Hung Yee Chan: Taiwan's Next Big Thing

Taiwanese breakout model Hung Yee Chan shot to fame when he appeared on a Dolce and Gabbana campaign. Yee's humble beginning and late start in his modeling career did not stand in the way of his success. Already a household name in Taiwan and China, the tenacity of his fame doesn't seem to be stopping there. His chiseled jaws are breaking borders, bringing this rising star across Asia and other parts of the world.

- Melvin Chew

Born in a small town known as Douliu city of Taiwan, the 28-year-old never dreamed of becoming a model. "Despite being taller than most people, modeling never did cross my mind," said the 6-foot-2 (1.89m) model in an interview with ELEMENT.

Yee's towering height and recent skyrocketed fame in the modeling industry notwithstanding, this modeling gem is determined to keep at least one foot planted firmly on the ground. "I find happiness in doing things that I am passionate about, and to be able to challenge it, and improve.

"More importantly, I find spending quality time with family and friends equally important."

ELEMENT: WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS THUS FAR AS A FASHION MODEL? WHICH OTHER GLOBAL BRANDS DO YOU WISH TO SHOOT FOR?

YEE: My greatest achievement so far is to be shot for Dolce & Gabbana's Campaign! In time to come, I hope to be able to work with Giorgio Armani, Versace, Givenchy and Calvin Klein.

ELEMENT: WHAT ARE SOME QUALITIES ONE NEEDS TO POSSESS TO BECOME A GOOD MODEL?

YEE: Because of the highly competitive industry, one has to constantly break boundaries and keep on trying to strive for the best. As there will also be a lot of rejections, one must learn not to be stressed out.

ELEMENT: COULD YOU TELL OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOU, AND WHY YOU HAVE DECIDED TO MODEL FOR THE FRONT COVER OF ELEMENT?

YEE: I am highly supportive of the GLBT community. And since ELEMENT is an LGBT lifestyle magazine, I have no qualms agreeing to be shot for the cover. Furthermore, the queen of gay rights and marriage equality has also appeared on the cover of ELEMENT! I am personally supportive of the LGBT community and would like to gather consensus in this movement via this cover shoot.