After being in the local modelling industry for almost two decades, supermodel-turned-actress Amber Chia is taking a short break from the silver screen this year pending the launch of her new modelling guide book this April. Cinema Online was able to grab the model for a short interview and let her share her upcoming plans with us. Cinema Online's interview with Amber Chia was conducted on 1 March at Amber Chia Academy in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Q: Hi Amber, how are you? Chia: Hi Cinema Online. I'm a little tired as I just came back here from Kota Kinabalu for a fashion show. Q: Last year, you made a few appearances on the big screen. Are you involved in any film this year? Chia: I might be joining some films but currently there is no final confirmation for the projects. Maybe this year or the next. Q: We heard that director Yoko Chou has been working on her second feature film. Did she invite you to join the cast? Chia: Yeah, it's true. She is working on her second film and we talked about casting a role for me. Besides my collaboration with Yoko, I have a hectic schedule throughout the year but I would like to try my luck in more Malay films while I'm still young. Q: The Amber Chia Academy has been doing quite well since it was launched in 2010. Can you tell us a little about the new courses you are launching to the public now? Chia: My partner and catwalk guru Benjamin Toong came out with the idea of guiding people on weddings, flight attendance and pageant contests. Eventually, we decided to create courses that can help them to improve on handling weddings, being a capable stewardess in any airline and also a confident participant in beauty contests. In the future, we will launch acting classes too. Q: Any other upcoming projects? Chia: I'll still spend more time on educating the members of my academy. As you know, I love to teach and I enjoy guiding people. When I witness the moment my apprentices reach their success in pageants and career, I'm so proud of them and this is priceless. You can't buy it. Apart from handling my duties at the academy, I'll be launching my new book in April. The book title is called "The Master Of Modelling". It's my fourth book and it's my first publication since 2008. I'm looking forward to it. Q: Do you mind telling us some details about the book? Chia: It's basically a very useful guidebook for ladies or men who are keen to take a step into the modelling industry. Most of the members of the public have the wrong perception of being a model. To them, it's all about being glamorous on the stage or the magazine covers which is not true. In this book, we want to give people a picture of how difficult and challenging it is to join the industry, not only for model wannabes, but especially the parents. More than 10 years ago, my mom was very worried about me when I made my debut on the runway because she was not aware what the industry is really about. I realise that you really have to do it with passion, otherwise you modelling career will not last long.
Q: Based on your 15-year experience, will you encourage the new generation to become actor or actresses through the modelling industry? Chia: Yes. It is a great platform for them to get into the entertainment business. As you can see, nowadays so many of them have got themselves into hosting, singing, and acting. Look at Korea, those K-Pop stars are actually evolved from models. Models learn how to carry themselves in the public and that is exactly what you need in any job you are doing. Q: Since you have been through all the sweat and tears in the industry, is there a possibility for you to lead your little son Ashton to the business when he grows up? Chia: He's two and a half years old now. I will encourage him to do whatever he wants as long as it is not illegal. I believe that one can be successful in every occupation. My mom used to think that modelling is not a full-time job and it's not stable at all. However, I'm glad that my achievements have proven to parents that being a model is not a wrong path for the youngsters. Q: Thank you, Amber. We are looking forward to your book and more films from you. Chia: Thank you. See you again, Cinema Online!