We’re not selling fashion models: Raymund Ooi
Looks like this year's Miss Singapore World (MSW) might be different from that of past years.
With its new organiser choosing to ditch some elements of the usual beauty contest, one can no longer be sure of what to expect. One thing we do know, though, is that we will not be seeing as many catwalks this year.
"What I noticed in general in the industry is that most pageants are done in a way that it's more like a fashion show — catwalks, swimwear, catwalks, gowns, catwalks…" said Raymund Ooi, 46, who was appointed by the Miss World global organisers in January to run the local franchise.
The director of Limelite Productions, Singapore's new Miss World licensee said, "We're not selling fashion models; we're looking for beauty queens."
At a press conference on Saturday at Sentosa's Wave House to unveil this year's 20 finalists, Ooi also told Yahoo! Singapore that they will be holding the "so-called swimsuit activities and events in a separate setting at a beach" this year.
"We're going to do it at Wave House, where I think beachwear will be pretty much in the comfort zone for the contestants. I think it's more appropriate and also sets the environment for them."
When asked why the contestants were quizzed while clad only in their bikinis previously, Ooi was quick to clarify that it was a "misrepresentation".
"The impression was definitely wrong. I think the contestants will share this experience, that we actually asked most of these questions when they were dressed in gowns," he said.
Regarding the wearing of bikinis, he added that it is a must for judges to look at the contestants' skin and complexion, and also to make sure that they have no inappropriate tattoos or undesirable physical traits.
"So a few questions were asked to test their confidence… some questions were asked when they were in bikinis but it was definitely not made out to be like we were questioning them in bikinis."
"The article The New Paper came up with definitely didn't put us in a very good light; we were actually in a room with 3-4 girls and 3 guys… The photos were taken in a very misleading way so that upset us a little bit," admitted Ooi.
Meanwhile, Ooi said that while it is not possible for him to change the impression given in the past, he hopes that the public will be willing to lend their support, since they are ultimately choosing "the best girl that has the intelligence and beauty to represent Singapore".
"When I was asked to take over this, I was asked to do what I do best — running an event. And I was told not to look at the past, by Julia Morley."
Earlier this year, the Miss World CEO had slammed the local pageant as "having a showgirl club image" and appointed Ooi to revamp it.
Said the new organiser, "All I can do now is to try and present ourselves better, show the audience that we're trying to do a better job, and hope that by the sequence and activities that we do, we will be able to attract better contestants, wider choices for us to actually find that jewel in the crown."
"We might not necessarily have the perfect girl now, but we hope that they will get better as they go along," he added, before highlighting that about 80 percent of this year's finalists "have never taken part in a pageant before". They have been shortlisted based on panelists' evaluation of the contestants beauty, compassion and intelligence.
Among other changes that Ooi has introduced since he took over, this year's MSW is a greater focus on community work. Also, the final show, to be held at Suntec City in September, will involve the contestants' family members.
On top of a cash price of S$10, 000, the crowned winner will get to represent Singapore in the international Miss World Finals, which will be held in London.
