Thomas Tan
Miss Malaysia Kebaya (MMK) organisation held their inaugural Malaysia Fashion, Modelling and Pageant Awards (MFMPA) 2020 evening at Grand Ion Delemen Hotel in Genting Highlands on Jan 7, 2021.
The awards gala night recognised and celebrated the fashion, modelling, pageant and related industry players who have excelled and contributed outstandingly to the success of their industries in Malaysia.
More than 80 awards were presented to various personalities and organisations from the fashion, modelling, pageant and supporting industries during the ceremony.
The awards ceremony was conducted under strict standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the authorities to curb the spread of Covid-19 with everyone present had to observe strict personal hygiene practices including wearing masks, practising social distancing and sanitisation.
The memorable and entertaining evening was officiated by Tourism Malaysia director-general Zulkifly Md Said who represented Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri who was unable to attend as scheduled.
The evening also included a fashion showcase presenting collections by Emerald Brilliant, The Mod House, Batek by Rasta Rashid and MMK Couture.
MMK president and founder Dr Jason Hee said he came up with the idea of creating Malaysia Fashion, Modelling and Pageant Awards for the various industries to send the important message to the government especially the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) and their agencies on the important value of industry players and leaders towards the development of the country.
“We need to recognize those who have made their contributions to the success of the industries and shared their expertise in continually supporting the industries especially the tourism sector by working hand in hand with Motac and its agencies to overcome the crisis.
“Their sustainability experiences, values in the industry and wealth of industry experience and knowledge can be taught and learnt to new players,” Hee said.
Nicole Fe Lynne, founder of The Next Look, Selangor Fashion Week and CEO of MFMPA said, “Creating platforms such as MFMPA, Selangor Fashion Week and The Next Look competition give us great pleasure to help boost up the tourism industry, although we are often facing obstacles throughout the entire 2020 especially not being able to organize online events due to Covid-19.”
Nicole hoped for the continued support of partners, sponsors and corporate SMEs to enable them to work passionately and persistently for the nation.
Target Fitness owner Ammetta Malhotra Bergin was flushed with excitement after receiving an award for MFMPA Fitness and Wellness Coach of the Year 2020.
“I felt truly blessed and very humble. I’ve never regretted my decision to turn my passion into a career. It feels so good to be recognized for the years of hard work to instil the values of fitness and wellness into the community,” she said, beaming with pride.
The personal fitness coach and rehabilitation specialist who has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years said the award has spurred her to continue to contribute to the fitness and wellness industry.
“Many people need a little push. I try to keep encouraging people not to neglect their health, wellness and fitness to build up their immunity as we face this pandemic together.
“I shall treasure this award dearly and I’m grateful to MFMPA and its organizers Jason Hee and Nicole Fe Lyn for recognizing my contributions in this industry,” she added.
The night also honoured Malaysia’s top celebrity supermodel Amber Chia with the MFMPA 2020 Icon Award for Modelling.
Glowing with happiness as she received her award, Chia said, “I felt really happy. After 22 years in the modelling industry, I’m honoured to be receiving the Modelling Icon Award.”
“The award means a lot to me as this has finally proven that my passion in the modelling industry has to keep going and all my hard work, drive and passion have paid off.”
The principal and founder of Amber Chia Academy expressed her thanks to Dr Jason and Nicole for recognising her as an icon in the modelling industry in Malaysia.
“I would like to thank the organisers and people who always support me, all my clients and each and every one of you because of your constant support and encouragement that I get this opportunity to receive this award. Without all of you, I won’t be able to go so far and the award makes me realized about the value of hard work.”
Chia has received numerous awards and accolades during her career. Each time she received an award meant an encouragement for her to work harder for her passion.
“It doesn’t matter how difficult something is, it just pushes me to go further and work harder and contribute more into the fashion and also modelling industries to help others.”
Malaysian top menswear designer Bon Zainal Harun also made it into the list for this year’s MFMPA Awards. He received the honourable MFMPA 2020 Icon Award for Fashion.
“I am deeply pleased and honoured to receive this award and it comes through hard work and determination to bring up the industry to the highest level.
“This award means a lot, not just to me but the whole industry that we are also part of the economic growth as well as starting point to elevate Malaysia into a major hub for fashion and lifestyle in the world,” Bon said.
The MFMP award recipients were judged by an expert panel comprised of professionals and industry leaders who have vast experience in fashion, modelling and beauty pageants.
The MFMP Awards 2020 is supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture Malaysia (Motac).
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