Hey Vick. Tell us a little about yourself.
VICK: My name is Vick Foo and I come from a small but famous island, Penang. Standing at 184cm, I am a proud Penangite with a larger than life personality.
Was modelling something you always wanted to do, and how did you get into it?
V: It wasn’t really a childhood dream or anything, although I have thought about it. It was only when I was 24 or 25 that I decided to take the leap of faith and so gave it a try. As I ventured and continued on this journey, the passion and enthusiasm just started to expand tremendously.
You are also a lecture– What got you into that?
V: I chose to be in the education industry, more specifically by being a part time lecturer, because it helps me to ensure continuous learning and personal development. Education to me is not just important; it consists of everything I strive to be. Living is lifelong learning.
Leading a very busy lifestyle, how do you find time to also stay fit and healthy?
V: Rather than seeing the hours in a day as ’24 hours in a day’, I approach it by allocating 22 hours getting tasks done, whilst the other 2 are exclusively reserved for working out. I rarely compromise my fitness and workout schedule, with the rare exception of a full day of work or modelling.
What’s your best advice for leading a healthy lifestyle?
V: Leading a healthy lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint, so you have to be consistent.
In you modelling career so far, what would you say has been the most challenging thing to overcome?
V: Rejection and adversity. Trust me; this is a cut throat industry. Nonetheless, somehow I have grown to embrace adversity as a forging tool, and see rejection as an opportunity for refinement and growth.
What has been your proudest moment in you life so far?
V: Definitely the transformation from a scrawny guy to having the physique I have today. Let me tell you, when I first started modelling, I had so many things working against my favour; my appearance, my walk, my parents etc. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to turn things around. I’m not saying that I have ‘made it’, not even close. But from where I started, I think it is fair to say I have improved by leaps and bounds.
As a role model– What is the most important thing you try to get across to your fans?
V: Well firstly, I don’t think I have fans. I think they’d be classified as my supporters. I believe you have got to love what you do, and if you wish to pursue your dream, you need to do it for the right reason. And never take shortcuts – I always believe what comes easy, goes easy. I’m really grateful for how my career turned out and wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s the ultimate dream?
V: The fashion/modelling industry is originally created for the European market, and when it came to the Asian market, models with small eclipse eyes are preferred over models like me (big almond shaped with double eyelids). I’m considered more of a commercial personality. I have always wanted to revolutionise the fashion industry and penetrate into the editorial side of fashion. I know it is difficult but it would be highly triumphant if I can one day reshape the industry’s perception and convince people that Chinese with features and physique like mine can work well in the fashion industry too. I have been told it’s kind of foolish to have such a thought, but I think it’s worth a try. The concept of beauty in the industry constantly evolves and beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Look at supermodels like Kate Moss and Tyson Beckford who have transcended boundaries and become icons. I believe all I have to do now is to win the beholder’s heart over, and even if I fail, at least in some ways I will have helped open doors for other aspiring models.
What’s next for Vick?
V: [laughs] Vick is like a mysterious Box of Chocolate, you just don’t know what you are going to get from him. Guess we just have to wait and see…However, I believe that no matter how much I have achieved in life, I’m always thankful to those who have helped me and given me valuable advice to move forward with my career. I wouldn’t be able to get to where I am today without these people.
