Shine Koh's advice to TNP New Face finalists? Having fun is key

The New Paper New Face alumna Shine Koh is returning to the finals - as a judge.

Four years ago, she was hesitant about joining the modelling contest because she felt she was not young enough. She was 23.

But she made it to the top 20 and realised the only limiting factor was herself.

Koh, 27, told The New Paper: "This competition made me realise the importance of pursuing my dreams, otherwise I would still be here wondering about how it could have been, would have been, should have been if I had joined New Face."

She recalled how she could not sleep the night before the finals in 2012 and only survived the competition on an adrenaline rush.

"I remember seeing my family and close friends supporting and shouting for me, and that itself is a very precious memory.

"Everything will pass by very quickly on the day itself, so just cherish and enjoy the moments while they last," she said.

The freelance actress recently took on another job, as a realtor.

She also started her own business this year, Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup, which is in the midst of relocation.

Koh said she has always had an interest in the real estate industry.

She added: "I'm just pursuing my passion and dreams. If not now, then when?"

Koh will also be appearing in the Toggle series I Want To Be A Star, about a company of calefare (bit-role actors). She plays an assistant producer who abuses her authority.

The series, which stars Kym Ng, Chew Chor Meng, Shane Pow, Ya Hui and Dennis Chew, premieres next Monday, with new episodes every Monday.

Tomorrow at 7.30pm, Koh will sit on the panel of judges for the New Face 2016 finals at Marina Square.

INTERESTING

She said: "I've been one of the contestants before, (so) it will be interesting to be on the other side now.

"I've spotted a few girls with really nice smiles and some with the X factor from the photos."

But at the finals, she will be looking out for more, including "stage presence, eye contact and confidence".

"Most importantly, they must enjoy their time on stage," she said.

Koh's bosom buddy of nine years, social media influencer and entrepreneur Melissa Celestine Koh, will be joining her as a judge.

Ms Koh started out in the finance industry in a bank, but left to pursue her fashion dreams.

The 27-year-old boasts 185,000 followers on Instagram, launched her own fashion label Run After last October and has even walked the runway for brands such as Maybelline, LadyGaga x Femmex and Colgate since her university days.

'BE CONFIDENT': Ms Celestine Koh said her runway experience will help her as a judge. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELISSA CELESTINE KOH

This month, she will be heading to Fashion Week in New York and Paris for a work trip.

On being a part of New Face 2016, she told TNP: "I thought it'd be a good chance to discover young and upcoming local talent...

"Being on (runways) before can help me understand and empathise with what the girls are going through on stage or backstage."

Ms Koh also experiences pressure on stage, like "being afraid you'll trip, fall and embarrass yourself".

"Actually, just all the what ifs (are stressful)," she said.

She advised the girls to be themselves and show passion on stage and added: "If I could convey a message to them, I'd say, 'No pressure, just have fun!'"