KUALA LUMPUR: Amber Chia’s nightmare is finally over with Ford Models Inc officially offering her the sole Malaysian franchisee rights to the prestigious Ford Supermodel of the World contest.
The Malaysian supermodel has taken up the challenge without much hesitation.
“I know I need a lot of money to run the show,” said an elated Chia at a press conference in her lawyer’s office in Sri Hartamas.
“And I have slightly more than two months to get sponsors for it because the Ford Supermodel of the World competition will be held in January next year.”
“But I want the contestants (of her troubled Malaysia’s Supermodel Search Presents Ford Supermodel of the World) to follow their dreams.”
Chia was embroiled in a high-profile contractual dispute with her business partner Yap Wen-Ji over the legality of Yap’s franchisee agreement with Ford Models.
As time is running out, Chia has publicly asked for corporate sponsorship from interested parties.
“It is a very expensive show to run. The franchise fee alone will cost me around RM100,000 (S$40,990),” she said.
Those who are interested in financing Chia’s modelling reality show can contact her at amberchia.com
“I’m also looking for more contestants. The 500 who applied to be on Malaysia’s Supermodel Search Presents Ford Supermodel of the World can register for free. This is my way of helping aspiring models in the country.”
Meanwhile, Chia’s lawyer Rajan Navaratnam has confirmed that his client will take legal action against Yap.