'Supermodelme 2': What it takes to become Asia's next top model

Thanks to "America’s Next Top Model" we all know what it takes to become a catwalking superstar.

Rather than trotting out the same tired photo shoot-catwalk-swimsuit spread format, Singapore’s Refinery Media decided on a different formula for its second season of "Supermodelme." Call it a blend of ANTM with a tiny dose of "Fear Factor" thrown in.

Rather than just judging the girls on their ability to smile with their eyes, the leggy models were tasked with physical challenges and evaluated on their mental agility, competitive spirit and physicality.

We pick out the six we think will make it to the final stages. 

Category 1: Mind power

It’s a sweeping assumption but models and mental power are not automatic associations. Not so on "Supermodelme 2."

“In this competition, you need determination and discipline to outlast all the others,” says executive producer Karen Seah of Refinery Media.

Kym Toussant (Australia)
Age: 21 Height: 1.73m

When it comes to mind over matter, Australian-Korean Kym Toussant impressed everyone with her steely focus, and the fact she didn’t complain as much as the other contestants.

Her stoic attitude of “it is what it is” allowed the private and shy Toussant to face anything, especially the ultimate and dreaded challenge: the nude shoot.

“You’re there naked in front of the crew, the photographer and you have to fight past any negative mental chatter,” says Toussant. “That was my proudest moment, I just did my thing, I let it all go and I was blown away by the pictures.”

CNNGo’s observation: Toussant gets bonus points for her logic, rationality and centeredness, all characteristics that make her highly likeable. If there is a Miss Congeniality prize, she’ll be a shoo-in.

This Singaporean-Burmese graduate from National University of Singapore proves that beauty queens do save the world, sort of.

As a contestant in Miss Earth Singapore 2007 and Miss Singapore Universe 2009, Thien feels she showed her grit best during the lingerie shoot.

“I was put in an awkward position and had problems lifting my head,” says Thien. “My neck muscles were strained, yet I had to hold that pose. It took all of my will and focus to get through the shoot. As a model, you need that mental stamina.”

CNNGo’s observation: Thien’s edge is her competitive spirit, this political science major who has ambitions of interning in the U.N. is mentally equipped to pick apart her weaker competitors.

Category 2: Inner fierceness

In the world of fashion, Tyra Banks has proven to everyone how inner fierceness is a bankable and profitable asset.

“It’s about having fire in your eyes,” says model mentor and judge Charmaine Harn, one of Asia’s most famous models. “It’s about revealing your authentic self through your eyes and body language.” 

Melinda Widjanarko feels she is the ultimate survivor. Whether it’s overcoming her parents’ disapproval, being overweight in the past or being the oldest contestant -- nothing fazes her. 

“You need to be tough and I can take whatever comes in the competition. I like criticism. I learn from it,” says Widjanarko who has a decade of modeling experience under her belt. 

Not an obvious favorite at the start, the judges have credited Widjanarko to have grown the most throughout the competition. Clawing her way from the bottom, she’s never lost her spirit as she puts it, “catfight, dogfight whatever. I’ll be the winner.”



CNNGo’s observation: Widjanarko may be the underdog, but her never-say-die attitude and her desire to keep improving makes you root for her. Also her experience modeling in L.A. and New York will give her a boost.

Nattakorn “Rosie” Choovichian feels "Supermodelme 2" is her second chance at redemption. The trained staged actress was about to quit the industry when she received the call to join the show.

Grateful for the exposure and opportunity, she’s proving her place in the competition.

“In one of the challenges I had to walk on a tiny ledge, I was so fearful that I would fall,” says Choovichian. “But I felt so proud of myself that I got through it, faced my fears and did an amazing job.”

CNNGo’s observation: She’s the phoenix of the lot seeking her rebirth through this competition.

Category 3: Physicality

Dress it up all you want but this is a modeling competition and a hot body will win votes.

“It’s about the girl who knows how to use her body to evoke emotion, energy and passion,” says resident judge and international fashion photographer Olivier Henry.

The youngest in the competition, Avalon Halaho’s youth is one of her biggest assets.

“My focus for the competition is to connect to my inner self and show everyone the inner goddess,” says Halaho. “I’d rather have inner beauty and a good personality because that’s what makes it in the industry.”

CNNGO’s observation: She’s hot, young and has her head screwed on -- she’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Tanja Widing is the athlete among the group. Her toned body is shaped by religious gym sessions, yoga, ballet, urban dance and wakeboarding.

“I’m fit and disciplined,” says Widing. “I know how to compete, and I know how to win.”

Her perfect body may give her the edge to out-model the rest, and her confidence is clearly an asset in the critical fashion world.

CNNGo’s observation: She’s hot and swift enough to blindside the competition into dropping the ball.

While the winner of "Supermodelme 2" has already been decided, you’ll have to wait till next year to find out who out-fierced, out-hotted and out-shone the rest.

"Supermodelme 2" airs next year on StarHub’s KIX.