ONE'S an undergraduate from the University of Zagreb in Croatia. Another's a British national who's here on holiday.

They were among the 250 girls at the final auditions of The New Paper New Face 2007 contest at MotorImage yesterday.

The girls had been shortlisted from 1,200 hopefuls.

After two rounds of auditions yesterday, it was down to the top 24 (above) who will compete for the crown come 11 Oct.

Ms Isabel Grave, 19, who's of British and Indian parentage, arrived early for the audition. The British national said she visits Singapore every year for holiday.

"It's beautiful here, the people are lovely," said Isabel, who arrived here just two days ago.

From the bevy of beauties, one girl's ash-coloured hair caught The New Paper's attention.

Ms Adeline Kong, 23, admitted that she felt "nervous because of her difference
in hair colour".

The undergrad from the University of Zagreb in Croatia said: "I'll like to think that the judges look at me positively."

Last year's finalists Ms Peggy Chang, 22, and Ms Emileen Lim, 20, helped prepare the girls.

The girls were asked to step forward individually and strike a pose, before standing back to their original spots.

The six judges are: Ms Maureen Wee, chairman of The New Paper New Face 2007 committee, Mr Glenn Tan from MotorImage (Subaru), Mr Jonathan Choo and Mr Yeoh Wee Teck from The New Paper, show producer Mr Daniel Boey and and Mr Geoff Tan from SPH Marketing.

Mr Yeoh said: "Last year's top 20 were very obvious. This year was painful because there were many girls we had to let go of.

"There were 40 girls for 20 slots and we had to eliminate some really good girls. I hope they?ll take part again next year."

One girl who made it to the finals was Ms Kamsin Kanwar, 20. She credits mum, a former model in India, for helping her shine.

"She coaches me in catwalks and gives me lessons in deportment," said the mass communications student from MDIS.

"This is a whole new experience for me."