Malaysian beats two Filipinas in second season of highly-rated show

Profile shot of Sheena Liam from AsNTM

PETALING JAYA: The second season of the highly rated Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM) has concluded with our very own Sheena Liam taking the crown jewel.

The nail-biting finale, which aired 9.40pm on Star World yesterday, saw the 22-year-old Malaysian going up against two other finalists, Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez, both of the Philippines.

The trio were left to prove their worth as top-notch professional models after an intense competition that featured 16 contestants from 12 Asian countries with Sheena finally emerging on top.

“It’s really overwhelming. I never expected to get this far!” Sheena, who was initially lost for words, said during a phone interview.

“I’m not even saying this to try to sound humble. Every elimination, I felt like I was the one going home. I’m my harshest critic and I had two very tough competitors.”

As the latest face of AsNTM, Sheena walked away with a brand new Subaru XV vehicle, will feature in a fashion spread in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore and Malaysia, sign a modelling contract with Storm Model Management in London as well as receive cash prize.

With many doors open to her, Sheena is grateful that she can now encourage young up-and-coming models in Malaysia.

“I hope (my win) inspires people and that we can go far as long as you dream,” she said. “This will help other girls (in Malaysia) realise that we can be international too!”