The Masters of the World 2025 pageant in Petaling Jaya has challenged stereotypes of masculinity, celebrating men of all ages who balance achievement, fitness and family values. Winner Datuk Dr Terence Yeok Kian Tea, 57, exemplifies the modern man who inspires others to embrace personal growth, resilience and purpose at every stage of life.
Celebrating men of purpose
WE are long familiar with women’s beauty pageants, and, to some extent, pageants for young men. However, it is interesting to note that perceptions of men’s pageants are beginning to change.
Few realise that men – whether very young, in middle age, or approaching their senior years – go through life phases that shape who they become. They experience moments of love and joy, as well as emotional struggles, competition for survival, failures, and the constant challenge of climbing the ladder of success.
It was therefore refreshing to discover a pageant that caters to men of all ages. Organised by Beam Artistes Pte Ltd, the event, held in October 2025 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, marked a meaningful shift in perspective.
Sixteen delegates from twelve countries, representing Asia, Europe and Africa, participated in the pageant, which was divided into two categories: Masters and Elite.
Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Taiwan, South Africa, Greece and Croatia were among the countries represented at the prestigious Starlight Arena @ Plaza 51 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on October 20, 2025.
Spotlight on Terence Yeok Kian Tea
In this interview with a winner of the Masters of the World pageant – Elite Category, I was genuinely amazed to discover that he is not only a titleholder but also a devoted family man with a wife and children. Datuk Dr Terence Yeok Kian Tea, 57, from Singapore, exemplifies the modern man who balances personal achievement with family values.
A decorated entrepreneur and pioneer in the aesthetic medicine industry, Terence has earned numerous company-wide awards and individual accolades. He was crowned Mr World Singapore 2024 (Senior) and later sashed as Masters of the World Singapore 2025, making him the first official representative of the inaugural Masters of the World pageant.
With his chiselled abs, bulging biceps and youthful appearance, one might easily assume he works in the fitness industry. In reality, Terence is the Executive Chairman of several public-listed and investment holding companies.
So, what inspired him to compete at 57?
According to Terence, joining a pageant was never part of his plan. However, after being approached by pageant organiser Samuel Seow at a gym, he decided to give it a try. Winning at the national level opened his eyes to the deeper purpose of male pageantry.
“At the competition, I was inspired by the stories and compassion behind each contestant,” he shared. “Everyone has their own challenges and triumphs.”
Having experienced failure himself, Terence felt a strong desire to inspire his peers and younger generations to understand that overcoming challenges ultimately makes us stronger. This belief became his driving force for joining the Masters of the World pageant.
Was there a defining moment that made him say, ‘This is the right time’?
“As men at this age, we have all gone through life experiences that give us moments to shine,” he said. “I strongly believe life is short. There is no ‘right time’- the time is now.”
He explained that his current focus is on personal growth. While challenges and opportunities never stop, growth remains essential at every stage of life. Participating in the pageant allowed him to simply be himself.
Addressing his professional background in aesthetics, Terence clarified: “My doctorate is not in medicine but leans more toward business. While I do own a successful chain of aesthetic clinics, I believe beauty is a broad term. Knowing yourself deeply and allowing your inner light to shine makes decisions easier.”
On ageing gracefully, he emphasised the importance of mindset: “Ageing gracefully is a wide spectrum. It is not just about face value; it is also about the things we do to live a happy and contented life.”
When asked what he hopes people understand about masculinity and beauty today, Terence replied: “Understanding yourself is key. I agree with the saying ‘be the best version of yourself.’ When your inner light shines, it guides your path.”
For men over 50, his message is clear: “As we mature, our focus should be on living a healthy, well-balanced life and maintaining strong family values. Health and harmony lead to lasting prosperity.”
Lastly, has winning the title changed his life?
“Personally, nothing much has changed,” he said humbly. “I am still me. But I am proud to be an example to my children—to show them that you should never give up on your dreams, because one day they may come true when you least expect it.”
Winners of the Elite Category:
Winner: Datuk Dr Terence Yeok Kian Tea, 57, Aesthetic Medicine Pioneer, Singapore
First Runner-Up: Lee Chee Kiong, 56, Invention Teacher, Sabah, Malaysia
Second Runner-Up: Yu Cheng Chao, 71, Professor and Business Entrepreneur, Taiwan
Other Elite Category Delegates
Spiros Spinoulas, 37, Model, Greece
Anil Paswan (Neil), 46, Model, India
Prince Jefrey O. Hernandez, 39, Aesthetic Business Entrepreneur, Philippines
Hector Soria Martinez, 38, Police Trainee, Spain
