2001 Manhunt Model Contest

The final round of the 2001 Xiameng World Manhunt Male Model Contest will be held at the end of September in Beijing's Poly Theatre. Male models from 48 countries and regions will arrive in Beijing to contest the championship, according to Beijing Review.

Alex Liu, an executive from the Singapore Independent Entertainment Co. and founder of the contest, said it had been his wish to hold the contest finals in China. He became even more confidant about the decision when Beijing succeeded in its bid to host the 2008 Olympics Games. He said, "China's opening up and reform attracted the attention and won respect of the world. Hosting international contests will prove its achievements."

An excellent representative of China's male fashion industry, Xiameng Fashion Co., Ltd. possesses one of the 10 best men's wear brands in China. It has beaten other international fashion brands to win the right to name the contest, and become the chief sponsor of the contest.

An official from the Cultural Market Development Center under the Ministry of Culture said, "Hosting a world-class model contest will show not only our financial power, but also our comprehensive strength. Meanwhile, it provides an opportunity for the world to know another aspect of China."

As Zhang Jian, a producer of the contest said, "The development of China's male models is closely related with the development of China's fashion industry. In 1998 and 1999, the prosperity of the male fashion market promoted the demand for male models and the expansion of the industry." Zhang thought the contest was a "win-win " for both China's male model and male fashion industries.

Founded in Singapore in 1987, the Manhunt World Male Model Contest was the world's only male model contest. Since being held at in Australia Gold Coast in 1993, it has grown into a real international contest. In 1995, models from 35 countries participated in the contest. An audience of 500 million in over 50 countries watched the annual televised event. In 1999, Chinese male model Hu Dong won the World's Top 10. In 2000, this award was won by Chinese model Liu Feng.






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