Myanmar's top modelling agencies say models are not professional enough to make it overseas.

THREE of Myanmar’s top modelling agencies have proclaimed that Myanmar models are not ready to make the leap into the international market.

Plan B Promotions founder Brian Jeremiah and Tin Moe Lwin from Talents & Models both said that Myanmar models are not yet professional enough to make it overseas and they need to concentrate on generating constructive attitudes and expanding their knowledge of the industry.

“The Myanmar modelling industry has seen improvements over the past 10 years, but I think conservative attitudes and a lack of professionalism among models here are holding them back,” said Mr Jeremiah, a Singaporean who has been one of the most influential contributors to Myanmar’s modelling industry since his arrival in 1994 as part of the Asian Model Search tour.

He founded Plan B Promotions in 1996, a business focused on modelling and dance training for the promotion of products and businesses throughout the country. He has also helped to cultivate successful movie stars and models over the years, including Eindra Kyaw Zin and Melody.

“Most of the models here enter the industry with the hopes of one day becoming movie stars,” said Mr Jeremiah. “They're using modelling as a stepping stone, which means they don’t concentrate on getting any better. I think this holds them back from becoming professional models. Lack of confidence and language barriers are also issues.”

Mr Jeremiah added that he has connections with seven international modelling agencies who are eager to aid him in pushing Myanmar talent into the spotlight, but only two models from his agency have been signed overseas in the past 10 years.

Talents & Models founder Tin Moe Lwin agreed with Mr Jeremiah’s comments.

“Basically, a model needs to have the ability to communicate with the business world, so they need to have a good command of the English language. They also need to have the right attitude and maturity to stand alone. They can’t penetrate the international market with the current local working style. It’s much too carefree,” Tin Moe Lwin told The Myanmar Times.

Owner of Stars & Models agency John Lwin is known among the fashion clique as the pioneer of Myanmar's modelling industry and said the biggest problem is a lack of confidence.

“Although agencies have the power to promote their models outside of the country, I don’t think anybody believes they’re ready to do it alone,” he said. “I've tried, but they want to bring their families along for support, which just is not professional. They lack independence and confidence, which is vital in this industry.”

Mr Jeremiah pointed out examples of Mongolian models who had successfully em-barked on the international modelling scene and are now seen at shows in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and even Europe.

“The industry hasn’t really developed in Mongolia, but their models have the confidence, the language skills and the knowledge to work alone in other countries. A lot of African models are also stepping out and I think Myanmar needs to be aware of this and raise the bar.”

Milan Fashion Week in Italy and Madrid Fashion Week in Spain have banned skinny models, who were considered underweight based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), from taking part in the catwalk shows. Britain’s fashion giant Topshop also followed suit this month.

When asked whether the problem existed here, Tin Moe Lwin said she didn’t think it has ever been, or will ever be, an issue.

“Myanmar models are a little shorter compared to the majority of international models, but their weight is usually proportionate with their height,” she said.

“We will never support unhealthy habits like taking slimming pills. We train our models to take care of themselves by using natural methods like exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet.”

Mr Jeremiah said the Myanmar figure cannot be compared to that of Europeans.

“We’re not too concerned about the problem now shaking Europe’s fashion industry. People are naturally petite here, but most of them meet their body mass ratio. I think it’s also a matter of taste. Myanmar people prefer a slightly fuller figure here.”