Choo Xin Jun, a 28-year-old model, entrepreneur and interpreter from Subang Jaya, Selangor, took the crown for Face of Malaysia 2023 modelling competition which was held at HGH Convention Centre, Sentul in Kuala Lumpur on August 19, 2023.
Choo also won the Best Catwalk and Emolive awards.
The competition also included Teen, Pre-Teen and Kids categories but they were not running for the regional competition.
The contestants showcased their modelling strengths in various areas such as runway walking and posing, wearing fashion collections by fashion designers and labels, including Amaratpal Donnie (AD), Dennis Lee, Hiephenry, Mukrawee Lee and Outdwell.
Kelly Ng Chong Lee took the first runner-up spot, while Ricky Wong emerged as the second runner-up.
“The top three winners Choo Xin Jun, Kelly Ng and Ricky Wong will represent Malaysia to compete for the title of Face of Asia 2023 at the upcoming Asia Model Festival in Gwangmyeong, South Korea on Nov 4,” said organiser International Celebrity Pageant Group founder and director Lennard Tan.
Choo was overjoyed at being crowned Face of Malaysia 2023.
“I feel honoured and excited. I am very grateful for this opportunity to hold such a prestigious title and to represent my country at the Face of Asia 2023 final,” she said.
The 172cm (5’ 8”) tall winner said she got into modelling nearly nine years ago when lots of people told her she had model potential because of her height
“Growing up I was always told I’m tall and I would fit as a model, that sparked my interest and I really wanted to try it out, and once I got to try it, I fell in love with it.
“I’ve joined a couple of girl search when I first started modelling, and the last competition I joined before Face of Malaysia was Glam Next Face by Glam magazine.”
Choo found herself feeling anxious before major competitions yet focused completely on giving her all during competition.
“I guess beating my nerves on stage would be the most challenging. It’s different from how I would usually feel when I’m doing shows as a regular job, I am 10x more nervous when it’s a competition setting.”
After clinching the victory, Choo is ready and looking forward to a whole lot of opportunities in the near future.
“As I’ve been in this industry for quite a long time, I can’t say for sure if winning this title will bring me a whole lot of difference, but I definitely see some new opportunities coming my way.”
On her preparation ahead of the Korea final, Choo said, “I would definitely have to train more on my catwalk and make it a concrete muscle memory. I’ll workout more so I can be sure to be fit and well figured for the competition.”
Choo enjoys hobbies such as swimming and aerial yoga.
This article has been updated since its original publication.
Check out the full list of winners below:
FACE OF MALAYSIA 2023
ADULT CATEGORY
Champion – Choo Xin Jun
1st runner up – Kelly Ng Chong Lee
2nd runner up – Ricky Wong
3rd runner up – Carol Chang Kar Syeun
4th runner up – Lyna Tan Wei Yi
Subsidiary Titles
Most Charming – Lyna Tan Wei Yi
Perfect Body – Bebekah Yap Yen Tien
Most Confidence – Stanley Golo
Fashionista – Jonathan Chong Chun Long
Beautiful Skin – Suzanne Eng Siu Shuen
Best Catwalk – Choo Xin Jun
Most Photogenic – Tay Ju Hee
Personality – Carol Chang Kar Syeun
Beautiful Hair – Kelly Ng Chong Lee
Network Popularity – Ooi Zhe Wen, Tay Ju Hee, Suzanne Eng Siu Shuen, Jaclyn Low Jit Ling
Emolive Award – Choo Xin Jun
Fantoo Award – Jonathan Chong Chun Long
TEEN CATEGORY
Champion – Bryna Ng Thin Len
1st runner up – Chang Hao Cheng
2nd runner up – Welgy Foo Why Gei
Subsidiary Titles
Most Charming – Lee E Hanne
Perfect Body – Boey
Most Confidence – Boey
Fashionista – Bryna Ng Thin Len
Network Popularity – Welgy Foo Why Gei
Beautiful Skin – Chang Hao Zheng
Best Catwalk – Bryna Ng Thin Len
Most Photogenic – Welgy Foo Why Gei
Personality – Lim Shi Chen
Beautiful Hair – Lim Shi Chen
PRE-TEEN CATEGORY
Champion – Allergra Kua Ee Rou
1st runner up – Aiden Julian Wong
2nd runner up – Tan Zhao Xi
3rd runner up – Angel Chin Qiao En
4th runner up – Niccolle Kaithlynn
Subsidiary Titles
Most Charming – Chin Xin Hui
Perfect Body – Crystabelle Choo
Most Confidence – Rosemary Kok
Fashionista – Cherylynn Teyu
Network Popularity – Allergra Kua Ee Rou
Beautiful Skin – Angel Chin Qiao En
Best Catwalk – Angel Chin Qiao En
Most Photogenic – Swaathy Logeswaran
Personality – Shammanics Leong
Beautiful Hair – Rosemary Kok Sue Yen
KIDS CATEGORY
Champion – Kam Ern Xi
1st runner up – Lee Boo Ying
2nd runner up – Giselle Kok Yu En
3rd runner up – Chen Kai Qin
4th runner up – Lavender Kok Yun Xi
Subsidiary Titles
Most Charming – Delevingne Ong
Perfect Body – Menicssa Leong Yu Jie
Most Confidence – Lavender Kok Yun Xi
Fashionista – Kong Mei Chen
Network Popularity – Aurora Lee Xin Yi
Beautiful Skin – Mia Chu Yi Han
Best Catwalk – Kam Ern Xi
Most Photogenic – Lee Jayne Ue
Personality – Zachary Lai Jun Chen
Beautiful Hair – Delevingne Ong
