A ‘killer’ on the runway, Amber Chia hopes to be as impressive on the big screen. Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli has the details
With 19 years of modelling experience, Amber Chia can easily strike a pose or perform a killer catwalk at the drop of a hat.
As for acting, however, she admits that her skills are a little rusty.
The 35-year-old, who started acting in 2005, says: “I still consider myself a newcomer.”
In 2008, Chia attended a three-month acting course at the acclaimed New York Film Academy.
She says there, she “got the basics down”, but wishes to attend more acting courses to better her skills.
Unfortunately for the beauty, she’s busy running her beauty and fashion school, the Amber Chia Academy in Petaling Jaya.
But she hopes to gain more experience from acting jobs.
“I believe acting itself is a great teacher,” says Chia.
So far, the model has starred in seven movies, which are mostly Chinese productions.
They include Possessed, Tears of the Mom and My Mr Right.
She finds acting refreshing because it is different from modelling.
“There’s a whole new set of skills you have to possess,” Amber says.
Her latest acting endeavour is a fantasy comedy, Pak Pong, slated for release on Thursday.
Starring Hairul Azreen, Siti Saleha, Fauzi Nawawi and Eizlan Yusof, it is about a dwarf who turns to black magic to become taller and handsome.
Chia, who plays an angel, says: “I always play the good girl. If there’s a chance, I’d like to take on an evil character next, which will allow me to explore my acting capabilities even more.
“Besides, when else can I pretend to be bad?”
Pak Pong is Chia’s second Malay film, with the first being Hantu Gangster in 2012.
“Before this, I’d always wanted to act in a Malay film, but my command of Bahasa Malaysia isn’t strong. Now, it’s improved because I’ve tried speaking more Malay.”
Chia has received offers to star in Chinese productions, but she hopes to act in more Malay films.
“I believe that we need more movies that promote the diverse cultures and races in Malaysia.”
Despite her keen interest in acting, Chia’s main passion is still modelling.
She is set to coach the contestants of Asia New Star Model: Face Of Malaysia model search, now in its fifth year.
The winner will represent Malaysia in the Asia New Star Model: Face Of Asia contest in June in South Korea.
Chia aims to continue her search for the next local supermodel, hoping that one day, the latter’s skills will be recognised internationally and make Malaysia proud.