Malaysia has never been short of stunning representation and this includes this year’s Miss International Malaysia, Charmaine Chew, who spoke to WORLD OF BUZZ on how she became the go-getter of the showbiz industry.
Source: Instagram
Charmaine, who stands at 173cm tall, started her career at a young age, and is obviously very successful considering she’s already the face of Subaru, UOB Bank, Samsung, Sofy and Shiseido.
Source: Instagram
When asked how she was discovered, Charmaine credited the pageant industry’s high exposure, but it was her initiative that caught the eye of entertainment scouts.
“I joined my first beauty pageant when I was 20 years old and it gave me my first glimpse of what the entertainment industry is all about. Joining the competition gave me a lot of exposure and job opportunities, and that was how I kick-started my career in showbiz.
“I think it was my eagerness to learn that caught their attention. Since young, I was raised to put 100% in everything that I do. So I was just curious about everything, I would constantly ask a lot of questions on set and seek their advice in private. I think they can sense the fire in me and that I really wanted this,” said Charmaine.
Source: Instagram
Though it’s no secret that the entertainment industry is a dog-eat-dog world, and one’s got to be tough in order to survive and excel.
“The industry can be competitive, dismissive and cruel at times but that is just the reality of showbiz. A lot of people only see the glitz and the glamour of being a model or a celebrity, but what they don’t see is the rejection we face on a daily basis. Being in front of the camera means we have go the extra mile to set higher beauty standards for ourselves and take extra care of our appearance, and that can sometimes take a toll on our self-esteem.
“But I’ve learned from my experience to just take the rejection as a motivation to polish my skill set and work even harder. I always believed that bigger opportunities await you when you put all your focus on perfecting your craft with passion and determination.”
Source: Instagram
Which is why it’s understandable that being in showbiz was not Charmaine’s original plan.
“I come from a very strict and academic driven family where my parents would expect me to prioritise my studies above everything else. I was a shy, highly introverted girl from Alor Setar, which is a very small town, and never in my wildest dreams would I thought of being able to represent my country as Miss International Malaysia.
“I only started entertaining the idea of showbiz in my head when I joined my first beauty pageant back when I was 20 years old. I was a business student, so I always thought I would follow my parents’ footsteps to be an entrepreneur or a banker right after I graduated because it seemed like the safe thing to do, but life will always find a way to surprise you,” Charmaine added.
Source: Instagram
When asked if she had any advice for the girls out there who are following in her footsteps, Charmaine said, “Work hard, know your purpose of why you’re joining the beauty pageant and what legacy you want to leave behind.
“It is so important to use your responsibility as a beauty queen to make a difference and lend your voice to those who need it. Enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself and know that whatever the outcome may be, it’s only the beginning of molding you into the woman that you’re meant to be.”
Source: Instagram
Charmaine will be competing against 82 other contestants from around the world for the 59th Miss International that will take place in Tokyo, Japan on the 12th of November, 2019.
If the 22-year-old Alor Setar native wins, she’ll be the successor to Venezuela’s Mariem Velazco.
Source: Instagram
We personally can’t wait to see Charmaine strut the stage and bring home the crown for Malaysia.
You go, Charmaine! Malaysia Boleh! #SapotLokal
Also read: 19yo M’sian Wins Beauty Pageant But Loses Title in 72 Hours Due to Viral Nightclub Video
