Searching for a bright spark
Viewers can expect more diverse contestants and tougher challenges in Clever Girl’s new season, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
(From left) Hani, Sara, Ika, Visha, Shazana, Alia and Kiera.
THE first season of TV3’s reality show had contestants who were mostly from a legal background. The second season, however, is more diverse. Two are models, one is an Oxford University graduate and there’s even a geoscientist. However, it’s not every day that viewers get to know a woman who navigates an oil tanker.
“I’m an operations executive and I transfer crude oil from one port to another,” said Aliasuraiya Mohd Isa from Melaka, before adding: “It may sound like a man’s job, but I’m here to prove that women are just as capable.”
Fondly known as Alia, the 25-year-old is currently undergoing her diploma in nautical studies at the Malaysia Maritime Academy in Melaka, having followed in her older brother’s footsteps.
“I’m a bit of a tomboy. It was my mother’s idea to join since she wanted me to be all dolled up,” she revealed with a laugh.
Alia is one of the 14 contestants of the reality competition, hosted by Alif Satar, which seeks to unearth Malaysia’s brightest and smartest girl.
“Joining is more of a personal challenge. Besides testing my knowledge skills, I hope to showcase a different side of myself,” said Alia.
Also aiming to challenge herself is Hani Nazrina Hanizar, 21, from Perlis, who started an acting career in January through a supporting role in the TV3 series
“Acting and are two different interests. I aim to inspire people by proving that I’m good at both — that I have the knowledge as well as the talent,” said Hani.
(From left) Camy, Fadila, Ain, Mas, Shaza, Emyllia and Iylia.
The actuarial science graduate had actually auditioned for Season 1 and made it to the Top 28 group. With her acting experience, she was confident enough to try out for Season 2.
Hani believes that is a vehicle for her to showcase her capability, which will be helpful to her acting career.
However, having appeared on television means that she’d be more prone to netizens’ comments. “But I’m not too worried because everyone makes mistakes. At least I can say that I’ve tried. I don’t know how far I can go,” said the rookie actress, who had been in three other productions so far.
Like Hani, Visha is one of the youngest contestants. The 22-year-old doesn’t see that as a disadvantage though.
“Age doesn’t determine your maturity nor intellect. In fact, I consider it a plus since I’m still fresh from school,” said the law student, who is currently on her semester break.
She added: “I think what will propel you forward is how you handle the pressure.”
The Johorean, whose full name is Vishebannu Krishnan, was also pushed to join
by her mother.
“She had wanted me to join the first season, but I’m camera-shy and I had too much going on at the time.
“When auditions for Season 2 were announced though, she dragged me there,” she explained, laughing, before adding: “I can’t believe I made it this far.”
Meanwhile, the remaining contestants are Sara Amelia Muhammad Bernard (Sara, 24, Perak); Noor Syakirah Mohd Azam (Kiera, 27, Penang); Nur Iylia Badaruddin (Iylia, 27, Kedah); Fadila Zukaira Mohd Nor (Fadila, 24, Negri Sembilan); Mas SyahmiIzzah Izhar (Mas, 24, Kuala Lumpur); Nurul Shazalina Zainudin (Shaza, 30, Kelantan); Nurul Ain Aziz (Ain, 27, Pahang); Nur Emyllia Halmi (Emyllia, 28, Terengganu); Syafiqah Ishak (Ika, 30, Sabah); Shazana Kamaruzaman (Shazana, 24, Selangor); and Camellia Onn (Camy, 28, Sarawak).
The winner will take home the champion title and RM100,000.