Amanda Ong
Being a part of Miss Chinese Melbourne (MCM) and subsequently Miss Chinese International (MCI) 2003 was definitely a positive experience. Reflecting back on it now, I will never have the opportunity to go through something like it again. It was both a challenging and fulfilling experience and I have come out of it a better person.
I have to say MCM was a lot of fun. It was not at all overly demanding and turning up to rehearsals and going on outings was more like hanging out with friends on the weekend. The other contestants were great and everyone was there to have a good time. The girls were very supportive of one another throughout the entire quest and we definitely had a blast on the final night (and at the after party that followed!).
It was only a very short period of time after winning MCM that I went to Hong Kong to participate in MCI 2003. I really had no idea what I was in for as I had not followed the previous MCI pageants. The schedule was very tight, fitting in all rehearsals and a trip to China in just 3 weeks. Being amongst 20 other girls from all over the world was a rather surreal experience and most of us were overwhelmed at all the media attention that we received throughout the entire pageant. From this experience you gain a clear insight of what the entertainment industry is all about and whether it is something you would like to pursue in the future.
I will always have fond memories of MCM and MCI and would not hesitate to urge anyone to participate in such a learning experience that will make you a stronger and more confident individual.
Amanda Ong
(1 November 2004)