TUTI Turns up THE HEAT

When it comes to posing for the camera, Tuti Noor is one of the fiercest models around. The Malaysian lass ignites our pages as she talks to Abdul Aziz Draim about her unconventional beauty, overcoming doubts and making Jakarta her second home.

- Abdul Aziz Draim

It was back in 2016, on Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 4 when Tuti Noor first entered our hearts. Already the winner of modelling competition X Top Model Search Malaysia in 2012, Tuti was a fan favourite to walk away with the title of the reality TV competition. However, although she possessed the physical qualities of a top model-long limbs, a natural at poses and an edgy beauty that photographed beautifully the Taiping-born lass struggled with self-confidence and had yet to come to terms with accepting her own unconventional beauty, resulting in her elmination in episode 9. But oh, what an exit.

When host Cindy Bishop asked her, "You know you're good, you know that right?" Tuti initially shook her head timidly, before Cindy pressed her again, "I'm not letting you leave before you tell me that." Then, in a moment that showed off her wit and influence on the show, Tuti smiled and replied, "Maybe I'm just too good for this competition." Cue howls of approval, finger snaps and applause from the judges and her fellow contestants. Tuti was slowly coming into her own.

Six years has passed since that moment and today, Tuti Noor-who turns 30 this month has found the confidence and honed her skills to justifiably become one of Malaysia's most sought-after models. Now travelling between Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Jakarta where she is currently based, the 175 cm tall stunner shows no sign of slowing down as she spreads her wings to Indonesia.

We first got to know you through Asia's Next Top Model. What made you sign up for the show?

My friend (photographer) Bibo Aswan was the one who encouraged me and helped me sign up. He supported me and gave me the confidence to apply.

What did it feel like when you got eliminated?