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Malaysia might be a small dot on the map, but don’t let its size fool you! Our beloved home country is actually packed with talent that’s made waves far beyond our shores. From singers topping charts overseas to actors, creators, and personalities building global careers, these Malaysians have quietly (and sometimes loudly) taken the world by storm. You’ve probably seen them, heard them, maybe even followed their work without realising one thing, they actually come from Malaysia! Think you know everyone, scroll down to go through the list!
1. James Wan
Don't know who James Wan is? James Wan is a Malaysian-born filmmaker known for creating major Hollywood horror franchises like Saw and The Conjuring, later expanding into blockbuster directing, showcasing Malaysia’s global creative talent worldwide recognition and influence!
2. Henry Golding
The name Henry Golding may not sound familiar to you, but when I speak about Crazy Rich Asian, could you recall who he is? Henry Golding is a Malaysian-born British actor and television host known for Crazy Rich Asians and travel shows, who began his career in Malaysia before gaining international recognition in Hollywood films industry!
3. Michelle Yeoh
Well well, Michelle speaks for her own, and if you do not know who she is and have no idea that she's from Malaysia, you might want to reflect on yourself! Michelle Yeoh, a Malaysian-born internationally acclaimed actress known for action and drama roles in Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood, winning an Academy Award and representing Malaysia on global stage prominence success. Michelle Yeoh won the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 95th Oscars for her lead role as Evelyn Wang in the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once, made her the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award in this category!
4. Ronny Chieng
As a Malaysian-born comedian and actor, Ronny is best known for The Daily Show, stand-up comedy, and international performances highlighting his Malaysian background and sharp observational humor across global entertainment industry scene. Go search his reels out on Instagram and you will find tonnes of laughter there!
5. Nigel Ng
Nigel Ng, you may not know who he is by this name, but he goes by his famous “Uncle Roger” character on Youtube, gaining global fame through viral comedy videos and commentary on Asian cooking culture and digital media influence globally. Fun fact, he is a Malaysian and has his famous Uncle Roger Fried Rice Restaurants open around famous destinations in Malaysia!
6. Michael Wong
Michael Wong is a Malaysian-born singer and actor who achieved major popularity in Taiwan and Greater China, known for heartfelt Mandopop ballads and cross-regional entertainment success widely respected across Asia music industry. If you think you don't know him by the name, you might think twice if I'd told you his famous piece was 【 Fairy Tale 童话Tong Hua 】!
7. Fish Leong
Fish Leong, also a Malaysian-born Mandopop singer famous across Asia for emotional love songs and ballads, building a successful music career primarily in Taiwan and the Chinese-speaking world lasting cultural impact music. In case you couldn't recall, her famous songs include "勇氣" (Courage), "可惜不是你" (Unfortunately Not You), "分手快樂" (Happy Breakup), "會呼吸的痛" (The Pain of Breathing), and "情歌" (Love Song)!
8. Mimi Chu
Who here grew up watching TVB and Hong Kong Movies? If you're a big fan of Hong Kong TV series and movies, you will never forget Mimi chu! But, do you know that she's actually a Ipoh-born veteran actress and comedian who built a long-standing career in Hong Kong entertainment industry!
9. Angelica Lee
Angelica Lee, also known as Lee Sinje, is actually a Malaysian film actress and pop singer. She started her career in singing and later moved on to acting in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. She was especially known for award-winning horror and drama performances across Asian film industry strong regional influence legacy!
10. Angie Cheong
Angie Cheong is a Malaysian-born actress and former Miss Malaysia who built a successful acting career in Hong Kong television dramas and films, becoming a familiar face in TVB productions industry icon.
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