By Wilfred Pilo
Photos courtesy of John Watson Tamin.
KUCHING, Sept 12: Male model and Mister Universe Malaysia 2024 John Watson Tamin intends to train and mentor newcomers interested in joining the male pageant industry and help them prepare for competitions.
John, the first Iban from Sarawak to win the Mister Heritage International 2023 competition in Manila, said he has enough experience to run a class to teach and train the next generation of aspiring male pageant contestants.
He told DayakDaily he is optimistic and wants to ensure that the Iban community and other Sarawakians can continue to make history in pageantry and put Sarawak on the world map.
“We can do it and I am willing to help young people who have the interest and have faith in me through my experiences,” he said.
He added he hoped to inspire newbies with his own story of how he overcame obstacles to achieve success in the industry.
“I will use my journey as my primary source of motivation and inspiration. I will reflect on all the challenges I have overcome and the milestones I have achieved.
“I hope that sharing my whole journey that I had gone through can drive them to work even harder and reach greater heights,” he said.
John stressed that he often draws immense strength and inspiration from his achievements and the person he has become over the last few years.
“This self-reflection and acknowledgement of my achievements push me to continue for excellence in everything I do. However, when you fall, you must be able to pick yourself up. That is the reality of life too. No one is perfect.”
John, who just participated in the Mister Universe 2024 pageant in Lucknow, India from Aug 20 to 25, said despite not winning the title, he captured the subsidiary title of Mister Universe Talent 2024.
He added that he did not anticipate the win as the other contestants were tough challengers, but he accepted it with his head held high.
He shared that the recent pageant featured contestants from 20 countries. It was a challenging competition as each participant showcased their unique qualities.
“It was one of the toughest pageant competitions I have ever experienced,” he said.
John almost didn’t make it to Lucknow. He had missed his flight at Bangkok, Thailand due to an incorrect visa, and after he managed to get the right one, he had to fly to New Delhi, India.
“Upon arrival, I was detained by immigration because I was carrying large bags and luggage. They almost confiscated my national costume, including the simpai pirak, sirat, and other traditional items.
“The immigration officers nearly sent me back to Bangkok, but I explained that I needed to attend the Mister Universe competition. After an hour of negotiating, I was finally allowed to go.”
John shared that such experiences are some of the examples he wanted to share with other Sarawakians who aspire to take part in pageants.
He noted that once they are in the industry, their focus should always be on their apparel, how they present themselves, and how they speak and communicate with others.
“One language that you need to master is English. It is a must in the industry,” he added.
John said contestants also need to be in good physical shape, do lots of gym training, maintain a healthy diet, and always be mentally ready.
“To keep you in one piece, you need the support of your friends and family as they would always be your number one supporter who backed you from the very start.”
He also hoped there would be financial support for those who want to build a career and have a profession in the pageantry industry.
He noted there are many difficult challenges for someone to launch themselves into this career at a level where they can make a name for themselves and the country they represent, and he urged the private and public sectors to help.
John said he is always proud of his ancestral roots and will show the world that the Iban community and all Sarawakians can stand tall alongside others on a global stage.
“For anyone who wants to be in this line, it can be a challenging journey. But I can help others to fulfil their dreams and make them proud as to whom they are and where they are from,” he said. — DayakDaily
