What began as a simple act of support for her daughter turned into an unexpected career comeback for 50-year-old Sun Ting, who secured a modelling contract after attending an open casting call in Singapore.
Newsonspot gathered that Sun had accompanied her 15-year-old daughter, Anya, to an audition organized by Basic Models Management, a local modelling agency. The surprising turn of events was captured on camera and featured in an episode of the agency’s Making of a Model series uploaded on YouTube on June 10.
During her audition, Anya, a Singapore Permanent Resident and French citizen through her father, revealed to the judges that her mother had previously worked as a model. The revelation immediately sparked the judges’ interest.
Outside the audition room, Sun shared her thoughts with the camera, expressing both excitement and nervousness for her daughter.
“I’m a little bit nervous and excited for my daughter. I’ve been modelling since I was young, so it’s like she followed my passion,” she said.
After learning that Sun was present at the venue and had a modelling background, the judges invited her to audition as well.
Although she admitted she had not walked a runway in years and felt unprepared, Sun accepted the challenge and confidently performed a catwalk before the panel. The judges were impressed by her appearance, poise, and confidence.
Speaking during the audition, Sun revealed that she had modelled professionally in China for about four to five years before eventually leaving the industry to pursue a more sustainable career path.
Recognizing her potential, the judges encouraged her to participate in a series of test shots and informed her that the modelling industry had evolved significantly over the years.
Reflecting on the experience afterward, Sun described the moment as dramatic and completely unexpected.
“I didn’t expect to be called in to walk the runway after so many years. I only came to support my daughter and help build her confidence,” she said.
According to Bonita Ma, Head Booker at Basic Models Management, Sun impressed the agency enough to be signed immediately after the audition.
Ma explained that Sun stood out because of her grace, confidence, strong physique, and ability to execute the catwalk effectively.
While Sun secured a contract, her daughter Anya was not signed due to scheduling challenges related to her academic commitments.
Ma noted that the modelling industry is witnessing a growing demand for mature models, with more clients seeking older men and women for campaigns and fashion projects.
She added that recent fashion events in Europe and Hong Kong have increasingly featured older women on the runway, reflecting a broader shift toward age diversity within the industry.
“It would be great if we have someone from Singapore to represent us in this age group on the global modelling market,” Ma said.
Sun’s unexpected return to modelling highlights how opportunities can emerge when least expected, while also reflecting changing industry attitudes that increasingly celebrate beauty, confidence, and experience at every age.
