100 Malaysians, 100 Milestones – LSA100 this year recognises the significant success and growth of our very own supermodel Amber Chia, who in her 25th year, continues to shine bright as a model and multi-hyphenate, and no one is going to stop her.
In the left corner, Amber Chia, as the supermodel, laser-focused on the camera lens with her signature smouldering eyes — her lips glistens in the same intensity as the glow on the Tiffany Hardware Graduated Link Necklace. On the right corner, Amber, as her goofy self, laughs out loud at the most awkward pose she displays on set.
Having been on numerous editorials and magazine covers, Amber is her own biggest critic. Even when you’d think that she has seen it all and done it all, she isn’t someone who gives you half-arse effort when it comes to ‘working’. On set, she takes every comment and suggestion constructively — from making fun of her crow’s feet to the perfect eye-on-the-prize winning shot in seconds. (snap, snap, snap)
Amber has been in a model for as long as I can remember. Her magnetic presence is something no one can dismiss – beyond her signature walk, her gaze and her luscious, voluminous lips. With Amber, she defines the epitome of grit and resilience with a never-say-die attitude that’s highly admirable. She isn’t shy to make mistakes, and constantly finding ways to improve herself day by day.
“Firstly, you have to love what you do, because you will not go far and achieve the results that you want if you don’t love what you do,” the supermodel opens. “I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, but even when you make mistakes, it is not just about failure but how I am able to pick up new things and experiences, as well as learning something.”
This year, she not only celebrates 25 years in the modelling world. She has also recently launched new beauty brand Shero Cosmetics and are making ripples with her eponymous modelling academy. We speak to Amber on her thoughts on how to stay relevant in the adversities of the modelling world and her personal experience as a Malaysian ‘supermodel’ through past and present (and future).
Walking Malaysia’s highest-altitude fashion runway atop KL Tower is an extraordinary achievement. What was going through your mind in that moment, and how did it feel to showcase the beauty of Hanfu in such a breathtaking setting?
Oh, that was about two months ago. I’m honoured to be part of the campaign and represent Malaysia for that. I think it’s really something new for me… something I’d say is a kind of challenge. I’ve been doing runway for 25 years. So, to be able to walk on the top of KL Tower was truly something significant for me.
Weren’t you afraid of heights?
Oh, many people asked if I have a fear for heights. Yes, I do! (laughs) It was scary especially when you look down but when you focus, it felt like another runway. When I focus, it felt to me like a new challenge, a new aura of new things that I’m doing. So it felt really good for me – to be able to unlock these achievements and learn something new every day.
That’s true… you learn something every day!
Yes, I’m grateful for all these new challenges. I love trying new things and I feel there’ll be new achievements for me to unlock.
Let’s talk about you being the first Asian female model to win an international model search competition two decade ago.
That’s so long ago! I won the title in 2003… and for over twenty years, I woke up feeling thankful for still being in the industry and do what I love. When I won the title, that was no doubt the turning point in my life. I finally have an achievement for myself after starting as a fresh model a few years back. But many people didn’t know that I actually tried out many smaller competitions and never won. That was my first ever win and it totally changed my life.
Since then, you’ve been setting records on iconic runways and continuously broken barriers in the modeling world. How has each of these milestones shaped your journey, and what drives you to keep pushing the limits?
In life, when you never try you never know. It proves that when you never give up, opportunities will be waiting for you one day. There will be different people who will appreciate you, your personality and your beauty.
I’m really, really lucky to be in the industry for a very long time. I got married in 2009 and had a son who’s now 14 – I really enjoyed motherhood. I started my modelling academy when I had my son. And then I went into the F&B industry a few years back before entering the beauty segment. But behind all these, there are so many challenges and setbacks that people don’t know.
Always believe in yourself that you can do many things. Behind every successful person or an achievement, there’s a story behind it. I always like taking up new challenges, learn something new and keep growing. And I think that drive has gotten me to where I am at today.
What does it feel like to be one of the few Malaysian models to have walked on global runways such as Victoria Beckham’s 2009 collection at New York Fashion Week?
Wah! That’s long-time history! Victoria Beckham happened in 2006. And I walked 11 shows for Victoria Beckham.
Before I went to New York, I was in Taiwan and did very well there. I was in Hong Kong, Singapore and London for a short period of time too. Every time I travelled to a new country, I treated myself like a new model. I started from the ground and build myself up each time even though I was already called a ‘supermodel’ back in Malaysia. That’s how I managed to survive and achieve what I want to achieve.
When I was in New York in 2006… or 2007, I was there for two to three years and managed to work with Victoria Beckham for 11 shows. I remembered feeling extremely lucky to be chosen during the casting because there were a lot of taller and more beautiful models. And I was the shorter ones at 175cm as compared to others.
Back then, in my mind, I told myself to just do it and that I have my own unique beauty, and I was able to stand out. It proved that height wasn’t the only thing – it’s also the confidence. Many new girls now compare themselves with others. They look at other girls and immediately feel inferior.
As someone who has made it, what would you say to them?
I’ve had my fair share of rejections as well. But one of my seniors, Ling Tan, once told me that you should not judge yourself. When she started her modelling career in Malaysia, she too got rejected but when she travelled to New York, she quickly made a name for herself there.
I told myself that everyone will look at me differently and I kept going. That’s why I want to keep inspiring the new generation of models to achieve the same thing. Start by believing in yourself and do not compare yourself with other because everybody is different, unique and beautiful in their own way.
We couldn’t agree more! Just look at the recent Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
The message now is models for all. That’s why even in our academy, we not only have adult models, but also different types of models like kids, teens, plus-size and even senior models. It’s for all and not only for the tall and slim. Clothing is for everybody. Clients are asking for a variety now – and that’s good because fashion should be inclusive.
(Laughs) Maybe that’s why I could still be a model even when I’m in my 40s.
Share your thoughts on how scouting has evolved to what it is today with social media providing a platform for models being discovered… whereas compared to two decades ago they had to actively put themselves out there.
I think social media is a good platform for those who wanted to kickstart their modelling career or enter the entertainment industry. I started as someone who had no social media and slowly I found my way into the world of social media. I had to learn fast and I’m glad I was able to pick it up and still keep myself relevant.
Social media plays a big part in this ever-changing world. When I started my career, I was not able to connect with my fans and friends but now it’s so easy. People can easily follow you and get to know you better through social media.
Last time, we only have distinct roles. If you’re a model, you’re a model. If you’re a singer, you are a singer. Now you double as a key opinion leader, or creator when you are on social media. You become a multi-hyphenate almost instantly! I get to know so many new people in the industry and I think it’s a very good platform for those who are passionate in growing their respective careers. It’s great for entrepreneurs too.
Dare I say, without social media, I don’t think I can even survive in the industry this long. There are many opportunities in social media and it has proven its worth during the pandemic, for me especially.
Beyond modelling, you also founded and continue to run a very successful modelling school. In your opinion, what does it take to become a successful entrepreneur?
When you start something, there’s always something to pick up and learn. I made mistakes and I learned from them. It’s been 14 years. Nothing comes easy but I enjoy every moment of my entrepreneurial journey. You have to love what you do because if you don’t, you won’t go far and achieve the results you want. Meet new people and learn something new every now and then. But most importantly, love what you do… even in business.
Of course, not everything in the business would be enjoyable like paperwork or technical things. I like to think of it this way… I like the achievements I get from my businesses, but I don’t like the corporate meetings. But you need to learn how to like those corporate meetings in order to be able to achieve what you want in the business, right? It’s all interconnected and you need to have this mindset first.
Do you ever have a day off, Amber?
Ha ha… I have people asking me am I tired with such a busy schedule all the time? I never because I enjoy every moment. When I come to work, I am alive. Life should be this way. Change your mentality and set your goals. But remember that balance is the key to life.
What’s next for you?
Well, of course the modelling academy, the F&B business and even Shero Cosmetics will continue to operate. And there are plans for new things in the pipeline. It’s like that in life… once you like it, you will achieve what you want and once you’ve achieve what you want, you will keep doing even more things.
I teach my son the same thing all through my own life experiences. Like what you do, and once you like it, you will enjoy it. And once you enjoy it, you will achieve the results you want.