The judges for the Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search Malaysia 2011 were Datuk Nancy Yeoh, Calvin Cheng (licensee of Ford Models Asia Pacific) and Colleen Francisca, national director of Ford Models Supermodel of the World for Singapore and former Miss Singapore and Mrs Singapore.

“We expected the winner to be from Peninsular Malaysia but I was adamant Sabah and Sarawak would be included so we flew there to scout for participants,” Yeoh recounts.

“Most people told me it was a waste of time to go to Sabah and Sarawak unless we were looking for someone who was 4ft 8in. Now my rude friends have to eat their words!

Atikah was the last to be selected to enter the semi-finals because she was senget — she had the tendency to slope her shoulder to one side.

“However, this was just a bad habit that could be rectified. Atikah had such a fresh, stunning face and raw talent but it was a toss-up between her and another girl,” Yeoh says.

Atikah had to lose weight but her potential was obvious.

“During the month-long stay, a few finalists had a headstart. But Atikah was very disciplined, obeyed instructions and was punctual and enthusiastic. She did everything she was told.

“She was a bit shy but now after the John Robert Powers courses, she has become a confident young lady. She is quiet, but when on stage, she transforms dramatically and takes on a different persona!” says Yeoh.

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