15/04/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | APR 15, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Ű BY GREGORY SHANE

but also other contestants, who constantly supported each other. Among them was IAMSI 2025 winner Violet Lim who Chong described as the best sister she has ever had. Lim gave her tips on posing, walking the runway and for the competition itself, which aided the young model’s journey. But the key supporters were her parents. Chong’s father encouraged her throughout the competition and her mother served as her guide while diligently playing the role of her mum-ager. Gan ensured her daughter’s experience was fulfilling. Moving forward Taking her baby steps towards success, Chong has received positive remarks from family and friends, with a little bit of playful teasing. These events have undoubtedly made her happy, but Chong makes it a point to always gives herself a reality check. “I need to be humble, and not to make a big deal out of it,” she reminds herself. Even with this mantra in her heart, life is not always forgiving for the teen model, who was thrust headfirst into a gruelling industry. She struggles to balance her personal life and modelling. That said, despite her demanding schedule, Chong manages to keep true to herself and has also bagged big offers – such as becoming an ambassador for SlayWalker Empire. When asked what keeps her going, Chong simply said it was her discipline, tenacity and her dedication to improving herself. The ambitious girl also shared she wants to be a dance coach when she is older. Putting the pedal on the metal, she hopes her drive will “inspire others and inspire young people” to pursue their dreams despite their adversity. For those intending to take the road less taken, Chong tells them to always be true to who they are. “Be you for the right people to see and not be someone else, for the wrong people to see.”

F ASHION has always favoured height, preferring individuals over 5’10, as its standard believes that being taller adds stage presence on the runway. However, emerging petite models such as Chong Mae Gen have been challenging the industry’s archaic ways. Her rise signals more than a personal breakthrough, as it reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and changing ideals of beauty. Petite models are rarely picked for high fashion runways, but they are generally more preferred in campaigns and social media circles due to their appeal among younger audiences – with top models Devon Aoki (5’5) and Cara Delevigne (5’7) being prime examples. Rising youth With only three months of modelling training, 15-year-old Chong made her first splash on the international stage, winning two special awards – the Petite Model Award and Most Promising Female Teen Model Award – on the I am Model Search International (IAMSI) 2026 competition in Thailand. Hailing from Puchong, Selangor and currently enrolled in CBC Learning Centre, the teen model defied all odds in her first international competition, turning heads and winning the judges’ favour with her charm and confidence, strutting the runway like it was meant for her. Coming from a family of four – including her parents and

Chong’s family and coach have always been her cheerleaders ever since she started modelling.

Petite defiance o Breaking height barrier, stacking on confidence

elder brother – Chong has demonstrated an interest in the arts (dancing, music and singing) from an early age. However, she had discovered her

a f f i n i t y for modelling only recently because she had always assumed she was

not suited to be a model, and “didn’t think it was worth trying”. But, current events have proven her wrong and as she spends more time modelling, she admitted to enjoying it for it brought out the best in her. Her mother Gan Hui Leng commented: “It wasn’t shocking to me because she’s always been expressive. She loves to showcase herself.” Chong choosing to dabble in the modelling industry did not surprise her family but they were shocked at how soon it was, much less participating in an international competition as her first experience. The defining factor for Gan’s decision to send her daughter for the competition was Chong’s persistence and her faith in coach Shafiq Kay, who patiently encouraged the teen. After her daughter’s success in the competition, Gan’s support for Chong only intensified. She said parents must support their children as they explore different career paths – instead of pushing their own ideals and ambitions unto them, which is common in the Asian community, as “everyone is made and shaped differently”. Defying all odds Standing at 5’2, Chong expressed her disadvantage in height but she does not think it is her weakness, as she believes it does not define her. Originally a trained Latin

ballroom dancer, she divulged she was scouted by her catwalk coach Shafiq, who later nominated and encouraged her to participate in the IAMSI 2026 competition, representing Malaysia. In three months, Chong underwent catwalk training, photoshoot sessions and learning how to express herself in front of the camera – which were skills she picked up quickly, thanks to her dance background. Going into IAMSI 2026 as her first modelling experience was tough, with insecurities piling up throughout her stay in Thailand. Compared with the extensive experience that other models have, Chong was inexperienced, as the international competition was her first modelling experience. Chong confided: “I definitely felt scared because I have no experience in modelling or doing any runway shows.” She expressed developing a looming insecurity over being inexperienced in a pool of seasoned models. “I always had a feeling that I’m not good enough,” she shared. She explained she was afraid at the beginning – getting judged and made fun of at school if her classmates found out – but steeled herself regardless and focused on enjoying herself. Getting through her fears was tough, but she was cheered all the way, not just by her family

Chong’s confidence is not only the key to her success but her motto.

Chong has received two special IAMSI awards after just three months of training. – ALL PICS BY AMIRUL SHAFIQ/THE SUN