Models in Singapore are living the enviable live of partying with the rich and powerful, riding in flashy cars, splurging on designer labels and being paid in the thousands - all just for looking good.

But it's not just the income from their modelling assignments that are financing these lavish lifestyles - these models also moonlight as social escorts.

Her World quotes Germaine Lim, a freelance journalist and writer of five books on the local sex trade, "It's a good business strategy. Men like the thrill of going out with models. It elevates and satisfies their egs," on why escort agencies choose to target models. "There's a constant turnover in the escort business and the mindset is 'the younger (the escort), the better."

Escort agencies also told Her World they like working with models as they come ready-made with good looks, figures and professional work ethics.

22-year-old Sandy*, was "discovered" after an escort agent stumbled upon her profile on an online social networking site and liked her sweet girl-next-door look.

The fresh O Level graduate seized the opportunity of fast cash, as "the money was too much of a temptation."

Her story mirrors that of many other escorts, who were spotted by agents who regularly surf social networking sites like Facebook and Friendster. These agents also zero in on title-holders, approaching beauty pageant and race queen contestants.

According to Prince Wong, owner of Singapore Escort Services, model-escorts at his agency can earn anywhere from $1,500 to $12,000 an hour, double the rates for ordinary escorts. A good-quality model-escort can easily take home a five-figure sum per month.

Compared to the income from modelling assignments - the market rate for a full-day editorial modelling assignment is $400 while the rate for a one-day commercial shoot is close to $3000 - it's no wonder the lure of being a social escort is strong.

But agencies contend they do not promote sexual services and what goes on between the escort and client is beyond their control. However, models say it is common industry knowledge that social escorts will be required to provide sexual services.

28-year-old Kelly*, a former Miss Singapore Universe contestant and freelance model, was approached earlier this year by an escort agent. "I was interested because it sounded like purely an escort service and it offered better money than modelling," said the experienced model. However, she changed her mind when the agent asked if she would be willing to give blowjobs and have sex without using condoms.

Sandy said: "It's fast money. I just can't say no."

But she keeps her moonlighting job a secret from most people apart from her close girlfriends as she believes not many can accept her line of work.

*Not their real names
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