It was a momentous occasion here at The Next 2018 Grand Final in
Sunway Pyramid on Sunday as Tan Hang Jung was officially crowned ‘The Next 2018’ Grand Winner, bringing the extensive search for Malaysia’s next big social influencer to a fabulous conclusion.
Open to individuals from all walks of life, 25 of the best candidates out of the 100 participants were shortlisted by a panel of judges and supporting partners to join ‘The Next Campaign’. Over the course of 40 days, the shortlisted finalists underwent a series of workshops that taught the basic foundations of being an influencer, like– industry-exclusive trade secrets in self-grooming, photography, social media management skills and content creation, among many others. On top of that, the finalists each ran individual campaigns over the 40 day period in a neck-to-neck competition to see who could garner the most engagement and cast the most influence.
After 40 days since his journey to stardom began, 27-year-old Tan Hang Jung, who is an avid photographer, emerged as the undisputed champion of The Next 2018– also bagging an award for the ‘Best Fashion’ category in the process. “My wish as an opinion leader is to promote goodwill, brands and accurately deliver product messages to the public through my photography”, said Tan in his acceptance speech. The budding star took home prizes worth RM16,000 sponsored by brands.
The eventful grand final also saw Low Sok Ying being awarded with the Best Beauty Award, Crystal Gan with the Best Content Award, Alvin See with the Best Photography Award, Ng Wing Keh with the Best Engagement Award, and Apple Chua with the Popularity Award.
On top of the droves of attendees, The Next 2018 saw the attendance of Deputy Secretary-General (Management) of the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture Malaysia YBhg Dato’ Yean Yoke Heng, as well as prominent influencers from Thailand: Pimtha and Boom. During his keynote address, YBhg Dato’ Yean Yoke Heng spoke of the ‘importance of digital key opinion leaders in bridging the gap
between Malaysia and other countries in the ASEAN region’.