my maternal descendant.
My Childhood
Throughout my childhood, Ballet dancing has been a big part of my daily routine. Maybe because of my parent's separation, I always wanted attention to compensate for my insecurities and loneliness. Hence, since young I love stage performances.
Michelle Yeoh is no stranger to many Ipohans. Since young, I have considered her as my role model because she is from Ballet background. From a small-town girl who aspired to be a Ballerina, then turned beauty queen and mega-super star on the screen. She is somebody I look up to and hope to be like her in future. It was from her, my idol, I started to dream to be a beauty queen one day.
After 13 years of Ballet training, I was determined to get my diploma in Ballet and to pursue a Ballerina career. It was when Iwas seventeen, my Ballet teaching asked me to stop pursing my dream as a Ballerina. My figure is too tall for a professional Ballerina which make me have difficulties to master Pirouette. My Ballet coach's words were sharp, and until now I still remembered vividly that the moment I need to seek for another direction in life after her advice.
Other than Ballet, I have been an active member in school Coral Speaking team and participated at the national level. Despite having finished my secondary education from pure science stream; I faced difficulties to opt between study accountancy and anthropology. Anthropology is something which really stirred up my interest to carry out in-depth examination of context cross-cultural comparisons. However, having an interest on accountancy was purely because of calculating with currency seems something fascinating to me. After all, I have chosen to become a chartered accountant and later I was sent to Manchester to further my studies.
From the East to the West
My first year as an overseas student in Manchester was unbearable yet exciting. I realized that I suffered from ‘cultural shock’ as an Asian trying hard to adapt into the British lifestyle. However, this was the golden opportunity for me to learn to become independent and be acquainted with people from all walks of life. This is the period of transformation from a geek to a ‘university socialite’. Soon, I became accustomed to the British routine, getting used to the ‘dry humour’.
Participated in the Manchester Student Dance Stuart
From my past experience as a ballerina, I got involved in my university dance team. I was firstcaptivated by the three-inch dance shoes . Taken by surprise; I was selected as Manchester's representative to compete in the inter-university dance competitions. Through all the endurance of the challenging training sessions from my dance coach, my dance partner and I successfully won awards in Latin and Ballroom dance competitions
Meanwhile, I was elected to beHonorary treasurer of the Manchester Dance Society. I felt flattered to be accountable to the society’s funds and being an active dance member for my university.
Scout in Leeds
In one summer, while I was having fun time with my mates at Leeds town centre, I was approached by a white guy asking whether I was interested in modeling. The first thing on my mind was to ignore him and thought that he might be just some rascal trying to pick up girls randomly for a chat.
He continued to follow me and explained his motive. Then, he confessed that he is looking for a Japanese girl to do a photo shoot for his modeling agency and asked me to go for a casting. After a few days I was informed that I got the job to model for Onisuka Tiger (One of the top sport retail brand in Japan). This was my first ever modeling experience.
This photo shoot was instead the turning point of my life. The experience of being a model seems enchanting, yet controversial to my ‘nerdy’ life. Hoverer, the amount of satisfaction I have earned from my first shoot was significant enough to inspire me to be a top model.
The Discover
After graduating from my postgraduate studies, I moved to London for my internship. As an account trainee in hospital, my daily routines required great amount of discipline and hardship. I briefly worked in London for about a year before I decided to come back to my home country – Malaysia.
During my holidays in Malaysia, I took opportunities to join model search and some pageants. To my amazement, I was announced to be in top 5 in national final in my first beauty pageant. Two years ago, I decided to try out my luck in Miss Malaysia Model of the World 2007, I was announced as the national winner for that year. I have great experience to carry the honour to represent my country in Miss Model of the Year 2007 in China. I was one of the top 15 finalists competing with nearly 70 models around the world. In the same year, I was sent to Korea for International Model of the Year model competition, and I got into the top 10 at international finals and was awarded best in evening gown.
Since then, I focus more on my professional life and ACCA than actively involved in local modeling industry. However, I still happened to appear on Deal or No Deal Season 2 as #7 briefcase girl.
Life as a Professional
After two international competitions, I redirect my focus on my accounting profession. I worked in audit firms, whilst studying for my ACCA. Life was tough as an auditor, however, the experience from my hardship was rewarding. The experience that I have gained from audit work, helped me build up a foundation and a platform to be a prominent business consultant in future. I get a lot of satisfaction by helping my client to improve their business effectiveness and performance.
From my growing profession in audit firm, I gradually involve myself actively in Toastmaster Club – which is a public speaking club. I have played my roles during our Toastmaster meetings. From there, I improved my public speaking skills and present good speeches in front of the crowd.
Turning Point in my life
After one and half years of professional training in audit firms, I started to question whether I am following the right career path. I realize I wasn’t really working on my passion for fashion. I think it is time for me to follow my innate talent to embark on fashion/ modelling career. I quit my professional job and decided just to be me, or rather to follow my gut feelings to chase my dream to be a fashion stylist and to be top model in the fashion industry.
