Malaysia is a beautiful country which produces many talents and most of them gained their fame in overseas and bring pride to the country. It is undeniable that Malaysia is not an entertainment hub that can make someone popular and to be recognized internationally. Look at the local artistes, they are only known within this region and beyond the boundary, they are no one. Lets look further, in America, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, England and China, the artistes there gain their fame and popularity without going abroad. These countries are the hubs of entertainment. Local production and music are not given much emphasis and support by both government and public. Malaysians tend to support international artistes especially when K-Pop wave is spreading across the world. Many Malaysian talents were able to make it through by securing their career in international market and only after that, Malaysians become their fan. Examples of talented Malaysians are:
Michelle Yeoh- Born in Ipoh, attended my alma mater (St Michael) and acted in many Hollywood films, the most famous James Bond. She is conservative cum talented and became the only female partner of James Bond who did not have sexual scene with the male actor. Thumbs up for that. =D. She was given the Datukship by the royalties and became the spotlight for both Western and Eastern.
Nicholas Zhang- A Sarawakian and won the Astro Chinese Singing Competition years ago. He made his way to Taiwan and built his singing and acting career in that island. His songs became famous and he acted in a few drama series. His popularity and fame are equal to any of the Taiwanese singers and actors.
Gary Chaw- A Sarawakian and he first traveled to Hong Kong with MYR300 in hope to become a singer. His voice is melodious but the producers told him that he had no look so turned him down. Gary was stranded in Hong Kong when he found a stranded cat. He felt the cate had the same fate as he did so he adopted it and wrote a song Only You In the World. This song made him famous. Gary is still famous and he is married and has a son.
Fish Leong- Originated from Bahau, Fish Leong lived in rural area and she has beautiful voice too. She is a cousin of Z Chen and close friend of Gary Chaw. When she was not popular, she sang Chinese New Year Song together with Guang Liang and Pin Guan. She also went over to Taiwan and sang many love songs, gaining her reputation as the Queen of Love Songs. She is now married but still continue to sing.
Guang Liang (Michael)- Michael is also from Ipoh and he attended Sam Tet High School. When he first made it to the world of music, he was in duo with Pin Guan. Later the duo separated and went separate ways. Michael became famous for his solo performance and one of the songs that made his fans crazy was Fairytale (Tong Hua). Michael resides in Taiwan.
Pin Guan- Born in Selangor, Pin Guan was once with Michael as a duo but after the lads went separate ways, Pin Guan was rather low-profile compared to Michael. However, his melodious voice and his decent look are not forgotten. Despite not so active in releasing albums, he attended many Taiwanese programmes and guess what, his fans still cheer like in the olden days.
Penny Tai- As a Johorean as she is, she was one of the earliest Malaysians making their way to Taiwan. She is a singer and a songwriter. She is a very talented woman and is currently residing in Taiwan. She used to produce a lot of songs which she wrote on her own but lately, she is kinda low-profile.
Z Chen- Z Chen is a cousin of Fish Leong and also made his way to Taiwan. His songs are famous too to the extend that many candidates for singing audition in Taiwan used his songs for the audition. He is kinda low profile now after his glory days have passed. He did not release his albums for years and his fame gradually fades. Z Chen, do something to gain back your popularity =DD
Lee Xin Jie- Born in Kedah, this pretty lady is well-loved and she is famous for her acting. Although she sings, her act is more prevailed. Angelica Lee or Lee Xin Jie became famous when she acted in The Eye, a horror ghost movie by the Pang brothers in Hong Kong where she was the lead actress. She is now married to one of the Pang brothers and a co-ambassador for SKII together with Tang Wei (Lust Caution) and Qi Qi (International Model).
Ah Niu- Ah Niu is a singer, actor, composer and director in Malaysia. he is well-known by the locals and Singaporeans. He used to study in Chung Ling High School, Butterworth, Penang and later went to Inti College, KL. His popularity increased when Richie Jen sung his song Dui Mien De Nu Hai Kan Guo Lai in the movie with Sammy Cheng. His popularity spreads to China. Rumour has it that he used to have a crush on Lee Xin Jie.
Wu Qi Xian(Eric Moo)- Eric Moo was a Perakean, born in Kampar and gained fame in Taiwan when he also sang many lovely songs. He is now residing in Taiwan with his Taiwanese wife and focuses on China market. He was one of the judges in a Taiwanese singing competition.
Jimmy Choo- Perhaps one of the most successful Malaysians out there. Jimmy Choo is no stranger to anyone. He was born in Penang to a family of shoemakers of Hakka descents. Jimmy is now based in London and his shoes are of one and only one. Jimmy's shoes are worn by many Hollywood stars including Tom Cruise and his wife. The wife of Prince William, Kate Middleton also wore Jimmy's shoes on her wedding. Even Victoria Beckham wants to wear only Jimmy Choo's shoes =D
Amber Chia- An Ipoh lenglui (beauty)...Born in Ipoh but was raised in Tawau, Sabah...Amber Chia is an international model, known for her pouty lips. An exception to her, her career is based in Malaysia and she survives. She is an ambassador for Pensonic and is married to her manager with a son now. She had performed catwalks in international fashion shows.
Mimi Chu (朱咪咪)- For TVB lovers, she aint stranger, right? Yeah, most of u might not know, Mimi Chu is actually a Malaysian. Born in Ipoh, her alma mater is SMJK Yuk Choy. She is an actress of TVB and starred in many movies and dramas. Most of them are comedies. Love her...=D She is residing in Hong Kong.
Andrew Tan- Andrew is a singer and his voice is very powerful. I specifically love his Imperative with Bii and also Tian Hou. He joined many singing competition before and became an ambassador for Terimee. From a slim skinny guy, he became a hunk within 3 months. He is now like Whoa...
