Personally, I think the set of contestants for the second cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model displays a more diverse representation of asian beauty. AsNTM should be a venue to showcase that beauty as well as our identity as one asian nation to the world.

Cycle 2 also decided to have 16 contestants instead of 12. I’m just sad that Nepal does not have a representative. We love Aastha.

Though it may be too early to judge based only on these photos but my current favorites are: Marie, Jodilly, Pooja, Sheena and Thao.

I got the photos from the show’s official website.

Get to know the girls after the jump.

Who will be the Asia’s Next Top Model?

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Bona (Indonesia)

She is 27 years old, same age as Jessica when she was in the competition. Do you think that Bona’s age will be a disadvantage or an edge for her to win the title?

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Elektra (Hongkong)

I am curious on what her real name is. Remember Filantropi and her unique name? Will Elektra stand out and shock us all?

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Janice (Indonesia)

Janice’s favorite model is Kimora Lee Simmons. Maybe because she resembles Kimora. I hope she has the personality of Kimora as well!

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Jessie (China)

Jessie’s favorite feature is her eyes and I agree. Then again, judging from experience, (not that I have plenty of experience in smizing—I may be wrong) it’s difficult to smize with Asian eyes.

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Jihye (Korea)

I think she is one of the tallest in the bunch. She does look really regal in this photo.

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Jodilly (Philippines)

Jodilly is a graduate of Information Systems. I hear that this girl has an awesome personality and let’s hope to see this in the show.

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Josephine (Malaysia)

According to her, her worst feature is her small mouth. By the way, why are the girls being asked this question? Grr.

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Katarina (Philippines)

The Philippine contenders have big shoes to fill since Stephanie was one of the runners-up in the last cycle. I think Katarina and Jodilly can manage. Go Philippines! 🙂

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Marie (Japan)

Marie has fear of the ocean/water. Oh oh. I think there’s a runway challenge that involves water!!! Go Marie!! Ganbatte kudasai!

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Natalie (Taiwan)

*Star World, please edit her profile, there’s a typo.

I think Natalie is the most western looking. Is this good or bad?

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Nicole (Singapore)

Singapore’s Kyla was the first to be eliminated last season. The pressure is on for Nicole. She has a strong asian look.

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Poojaa (Singapore)

Like Nicole, Poojaa also has memorable features. Singapore may have a chance in bringing home the title!

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Sheena (Malaysia)

Yey for platinum blonde. She says that modeling is her only option even if it does not work out. Now, that’s determination! Yey for platinum blonde! (I had to repeat that) Hopefully, they won’t dye her hair into another color.

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Sneha (India)

Sneha sings and she is afraid of catching chicken pox. I agree Sneha! She also says that she doesn’t have a “worst feature”.

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Thao (Vietnam)

Thao is 26 years old but she doesn’t look her age. Her photo is very soft in contrast with the other photos.