Being a model is glamorous and exciting as it involves wearing stunning designer outfits and travelling all over the world. However, it is a competitive, challenging, and even unpredictable industry, especially when it comes to finding work. For Kelly Ng, her dream is to become a model. She is determined to give it her all for as long as she is capable.
Pursuing the modelling dream
As designers were getting fitted, I managed to get hold of someone for an interview inside a backstage area. It was the day before the grand show in the dome of ‘The Sail’ in Malacca, and after assisting with some fittings for a Sarawakian designer, I came across this Sarawakian model!
Was I surprised? Yes, because the majority of the selected fashion models from Kuala Lumpur were very tall, and it is difficult to find very tall Sarawakian models, despite their beautiful faces.
Kelly Ng is unusually tall for a Sarawakian woman, standing at 175cm (almost 5ft 9ins). She has fair skin and long straight hair, and could easily be mistaken for a mainland Chinese.
Ng is a model from Kuching, and this huge Straits Gala Show was her first show in 2023, establishing her as one of the new faces in Malaysia’s modelling scene.
Interviewing her was challenging, and after she returned to Kuching, the process had to be continued. Her schedule had been jam-packed with internship stuff. She apologised in her message to me, as she had recently completed her internship in quantity surveying.
A quantity surveyor is a construction professional who advises on all aspects of construction costs, financial management, and contractual administration. In Malaysia, there are over 1,000 qualified quantity surveyors and a few hundred more in training.
Models help businesses in advertising their products by wearing and promoting them in a variety of mediums, such as marketing campaigns or on a runway. Modelling appears to be more exciting and glamorous because it involves wearing beautiful designer clothes and travelling around the world for work.
Many of our young Malaysians will model at some point in their lives, but not everyone will be successful locally, and only a few will be successful internationally.
Modelling is a competitive and challenging industry that can be unpredictable, particularly when it comes to landing jobs.
Ng will eventually have to choose a career path, but for now, let’s ask her to describe herself.
“Many people have told me that their first impression of me was that I was too unapproachable. But believe me when I say that I am a funny person once I get to know the people and the environment. I describe myself as an omnivert,” said Ng.
She said that in situations or activities that do not interest her, she can be an introvert. But when she enjoys a particular activity and wishes to be a part of a community, her extrovert personality emerges fully and loudly.
If you’re wondering about her height, Ng admits that both of her parents are only 166cm tall.
How did she get her start as a model?
“I am still considered a newbie in this industry because it hasn’t been a year since I began my first show in October of 2022. The energy on stage was incredible, and I realised that this is what I had always wanted to do,” said the Taylor’s University graduate.
Her boyfriend was the one who encouraged her to try modelling, so the first step was to work out. Ng was chubbier two years ago, but she has since slimmed down and toned up, drawing more attention to herself.
“I got my first show in Kuching in October 2022 thanks to a friend of mine, Viviana Winston (Miss Planet International 2019 2nd runner up), who introduced me to the designers.”
Ng appears to be more interested in a modelling career at this point in her life, despite the fact that modelling is a competitive and challenging industry that can be unpredictable, particularly when it comes to landing jobs.
“Being a model is my dream, and while I am still young and capable, I want to give it my all. It no longer matters whether or not I am successful. At least this version of me is amazed and content with everything I’ve accomplished. The first move, the courage, and the perseverance,” said Ng.
She modelled on five different sets for the show, which was hosted by Sheng Tai International. The first design was by Nurul Izwany, a local designer from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM); the second was by Djoko Margono, a designer from Indonesia; the third was by Dian & Norule, a duo of designers from Sarawak; the fourth was by designer Ashley Wong from KL, and for the closing of the gala show, Bill Keith.
So, if you need a tall model or a quantity surveyor (if she changes her mind later), remember Kelly Ng!
