More than just a pretty face

WHEN time gets tough, Alicia Amin gets tougher in expressing it on platforms she is already on and been given. Sitting on her accomplishments when the industry is so fast paced with one assignment after another, she constantly tries to make the best of her career.
Shooting to fame as one of two representatives from Malaysia competing in the reality television show, Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 5, she was spotted with her signature edgy and fierce expression as she strutted down the runway.
Alicia knew she wanted to be in the industry, she knew what she wanted to say and she did it. Nobody could stand a chance to tell her she doesn't belong in this industry because there is no one like her before.
Before becoming a model, Alicia wanted to be an actress but at that time there were not a lot of Malaysian English productions that she could affiliate herself with, "so I decided to be in the ones that I don't have to speak, and that is how I got involved in modelling, essentially."
She made her debut acting role in the Meh Sandar Lagi television series by Zeel Production that was aired on TV3 recently. It also starred Mira Filzah, Aliff Aziz, Aisyah Ilias and Asyraff Aley.
Fashion junctures
Alicia says modelling is a really fun way to express herself with limitations, "basically your ideas and someone else's ideas through a photograph, it's not like acting where you can take on a full character and express your anger."
"Modelling is different, everything you do emphasises teamwork – modelling is not a one man show."
Alicia believes the fashion scene is permissive in the sense that publication and censorship laws have "restricted" the industry but through that it has made the industry so creative in many other ways.
"I think Malaysians are really fighting for it – we are brave enough to have the audacity to fight for something because we are so used to doing this."
A regular on the catwalk and campaign shoots, she debunked the common misleading conception of what the profession entails. Modelling may seem easy but behind all the glitz and glamour, its harder than it seems.
"There is a lot of waiting; waiting for hair and make-up, waiting for people to set up cameras, just waiting in general," she said.
"As a new model when you don't know what is happening, that big gap or that big interval between aspiring and then being recognised by the industry, that is a job in all of its own because it takes a lot of perseverance."
There has been a lot of talk that were discussed at length about the kind of protection and guidance the industry offers to young aspiring models. There are a few particular figures in the industry that have paved ways for these models, making sure they are valued and not left till the end.
The pioneers and role models broke the glass ceiling for the next generation of models to shine their light at the forefront of fashion.
Breaking boundaries
Alicia has come a long way in a short time, through the arduous journey she came under fire over the "semi-nude" photo shoot she did back in 2016. The model has shown conspicuous bravery in facing the backlash that she had to put up with.
"People are really going to be in my business because I have decided to put myself out there. I really need to consider every move I make in the future."
It was not something to be embarrassed of she said, but it certainly has contributed to her sense of reality check. "I have to be really careful about making mistakes in the future, not saying that the photo shoot was a mistake."
As she claps back at critics with her strong opinions and unapologetic comments, she addresses the perpetual debate whether the fashion industry is manipulating women and objectifying them.
"It is an understandable point, which I don't mind. It's a personal choice and decision surrounding the whole idea about respecting women's choices."
Being socially aware, Alicia gravitates towards issues that are evidently alarming at a time of social crisis. Using social media to channel her thoughts and expression where she not only showcases her work but also the things she likes to do and care about.

Her approach towards the community and the people she worked with has taught her many things – to remain grounded and have clarity.
Alicia is not just a model, host and actress, she has also been a vocal advocate on raising awareness around social justice.