Want to be Cambodia’s next top model? Talk to Perfect 10
In case you missed it, Sovattey Sary is potentially Cambodia’s next top model after winning the Miss World Cambodia title. This has personally gained her fame and fortune, as well as the right to represent the Kingdom internationally, but what is the modelling scene in Cambodia and how does one go about becoming a model?
To read about the music scene in Cambodia click here
Perfect 10 and the modelling scene in Cambodia
It was through our efforts trying to get an interview with Miss World Cambodia (work in progress) that we were introduced to Khmer-American entrepreneur Phatry Derek Pan. Raised in Seattle, he first founded the Khmer expatriate website Khmerican, before finding himself back in his homeland and with a hunger to do something new.
This led him to founding Perfect 10 back in 2018, which in his own words this was to “develop talent and represent people in the fashion and entertainment industry”. Now, while far from being the first modelling agency within the Kingdom, it is by all accounts the most unique and inclusive one.
Speaking to Khmer Nights about what makes P10 tick, Derek told us “What sets us apart from other agencies is that we prefer raw, new talent, rather than people who are already established. We then take it as our job to train, nurture and help them succeed within the industry”.
And this is a point Derek and his company take very seriously, with potential talent not simply being able to join, but having to go through an interview process first. This is obviously something not exactly uncommon in the modelling world, but as Derek further added “looks are not the predominant factor when we interview people, with attitude also being incredibly important. We have tried to cultivate a family environment and we expect our older members to help mentor the younger ones (who can be as young as 13). If people don’t have the right attitude we do not accept them”.
Who can become a model in Cambodia?
This is another area where Perfect 10 are different to other agencies. There is no age, height, or even nationality requirements, with the company representing local talent, returning members of the diaspora, as well as expatriates within the Kingdom. This means that literally anyone is welcome to at least try out for the agency.
The business model is also unique to Cambodia in that instead of simply representing existing talent and taking a cut, the company charge a flat introductory/commitment fee of $350 a month for 3 months. For this fee models get access to shoots from their team of professional photographers, as well as a whole heap of training on everything from social media, to handling auditions and generally coping within the entertainment industry. During the initial three months, the models keep everything from all work earned, with the agency then moving to a more traditional percentage model from month four, taking 10-20 percent.
And while $350 a month for three months might seem like a lot of money, the company feels it represents a good medium, with them having a range of people on their books that stretches from actual princesses to people from poorer backgrounds that have saved up to try and achieve their modelling dreams.
“We see the initial charge as a commitment fee and there is very much a non-profit element to it, with all the money being reinvested in the models. Ideally we want to nurture people to a level that they have the confidence to go off and succeed by themselves. Although we have found that most of our talent usually decides to stay with Perfect 10”.
What’s life like as a model?
Khmer Nights were lucky enough to talk to a few of the Perfect 10 team over beers and ask what it was like to be a model in Cambodia, namely Sov Men and Satiny. They are the two longest serving male and female models for P10, with both stating how much the company had changed their lives and helped launch their careers.
French-Khmer Sov Men told us “I was already a personal trainer, but Perfect 10 helped improve my confidence and as such I have ended up doing some really interesting work, such as being the face of Anchor beer, as well as stuff on TV. In fact the only hinderance I have had is not being able to speak enough Khmer”.
The company was also a great way to network and meet people he added, something which has undoubtedly helped with his latest venture “The Glasshouse” a trendy social eatery located in the new Treelion Park.
Leading female model Satiny added “For me Perfect 10 is my school and my home, not just a modelling agency. Through it I have learned to be confident and as such have gained more work. Over the years I have done everything from the catwalk to commercials and most recently was even in a horror movie”.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring models, or people interested in getting involved with P10 she added “Everyone is beautiful in their own way. You do not have to be perfect to be a model. Don’t miss an opportunity because you think you are not good enough. You truly never know until you try”.
How to get involved with Perfect 10 Cambodia?
Quite simply no matter your age, height, looks, or level of confidence Perfect 10 is the one agency willing to help you, and as Satiny stated, “you never know until you try”.
And of course they also offer one of the biggest resources for those seeking models for fashion, entertainment and whatever else would require some talent.
You can find out more about becoming a model, or hiring talent via their website, or by following them on Facebook.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com/ |
 | +855 9 678 01791 |
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Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
