American supermodel Tyra Banks is in Singapore to promote a new TV series, "Asia's Next Top Model".

The reality TV show is an Asian version of the popular series "America's Next Top Model".

On Sunday, she held a press conference at Resorts World Sentosa.

About 40 members of the media from Singapore and around Asia were in attendance.

Asked about her take on Asian models, Banks noted the current trend of putting Asian models on the cover of magazines, a movement, which she says, "should be a staple".

The creator of the popular reality series broadcast around the globe also eschews the term "plus-sized" - used to describe curvier women, for the term "fiercely real", which she prefers.

Calling herself a curvy woman in the fashion industry, Banks says she is always striving through the show, to "expand the definition of beauty", and show how women can be different but still beautiful in their own way.

The 13-episode series of Asia's Next Top Model is expected to be broadcast from late 2012.

Besides discovering fresh new Asian modelling talent, the show will also be a platform to recognise the array of Asian talents in the fashion, beauty and creative industries.

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