By Wilfred Pilo
Photos courtesy of Chris Foo
KUCHING, Aug 26: Model Chris Foo will represent Sarawak at the 23rd edition of Manhunt Malaysia at Genting Highlands on Sept 16.
Manhunt Malaysia is a pageant platform for male supermodels from Malaysia and the world.
Foo, 27, told DayakDaily he was selected after participating in a walk-in audition at Serapi Hotel Kuching in June.
He said that this would be his first time competing in a pageant.
“I had always been interested in pageants since young but my interest was sparked to join this male pageant last year in 2023 when I was personally assigned as the assistant to Sarawakian fashion designer Dato Aaron Von Jolly to organise Miss International Sarawak,” he revealed.
Foo elaborated that despite being a model, being a pageant contestant would involve a different range and depth of skills and qualities as it is not just about physical attributes, but encompasses all aspects of a person, including their vision, mission, grooming, and overall well-being.
He said a pageant requires contestants to be the best version of themselves at all times, which improves personal etiquette and self-esteem, and prepares them for a better career path and future.
Foo said he had been physically and mentally preparing himself since he was selected.
“I am currently on a strict regime of physical workouts to achieve my personal best, as this Manhunt pageant is all about the search for the next Supermodel of Malaysia and the world.
“Strength does not come from winning as struggles develop your strengths,” he added.
He expressed his gratitude to his sponsors, who rendered their utmost support in making this dream come true.
Foo said he is not afraid of the responsibility on his shoulders as far as what the pageant results would be and saw it as part of his life’s challenges.
He shared that he always instilled three ‘Ps’—passion, patience and persistence—in his life.
“Obstacles are part and parcel of life, but I view them as growth rather than hurdles and obstacles,” he added.
Foo is optimistic that pageants for men in Sarawak could develop to open ways for young people to be in the modelling profession.
He hoped his participation (and hopefully a win) in Manhunt Malaysia 2024 could provide a breakthrough for him to be a supermodel and a role model to the younger generation.
“Sarawak has yet to produce any supermodels to date. Thus, I wish my participation can be a breakthrough for all and all,” he said.
Foo said that pageants for men are not new and have allowed many participants to achieve notable success throughout the years, citing Thai-Irish model Kevin Dasom and others as examples.
He sees it as no different to pageants for women, and added that preparations are equally crucial and meticulous.
“All aspects inside and out—well-being, mental, physical and emotional aspects—are crucial in preparing us for the stage. This kind of pageant opens up opportunities for Sarawakians.”
Foo opined that pageants are more than a competition of physical attributes, and could be a way of promoting tourism as Manhunt is an opportunity to showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and diversity to the world.
For him, his participation in this pageant is not just for himself but for his family, friends, associates, supporters and all who have made it happen.
“I am honoured to represent Sarawak at the upcoming Manhunt Malaysia 2024. Ultimately, I am bringing the Sarawak flag with me, raising it high for all Sarawakians as a whole,” he said. — DayakDaily
