StarWorld, FOX Network’s Group (FNG) Asia’s most established western general entertainment channel, announced today the addition of two new judges to the hit reality series Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM) as it returns for its fifth season in 2017.

Joining host Cindy Bishop and creative director Yu Tsai on the modelling competition’s cast of fashion VIPs are model mentor Cara Grogan and special guest Pia Wurtzbach, both highly experienced professionals of the fashion industry who are ready to guide this season’s hopefuls through challenges that will test and hone their skills.

Hong Kong-based Cara brings significant experience to AsNTM Season 5, walking runways for exclusive brands such as Dior and Max Mara, and starring in numerous commercials, print ads and fashion editorials, and featuring in covers for renowned magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire. She started her modelling career at 17 and fully committed to her career when was 22, going on to host shows on Channel V and the National Geographic Channel as well as making global appearances and working internationally. She continues to further her career in acting and television while embracing a vibrant lifestyle that includes yoga, surfing, riding her motorbike and many other outdoor activities.

Pia’s presence on AsNTM Season 5 also adds a touch of glamour to the series, having recently become the 64th Miss Universe and the third Filipina to take on the title. She has garnered a wealth of on-cam experience since she started commercial modelling at age 11, but developed her skills in the fashion industry by working from the ground up as a stylist and writer for the lifestyle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. After three years of training for Miss Universe, Pia finally won the title and has since become an in-demand authority on beauty and fashion, besides being a staunch advocate for HIV/AIDS education and prevention.No one is more suited to teaching AsNTM Season 5’s aspiring models what the camera looks for than returning judge Yu Tsai, a celebrity and fashion photographer who has shot covers around the world for international magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, GQ and Sports Illustrated. Having photographed celebrities including Leonardo Dicaprio, Jessica Chastain and Bruce Willis, he has also done shoots for iconic brands such as Apple, Guess and Coca-Cola, and appeared in America’s Next Top Model cycles 20 to 22.

Cindy is also returning to host AsNTM this season after her highly successful debut on the show, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the modelling and entertainment industry. She was the face of prominent global brands and is one of the most sought-after hosts in the region for both live events and television. The former Miss Thailand World has been lauded for her acting as well, bagging a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2005 Suphanahong Awards in Thailand.

These four fashion industry professionals round out the panel of judges on AsNTM Season 5, which is another original production by FNG based on international supermodel Tyra Banks’ successful ‘Top Model’ franchise. The series features aspiring models who compete through elimination challenges that test their will and modelling instincts to become the next big thing in fashion. Guided by Cindy, Yu Tsai, Cara and Pia throughout the competition, the models go on a journey of self-actualization that also gives viewers a fascinating glimpse into the glamorous yet high-stakes world of fashion.

Sam Gollestani, Executive Producer of Entertainment, Content and Communications at FNG, said, “We’re extremely proud to have fashion industry heavyweights Cindy Bishop and Yu Tsai on Asia’s Next Top Model again, and very excited about the energy that renowned model Cara Grogan and reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will bring to the show. This set of old and new faces is sure to produce an exciting mix onscreen that will keep viewers tuned in week after week. Our contestants on Season 5 now have the best professionals in the fashion industry guiding them on this momentous journey, and we’re ready for their stories to unfold before Star World’s viewers. We see the fifth season pushing the envelope for the AsNTM franchise, and audiences will learn to expect the unexpected.”