Come November, Asia will have its very own version of the hit series, America's Next Top Model. Filmed in Singapore, Asia's Next Top Model (AsiasNTM) will bring together young women from the region to find who has what it takes to become Asia's first next top model.

Host Nadya Hutagalung will be judging contestants with fashion director Daniel Boey, model mentor Joey Mead King (Cosmopolitan Philippines TV Host), runway walk coach Adam Williams (choreographer & catwalk coach Australia's Next Top Model) and resident photographer Todd Anthony Tyler.

Todd has worked with rising Asian models such as Liu Wen, Fei Fei Sun and Kiki Kang, and his work has been featured in Vogue China, Elle China, Harper's Bazaar China among many others. Todd, a model turned photographer, has worked in Asia for almost 20 years and will be able to share with the contestants his expertise being on both sides of the camera.

Diva had a chance to ask him in an email interview about AsiasNTM and the fashion scene in Asia. 

Tyra Banks mentioned recently that putting Asian models on the covers of magazines is a "trend" that shouldn't be. What do you think of this "fad"?

For me working in both the West and East, I do not see it as much of a fad. I see it more of a statement of global trends and fashion seeking out inspiration. There is a huge market and retail interest in China and soon I think you will see an even greater interest in India, and Asian faces on magazines will become a bit of a norm in the West. I believe the result will be a broader perspective on perceived beauty and a wider range of looks featured in publications.

Are the modelling markets different for Asians and Caucasians?

In my opinion, the playing field for Asian models and Caucasians has progressively become more even. There is a huge interest globally in Asia and this is certainly reflected in the fashion and model industry. Asian models do face a few challenges, such as the height requirements for the international fashion and sample size clothing. Visa requirements also put Asian models at a slight disadvantage as they have more hurdles to cross in traveling than Caucasian models generally do.

What do you think is the future for Asian models?

The future for Asian models is quite bright. The desire for Asian faces is only going to increase as Asia increasingly becomes an important player in the global fashion community. Fashion can be fickle, so this is not something to forget as the industry is always seeking out something new and fresh. The most successful models are often those who are a chameleon and able to straddle a few different demographics.

Name one upcoming Asian model we should look out for?

Gao Jie is a Chinese model to look out for.

You have a studio in Shanghai. What is your take on the Chinese fashion industry? 

Being in Shanghai for over a decade, I think China is already a major market. Certainly Shanghai can be used in the same sentence as Paris, Milan, New York or London in terms of consumption of branded goods and an overall interest in fashion. This goes for both women and men; Asian men are much more fashion conscious then I would say men are generally in the West. I think two of the main differences from the West is in the details and the value that is put on creativity - these two concepts are fresh in China. The market on the whole still doesn't really grasp the value of what is in the details of a garment or a well styled and shot image.

Any surprises so far shooting 'Asia's Next Top Model'?

The show itself is full of surprises, so you will have to tune in. Personally, I am most happy with how the judges work together. The level of the entire team's commitment to produce a quality programming is inspirational.

What will you be looking for when judging on the show?

All of the judges are looking for a well-rounded individual who can stand the rigours of being a model and who will be able to succeed in the industry. Of course, we will be looking at each model's progression and how they have developed throughout the show. As a former model turned photographer, I will be evaluating each girl's performance in front of the camera.

Tyra Banks was recently in Singapore discussing the show. What do you think of Singapore and its models?

The show has girls from all over Asia. I love that AsiasNTM features beautiful women from all over Pan Asia. Singapore is blessed with having such a culturally diverse population that for me as a photographer, and a person who loves to people watch, Singapore is a wonderful place to be able to see so many different looks in one place.

Any tips for someone looking to find an edge in the Asian modelling industry?

Being personable goes a long way. We like to work with models that have a healthy work ethic and someone who loves the camera. There are industry standards for height and size, but I think these shouldn't deter anyone from giving it a try if they would like to be a model. Some people are runway models, others are beauty girls while others maybe high-fashion or commercial. The industry embraces a lot of looks, the key is finding your niche.

An edge would come in how you first present yourself. When someone fresh is going into see agencies they should not overdo the makeup or styling. Keep it clean and simple. People in the industry don't care for people who try too hard and looking unprofessional will make a bad first impression which is going to get you nowhere.

Find out more about Todd on his website www.toddanthonytyler.com