With a poised yet captivating presence, rising young model Nur Qamarina Syafira Syaiful Azrie — the 2024 I Am Model Search (IAMS) International grand winner — stole the spotlight at the recent Kuching Street Parade 2025, organised by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU).
The 16-year-old charmed the crowd with a confident smile as she carried the Sarawak Muaythai Association 2014 placard, drawing cheers and capturing the attention of cameras along the parade route.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch whenever Syafira appeared, with applause and shouts echoing through the streets, making the contingent one of the parade’s most memorable highlights.
“This is my first time taking part in the Kuching Street Parade, and I’m truly honoured to represent the Sarawak Muaythai Association.
“InsyaAllah, this is just the beginning, and I hope our future appearances will be even stronger,” said Syafira with infectious enthusiasm.
Off the runway, this Form 4 student swaps heels for gloves, putting in hours of Muaythai training each week — drilling techniques, combinations, and sparring sessions that keep her sharp and confident.
“Muaythai teaches me discipline, focus, and resilience — qualities I also apply in modelling and school,” she said.
The rigorous training keeps her fit and agile, while building confidence that translates to her poise on the runway.
Despite her busy schedule juggling school, modelling, and martial arts, Syafira remains committed to both disciplines.
Winning the IAMS International 2024 title was a pivotal moment for her, opening doors to fashion opportunities while reinforcing her belief in hard work and perseverance.
“Balancing sports and modelling isn’t easy, but I’ve learnt that passion and organisation make it possible,” she explained.
The parade, held as part of the Kuching Festival 2025 celebrations, carries the theme “Parade of Lights”.
Participants included government and private agencies, non-governmental organisations, community associations, neighbourhood groups, and institutions of higher learning.
Each brought unique presentations of lights, music, dances, and colourful costumes, reflecting Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity and adding a festive vibrancy to the streets.
This year’s parade showcased 52 contingents, including Muaythai clubs such as Muaythai Kenyalang, Kenyalang Sting Muaythai and Muaythai Phoenix Sadong Jaya, with national coach Azan Putra Nazri (Ajan Putra) and other expert instructors adding an electrifying dimension to the event. Their involvement highlighted the sport’s athleticism and growing popularity in Sarawak.
The parade route was alive with colour, music, and energy. Neon lights flickered over the crowds as vibrant floats rolled by, accompanied by live bands and traditional performances.
Families, students, and tourists lined the streets, cameras in hand, cheering for their favourite contingents. The atmosphere was a blend of celebration, community pride, and youthful excitement.
For the Muaythai contingent, Syafira’s presence added glamour and youth appeal, inspiring onlookers and fellow athletes alike.
“It’s amazing to see so many young people involved in sports and arts. It shows that with passion and commitment, you can balance your interests and still shine,” she added.
The event also crowned champions across various categories: Legend of Light – The Glorious 40s took the top prize in the open category for private and non-governmental organisations, while the Sarawak Land and Survey Department was named champion in the government agencies category.
Sarawak Skills emerged victorious in the open category for community associations, neighbourhood groups and public/private higher learning institutions.
Winners in the vehicle categories included the Brotherhood Community Club for bicycles, MYUS Autotech Sdn Bhd for motorcycles, and the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) for cars and other vehicles.
All champions received RM5,000 in cash prizes, adding extra sparkle to an already dazzling night.
