KUCHING: Sarawak-born model, Tristhan Luke, has made his mark on the regional fashion scene after securing multiple accolades at The Catwalk Master Asia 2026, positioning himself as one of Malaysia’s emerging faces in the Asian modelling industry.
Representing Malaysia at the competition, Tristhan achieved a strong showing by winning the ‘Slaywalker Empire Ambassador’ title, alongside awards for ‘Best Model Walk’, ‘Best in Formal Wear’ and ‘Best in Introduction’, reflecting his versatility and stage presence on the international runway.
Beyond competition results, Tristhan drew attention for incorporating elements of Sarawak’s cultural heritage into his presentation.
He appeared on stage wearing the ‘pua kumbu’, a traditional woven textile of the Iban community, complemented by Sarawak paper beads, highlighting indigenous identity within a contemporary fashion setting.
“Wearing my heritage isn’t just about style; it’s about carrying the stories of my ancestors onto the global stage,” he said.
Apart from modelling, Tristhan is actively involved in the regional fashion and pageant industry, and currently serves as manager of Borneo’s Finest Event Management, where he oversees talent development and event production, and is also the event manager for Mrs of Malaysia Borneo, contributing to the growth of pageantry platforms in the region.
Looking ahead, he plans to launch a modelling competition franchise in Kuching by the end of 2026, aimed at nurturing aspiring models from Sarawak and Sabah.
The initiative is intended to provide greater exposure and professional opportunities for East Malaysian talent seeking entry into the wider Asian fashion industry.
Tristhan said he hopes his journey will encourage more young Sarawakians to embrace their cultural roots while pursuing careers on international platforms, demonstrating that local identity can stand confidently on the global stage.
