Asia's Next Top Model's flaming photographer/judge Yu Tsai - (Asia's Next Top Model photo)

Video Beat - CONFLICT DOMINATES ASIA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

Asia's Next Top Model is in turmoil. Arguments ensue as disagreements emerge between photographer/judge Yu Tsai and the shows host Cindy Bishop and model coach/judge Kelly Tandiono.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

As Asia's Next Top Model (AsNTM) is drawing to a close with only five models remaining in the competition BUT... CONFLICT is on the rise. Arguments ensue as disagreements emerge between photographer/judge Yu Tsai and the shows host Cindy Bishop and model coach/judge Kelly Tandiono.

The conflict is Yu Tsai and the female judges disagree in their critiques of the models resulting in giving the models conflicting advice. The discord has been brewing for the past couple of weeks but came to a climax this past week during the top 6 episode.

This being season four the show has reached a point where they are getting it right with their selection of models. This is the best top 5 they have ever had. The problem is there have been several changes on the judging panel.

Tandiono went missing for unexplained reasons prior to Yu's appearance on the judging panel. She returned in a limited role three episodes ago and with Yu Tsai's presence has little to say or he challenges most of what she says.

Yu Tsai came on board late after several episodes after the show initially had aired. Immediately he began marking his turf as being a know it all. His history includes being a photographer/judge on Tyra Banks America's Next Top Model on cycles 20, 21, and 22, as the Creative Consultant. During that time he was more logical and masculine but since his involvement in the Asian edition of the show he has become a raving flamer with frequent emotional outbursts.

The photographer of Taiwanese heritage seems to have forgotten how to communicate with those of Asian culture who are sensitive to harsh over the top criticism. Yu Tsai's exposure to critiquing models in America may have distorted his perspective and sensitivity to the Asian experience.

Bishop being mostly white with a tiny bit of Thai in her ancestry is quick to disagree and correct Yu Tsai and he repeatedly disputes her comments. Bishop is more protective of the models while Yu Tsai apparently feels his job is to implement tough love. The problem is...its not working and many of the models are afraid of him. One model requested that he stop yelling at them and his response was, "I'm done with her."

The surviving models are an interesting group. The most successful is Sang-in Kim 23, from South Korea. She has the most experience but possesses a salty attitude and is labeled tough to deal with. She is the model that drew the ire of the boss of one of the shows sponsors Sabaru Glenn Tan, another flamer. He continued to have a bad attitude towards her in a later episode in which he appeared he refused to acknowledge her.

Angela "Angie" Watkins 19, of Singapore has achieved to the second most success but has a reputation of being difficult to work with. Watkins has a problem exposing her body which is a requirement in the business.

Patricia Gunawan 25, of Indonesia is the most pleasant of the group. She has a sparkling personality and follows instructions without complaining.

Julian Flores 25 of the Philippines and Jiratchaya "Tawan" Kedkong 20, of Thailand are cooperative and improving but Flores seems to be on the bubble for elimination. She has been criticized for having limited looks and versatility.

Kedkong is sweet and has been criticized for being shy and there are questions if she is strong enough to survive in a cutthroat business. Her English language skills are limited and that could be a drawback in her future success. Her strength is her willingness to learn and her sweet personality.

The result is this season's Asia's Next Top Model will be very interesting as it approaches its conclusion. With its personality flair-ups it will be interesting to see who survives on the judging panel and who wins the competition.

AsNTM airs Wednesday evenings with repeats throughout the week on the Starworld channel. Check you local listing for the time in your area.

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