KALPANEE GUNAWARDANA

Today on the Buzz I speak to KALPANEE GUNAWARDANA who is heading the Face of Asia - COUNTRY PARTNER (SRI LANKA), ASIA MODEL FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. This year Hi TV is also collaborating with this event to find the faces which will represent Sri Lanka on the main stage. 

Q: What is face of Asia?

Face of Asia (FOA) is a platform and event that is a part of the Asia Model Festival (AMF), which is a renowned cultural event established nearly two decades ago. AMF celebrates Asian fashion, beauty and modelling talent. Held annually, AMF consists of three main events: Face of Asia, Asia Open Collection, and Asia Model Awards. https://amfoc.org/en/

The platform brings together representatives from over 25 Asian countries and Australia, fostering regional collaboration and propelling aspiring models onto the international stage. AMF serves as a springboard for rising stars, shaping the future of Asian fashion and beauty.

It is backed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and provides a unique opportunity for aspiring models to hone their craft, showcase their talents, and connect with industry leaders.

Q:Sri Lanka has been sending representation for many years. Tell me about the eligibility and where Sri Lanka has been placed.

Sri Lanka has been a part of the Asia Model Festival (AMF) for over a decade, under the banner of Face of Sri Lanka (FOSL). The national competition serves as a platform for local talent to participate in AMF.

FOSL has emerged as a springboard for young talent entering the world of fashion and beauty. AMF provides guidelines and criteria for candidate selection based on modelling potential and the ability to represent their country and region on the global stage as a Face of Asia.

A significant development in recent years has been the requirement for candidates to effectively utilize social media to promote themselves and brands. AMF takes a holistic approach to talent development, ensuring that models are equipped with the knowledge to become content creators, influencers, and build sustainable personal brands. A 15-day boot camp specifically dedicated to this is held in Korea before the Asia Model Festival.

Previous FOSL winners have achieved notable success at Face of Asia, including Isanka Pramuditha, who won the ‘Male Winner’ title in 2018, represented by BK model management.

They have even gone on to represent Sri Lanka as Cultural Ambassadors at global events. I was honoured to be Face of Sri Lanka 2016 and represented Sri Lanka at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018.

Other notable winners include Tasla Senadeera, managed by BK Model Management, who won the Face of South Asia title and a sponsor award at Face of Asia. Tracy Anne Mitchelle, also managed by The Agency Sri Lanka, was another sponsor award winner.

Q:What is planned for this year?

FOSL 2024 is taking a new approach this year.

My strategic partner, Kosh Hewage, recommended partnering with Hi TV to create a 10-episode reality show. This format will involve celebrity models and fashion personalities training participants, assessing their ability to represent Sri Lanka, and international judges selecting the winners.

Q:What does Face of Asia stand for?

A common slogan shouted at the Asia Model Festival is “ONE ASIA.”

Face of Asia represents the diversity and dynamism of Asian beauty and fashion. The competition not only highlights individual excellence in modelling but also fosters cultural exchange, creativity, and the global influence of Asian aesthetics.

Winning the FOA title is a significant achievement, providing models with international recognition and opportunities within the fashion industry. Participating in AMF in South Korea is itself an accomplishment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from global industry leaders and connect with amazing people across the region.

Q:How does this benefit tourism in Sri Lanka?

AMF, sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Sports, Tourism, and Culture, is a fantastic platform for bilateral relations and cultural exchange.

As a global platform with attention from 25 countries and their brands, AMF provides an opportunity for FOSL winners to represent Sri Lanka and showcase our culture and beauty. These ambassadors raise awareness of Sri Lanka, which can indirectly contribute to increasing interest in the country and potentially lead to a desire to travel here.

Q:Tell me about all the categories that are available for Face of Asia.?

The Face of Asia adult competition has only two categories: Male and Female. Each participating country must nominate contestants for both categories.

The Asia Model Festival Organising Committee determines the number of participants per category.

In addition to the FOA competition, the Asia Model Festival also includes Kids Model Awards and Asia Model Awards for celebrities and personalities from participating countries, K-pop and K-drama artistes and stars.

Q:If someone wants to apply for 2025 how can they do it and what is the process?

To apply for FOSL 2025, keep an eye on our social media channels for the official announcement and application form. Once the application deadline closes, the FOSL team, composed of veteran models and fashion personalities, will screen and shortlist candidates.

The shortlisted candidates will then undergo judging and training. During this process, the FOSL team will identify participants with the most potential and share them with the AMF Committee of FOA for their input.

The AMF Committee’s feedback will be considered in the final round of judging, and the winners will be announced for each category.

Q:This year Face of Asia is collaborating with Hi TV. How is that working out?

Our collaboration with Hi TV has significantly transformed the Face of Sri Lanka experience. It has allowed us to enhance the FOSL platform, reaching a wider audience. This is crucial because the winners ultimately represent the entire nation at AMF. We are so grateful. 

Q:In your experience, do you feel Sri Lanka has grown in terms of the calibre of models we have?

The modelling ecosystem in Sri Lanka has grown significantly in dynamism and diversity. We have produced talented models who have excelled on the global stage, working with international designers and brands and appearing on various platforms worldwide.

There’s a growing appreciation for all facets of Sri Lankan beauty within the industry, and the future looks promising.

Q:What type of support would you like the government bodies to provide for Face of Asia?

To support Face of Asia, government bodies should prioritise streamlining the visa process and collaborating with Korean counterparts. This would significantly enhance the experience for Sri Lankan participants.

Face of Asia is an excellent opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka and its talent. FOSL has been made possible by the dedication and support of numerous individuals and brands who have volunteered their time and resources.

We request official support in terms of logistics, infrastructure, and promotional efforts to ensure a more efficient and inclusive competition.  

(Pix courtesy Kalpane)