AFTER much drama and delay, the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Malaysia 2009 is finally back on track.

The reality show was officially launched yesterday and will now commence with a new line-up and concept.

Model Amber Chia, embroiled in recent contractual disputes and franchising issues, said: “Everything that happened, had happened. But I’ve become stronger now. I’m happy with the results and I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be an exciting show.”

The show, which will be in search for the first Malaysian Ford Supermodel for the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Competition in Brazil next year, will be aired online, with eight episodes starting from Nov 16. Viewers can watch the episodes as they unfold on www.fordsupermodel.tv.

“New episodes will be out every two to three days, in time for the grand finale in December. The show is made accessible worldwide over the Internet and the audience can watch it anytime, over and over again,” she said, adding that Star World (Astro Channel 711) will also screen the grand finale as a two-hour episode in mid- December.

For the show, Chia will be assisted by two resident judges — fashion guru Gillian Hung and photographer Azrul Kevin Abdullah. The show is hosted by Daphne Iking.

Chia said there are a lot of potential models in Malaysia but because some of them are not involved in the modelling industry they are not aware of their talent.

“This is why we come in — to discover their potential and to mould them into supermodels.” Chia said the supermodel search is different from beauty pageants, where the supermodel search aims to discover talents with distinctive characters, such as the likes of Ling Tan and Kate Moss.

“We have received 200 applications and we anticipate the figure to reach 300,” she said, adding that prospective models should come forward and audition.

Both female and male contestants between the ages of 16 to 25 are invited to participate in this competition by registering at http://www.fordmodels.com /smowapply.

There will also be a final walk-in registration this Saturday and Sunday at the Lot 10 Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The prizes for the top three female and male winners is valued at more than RM250,000.