In Malaysia’s growing fashion and creative scene, twin sisters Riona and Renee Lau are names that have slowly but surely been making the rounds. While you might spot them striking a pose together in campaigns or walking the runway with synchronised ease, there’s far more to these twins than matching genes and good lighting.
Beneath the polished images are two students navigating the same early adulthood maze many of their peers are in – figuring out what they want, trying a bit of everything, and doing their best to keep the balance.
Currently both in university, Riona and Renee are examples of what it means to be part of the “next gen”: not just in modelling, but in mindset. They’re carving their own paths, saying yes to unexpected opportunities, and viewing every new experience as a part of their personal growth. And yes, sometimes that includes turning down jobs because of looming final submissions.
Despite their blossoming presence in Malaysia’s modelling industry, they’re not rushing to cement a single identity just yet. In fact, they’re embracing the idea that your twenties are meant for exploration and that being a “next gen” anything isn’t about knowing exactly where you’re headed, but being excited about what’s possible.
Same same but different
As identical twins, Riona and Renee are often booked together for shoots and campaigns. “It’s a plus,” they agree, when asked if being twins gives them an edge. “We’re memorable,” they laugh. “People will go, ‘Oh, they’re twins!’” But while their looks may match, their personalities and personal aesthetics are distinctly different.
Renee describes herself as girly and demure, and that energy naturally carries through in her runway walk. Riona, on the other hand, is known for her confident, bossy strut on the catwalk – though she admits it doesn’t quite reflect who she is off the runway. In real life, she’s more goofy and lighthearted, hence feeling like she’s stepping into a character for the runway at times.
Their fashion influences also reflect their individuality. Renee dreams of walking for Chanel or Jacquemus, brands that echo her feminine, refined style, while Riona has her sights set on Louis Vuitton but has been told she’d be a perfect fit for Balenciaga’s bold, unconventional edge.
Their differences extend beyond fashion into their academic pursuits. Renee is studying architecture, while Riona began in computer science before transitioning to interactive spatial design – a field that merges theoretical foundations with creative technologies like smart automation and immersive experiences.
Though their studies follow different paths, there’s a shared undercurrent of structure, innovation, and design thinking, and they’ve even talked about building something together – though, as they candidly admit, “we haven’t really figured out what that would be yet.”
What they do know is that they want to be recognised not just for being twins, but for their individual strengths. “We don’t want to just be known as ‘the twin models’,” says Riona. “We hope people can eventually recognise us for our skills as well.”
Life beyond the spotlight
Although they’re best known for their modelling, it’s actually just one part of a much fuller picture. The Sarawakian-born twins are still students, juggling their degrees, creative projects, and downtime like any other 22-year-old.
When it comes to unwinding, Riona finds her reset in nature. She loves hiking and has even travelled to places like Indonesia and Nepal to explore the outdoors. Renee occasionally tags along on these hikes with her older sister, but shares that she also enjoys winding down with a drink or two, which she jokes is just ‘a family thing’.
On top of school and modelling, Riona also co-founded a student empowerment platform called Jom Boss, which connects students to freelance opportunities – from graphic design to modelling – based on her own experience juggling gigs while studying. The project began from a mini accelerator programme, and though the team didn’t win the final international prize, they made it to the semi-finals of the Startup World Cup – a milestone that speaks volumes about their ambition.
But despite their many undertakings, both sisters are aware of their limits. “Sometimes I just want to sleep,” Riona jokes, referencing a recent overload of freelance work, university deadlines, and model bookings. It’s an honest admission that being “next gen” doesn’t mean doing it all, but it’s about figuring out how much you can handle and being okay with hitting pause when needed.
The social media catch-up
In an industry where visibility can make or break opportunities, social media plays an undeniably crucial role. As new faces in the modelling world, both sisters are aware of how important it is to maintain an online presence, even if it doesn’t always come naturally. Their 2023 debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur marked a major milestone, but they know that staying visible beyond the runway is just as vital.
“We’re honestly not that active,” they admit, laughing. “But we’re trying.” While neither Riona nor Renee considers themselves content-driven by nature, they both acknowledge that staying visible online is a key part of being in the creative and fashion space today. Whether it’s posting behind-the-scenes moments from shoots or sharing snippets of their design work, they try to update as often as they can, learning to treat it as part of the job, rather than a performance.
For them, social media isn’t about chasing trends or crafting a persona, but more about staying connected and showing up, even if imperfectly. It’s another balancing act in the mix, but one they’re learning to navigate on their own terms.
There’s still room to grow
As their graduation dates loom closer, the twins are thinking about what’s next but without locking themselves into rigid definitions of success. For Renee, the dream is to eventually start her own architecture or interior design firm, inspired by her mother who runs a practice in Sarawak. “It’s either I bring her company here, or I start my own. But first, I want to gain experience, learn more.”
Riona, meanwhile, envisions growing Jom Boss into something bigger. Having already tapped into her network within the modelling and content creation world, she hopes to create a more expansive freelance ecosystem that supports young creatives. “It’s not just about modelling,” she says. “It’s about connecting students to opportunities, building portfolios, and making freelancing more accessible.”
Still, neither sister is setting anything in stone just yet. They’re open to wherever life takes them, be it more modelling, building their own brands, or working across disciplines. “We’re still figuring it out,” says Renee. “But I think that’s okay.”
And maybe that’s what being part of the Next Gen truly means – not having everything figured out, but being ready to take the leap anyway. Whether it’s on a runway, behind a lens, or designing the spaces of the future, Renee and Riona are walking their own path – together, yet distinct. Driven, creative, and always curious, they’re not just models for the next generation. They are the next generation.
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Photography by Imran Sulaiman.