Miss Universe Singapore 2018: Nicol Hunt open to challenges, pushes beyond comfort zone

Nicol Hunt

Photographer, 25

Sultry and mysterious, Miss Nicol Hunt has tattoos on her chest, right arm and upper back, and feels the ink is a form of self-expression and body art.

The 25-year-old photographer is always eager to challenge herself to try new things outside of her comfort zone.

For instance, she picked up photography after her modelling gigs to learn about what goes on behind the camera lens.

Recently, she was a photographer for an exhibition by community outreach initiative Love-Aid Project, which she attended with her mother, who does charity work in her free time.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

It would be Japan. It is traditional and modern; quirky and bold; has both history and nature. I like to be spontaneous and go where my feet take me, take my time to explore, live and eat like a local.

Japan is so diverse and will give me unforgettable rich experiences plus the opportunity to take a lot of photographs.

If you could change anything, what would it be?

I would change people's superficial expectations of what a person is supposed to be. We should not have to mould ourselves to others' liking. We should be accepted, respected and appreciated for the person that we are.

Superficial expectations, Especially for children and young people, can lead to low self-esteem. This in turn can lead to bullying, pressure to conform, and potentially damage their mental and emotional growth.

We should not have to mould ourselves to others' liking. We should be accepted, respected and appreciated for the person that we are.

This year's Miss Universe Singapore theme is The Beauty of Empowerment. What is the most empowering thing you have done in your life?

Allowing myself to be completely vulnerable to others from time to time.

They say vulnerability is a weakness but I think it's empowering to allow yourself to let go of this fear and lay yourself bare.

They say vulnerability is a weakness but I think it's empowering to allow yourself to let go of this fear and lay yourself bare.

There is no hiding and it can actually be very freeing. I become my authentic self, and through that, I am able to connect to people in a more meaningful way and from there, learn to be a better and more confident human being.

What is your proudest achievement and what did it teach you?

It would be my photography tour in Vietnam in January last year. I stepped out of my comfort zone and shot portraits of people, socialising and getting to know my subjects on a personal level despite the language barrier, making them comfortable as I learnt to capture their expressions.

It was pretty cool to be able to switch places - from being the model to being the photographer. I get to understand both roles, be more adaptable and creative, and give better results.

---

CREDITS

Creative Director: Yeoh Wee Teck
Photographers: Jonathan Choo (close-up), Desmond Wee (swimsuit and gown), Song Tao & Dalene Low (behind the scenes)
Stylist: ZH Tan
Make-up: Cosmoprof Academy
Hair: Apgujeong Hair Studio
Swimwear: K.Blu (Mandarin Gallery, #02-14, Tel: 6696-6961)
Accessories: H&M
Location: Genting Dream
Evening wear: Vera Lee Bridal (Delfi Orchard, #03-10, Tel: 9150-6790)
Accessories: Denni Jewellery
Reporter: Tatiana Mohamad Rosli
Designer: Marlone Rubio
Project Managers: Sheralynn Shen Jega, Pauline Leong

---

WATCH THE FINALE

The Miss Universe Singapore 2018 finale will be held on Aug 31 at One Farrer Hotel. It is a ticketed event, and tickets can be purchased at tnp.sg/mus2018tickets. Individual tickets are from $250, and a table of 10 from $2,000.