THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

No matter if it is the latest electronic gadgets or games, freshest fashion trends or debuting stars or shows in the entertainment world, there is just an inexplicable innate desire within most of us that draws us to novelty, much like a moths to a flame. Particularly in the fickle-minded world of fashion and show business, where one day you're in and the next day you're out, and fame and fortune often favours the youth, innocence has never been more beguilingly seductive and addictively refreshing.

Furthermore, who could resist a great rags to riches success story? Witnessing the blood, sweat and tears that newcomers goes through in their struggles to emerge victorious endears us all the more to root for and be inspired by them. It is no wonder that audiences worldwide are enthralled by reality competitions, charting the rise of undiscovered talents by the likes of breakthrough pop idols, budding chefs, aspiring dancers, and next top models, amongst other professions. But perhaps the best form of flattery comes via prestigious awards such as Best Newcomer, Best New Artist, or Breakout Performance, annually conferred by the best of the best, such as the Grammy Awards, Golden Horse Awards, Hong Kong Film Awards and even our local Star Awards, in recognition and celebration of standout achievements by our next generation of talents.

Hoping to outshine the competition, 20 year old Manhunt Singapore 2013 finalist Jason Tan, who towers at 1.86m, is already turning heads with his boyish charms, idol good looks, flawless complexion and 75kg Adonis physique. Having made his head start in the modelling scene early this year, the ambitious, up-and-coming model cites Sean O'Pry and Godfrey Gao as his personal inspirations.

O'Pry, an American male model who was scouted when he was 17 years old from his prom photos on MySpace by Runway Magazine fashion director Nolé Marin, was the face of Calvin Klein for several seasons, GQ's Man of the Season in 2007 and Forbes' World's Most Successful Male Model in 2009. He has also been featured in numerous advertising campaigns, editorials and runway shows for renowned brands including Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, H&M, Emporio Armani, DKNY, Yves Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Michael Kors, and Hermès.

On the other hand, Jason's other idol, Taiwanese-Canadian model and actor Godfrey had been playing basketball at Vancouver's Capilano University, and harbouring hopes of becoming a professional basketball player, when he was spotted by a talent agent on one of his summer trips home to Taiwan. Following his Mum's advice, Godfrey decided that this opportunity for acting only comes knocking once, hence he decided he had to take it, and so began his road to stardom. Since then, his impressive portfolio has expanded significantly, being the first Asian male to star in Louis Vuitton ad campaigns, the spokesperson of SK-II Men skin care products, Taiwanese idol drama leading man and now, newest Hollywood breakout star of “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones"!

Dazzled by the illustrious careers of his two idols, Jason too aspires to make a name for himself in the world of fashion and modelling. Like Godfrey, Jason may be reserved and shy during interviews, but make no mistake, still waters do run deep. Despite being relatively new to the industry, this Diploma in Business Process and System Engineering student from Temasek Polytechnic strongly believes that his tender age will prove to be an advantage to him, as being the greenhorn amongst veterans would only drive his desire to learn and explore more, paving his way to bigger and more opportunities ahead.

Already making head waves in the Manhunt Singapore competition this year, Jason's ascension onto the pageantry stage could very well be the launching pad that would propel this rookie towards becoming the very next king of the catwalk and the handsome face that launches a thousand magazine covers.