The BURO Impact Awards celebrates the creativity, originality, passion, and accomplishments of Malaysia’s trailblazing talents. Ahead, we delve into conversation with our Model of the Year, Suganya.
There are moments in fashion when a star rises so quickly that it’s impossible to ignore—and this year, Suganya is that star. Hailing from Penang, she has captured attention with her striking features, strong walk and infectious charisma. From owning the runway at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) to becoming the muse of some of the most respected local designers like Alia Bastamam, Brian Khoo, and Kit Woo, Suganya has firmly established herself as the new It-girl.
What’s truly remarkable is that she’s accomplished all of this in just three years! Now, she’s determined to break new ground, eyeing international runways and the acting world. Read on to uncover her inspiring journey and the ambition that powers her pursuit of even greater heights.
Suganya wears: Shirt, vest, skirt and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Sandro. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
THE RUNWAY TO SUCCESS
Suganya’s entry into the fashion world wasn’t something she had planned—it was sparked by a television show. Watching ‘The Face’, she was drawn by the fierce competition, the suspense, and the sheer elegance of the runway. What began as a casual fascination evolved into a deep desire to pursue modelling professionally. Her towering height also worked in her favour, fueling her determination to pursue this path with greater conviction. But for Suganya, a Biomedical Science graduate from a traditional brown family, the road wasn’t without its hurdles.
“I’ve always been the academic type, so when I told my parents I wanted to do modelling, they were shocked,” she reflects. “I had to convince them that it was more than just a passing whim—that I could truly build a real career from it.”
Determined to show her commitment to modelling, Suganya entered an online casting call for The Models Lab KL, one of the country’s top agencies. Reflecting on how it all unfolded, she shares, “I was planning to email the agency, but before I could, I found their casting call online. It felt like a sign, like the universe was telling me to take the leap.” Taking the plunge was just the start. Suganya knew she had to prove herself and she made it happen. Everything fell into place, and the journey that followed has been nothing short of exciting for the Penang-born model.
Suganya wears: Dress, Wei Hao Yong.
OF GROWTH AND GLAMOUR
2024 marks Suganya’s third year in the industry, and it’s arguably one of her sweetest yet. From becoming a staple at fashion week to gracing the pages of leading magazines, she’s steadily earning her place in the local fashion scene. The runway, once a distant dream, has become her second home.
Reflecting on her humble beginnings, Suganya recalls starting with just two brands—Marimaaia and Alia Bastamam—at KLFW in 2022. This year, however, she took the runway by storm, walking for some of the biggest names in local fashion. “This year was a game-changer. I had the honour of opening for brands like Tact and Zachrin Jaafars, and closing for Ghostboy. For a model, that’s a huge milestone.”
Another major achievement came when she was featured on the cover of Vogue Singapore’s ‘Community’ issue this October. “That was definitely my biggest milestone so far. I’m incredibly grateful and honoured to have represented Malaysia in such a monumental way,” she shares. This recognition not only highlights her growing influence but also signals her readiness to transition from the local scene to the global stage.
Though modelling can often feel like a lonely business, Suganya finds strength from those who have walked the path before her, especially fellow local model Nia Atasha. “I look up to her a lot,” Suganya reveals. “She’s only a year older than me, but her depth of experience and dedication are incredible. I’m inspired by how she’s expanded into acting and social media, embracing each challenge that comes her way with poise. She balances it all with such ease.”
Suganya wears: Shirt, vest, skirt and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Sandro. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
BALANCING THE CATWALK
Yasmin Ghauri, the legendary 90s supermodel, is the first name that comes to Suganya’s mind when asked about her top inspiration. “I would constantly watch her videos on YouTube, absorbing her elegance and perfecting my walk to mirror her grace,” she recalls. Success in modelling can take many routes, but Suganya’s experience proves that with passion, resilience, and humility, the right path will reveal itself in due time.
When asked about the most valuable lesson she’s learned in her career, Suganya emphasises the importance of consistency. “Through countless shows, shoots and castings, I’ve come to realise that true growth comes from consistently delivering high-quality work. No matter how big or small the opportunity, always give 100%,” she shares.
But perhaps the most powerful lesson of all is not to compare. “Don’t measure your progress against others, particularly those with more experience. Everyone’s timeline is different. Focus on your growth and pace,” she suggests. After all, comparison only robs you of your joy.
Suganya also wears: Dress, Alia Bastamam.
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
As our conversation comes to an end, the inevitable question surfaces—what’s next for Suganya? Her response is clear: she’s setting her sights on new horizons abroad. “I would love to work in Europe, in cities like Paris or Milan. It’s not easy, but I’m committed to making my way up,” she shares. Social media is something she can’t overlook, either. “While I want to be taken seriously as a model, I also understand the need to build my online presence. To do that, I have to step up my social media game and show more of who I am,” she reflects thoughtfully.
The runway isn’t the only spotlight she’s drawn to—she’s keen to explore the world of acting. Her connection to performance runs deep, having been an active theatre kid in high school. On weekends, she would perform skits at the temple, a natural extension of her love for storytelling and the stage. “Acting has always been there for me in some form. I just haven’t had the chance to dive into it fully yet, but I’m ready to see where it could lead,” she reveals.
With her unwavering passion and determination, Suganya is destined for even greater accomplishments. What we’re witnessing now is just the beginning, and we’ll be watching closely as she continues to take over the world.
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CREDITS
Editor-In-Chief and Interview / JASON LIM. Creative Direction and Styling / SARAH TAI. Text / BENEDICT UNANG. Art Direction Assisted by / EVE LYN LAU. Photography / CHAM ZIHAO | MÒ SHĒNG RÉN. Assisted by / SAIFUL AZWAN. Videography / DENNIS KHO. Makeup / AYANG KAMELL FOR YSL BEAUTY. Hair / BIBIAN LEONG FOR SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL.
Check out the 2024 BURO Impact Award winners here.
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