Malaysian-born celebrities are doing an outstanding job of bringing our country’s name to the world stage and making us proud with their international achievements. Stars like Michelle Yeoh and Yuna, who are well-known in the Hollywood scene, serve as prime examples of the talented individuals our country has to offer.
However, did you know that there are also many other established figures worldwide with connections to Malaysia? Whether through Malaysian heritage or having spent part of their lives here, check out these 11 famous people you may not have known who are actually related to Malaysia:
1. Stray Kids’ Han (한)
One of the most notable K-pop idols with a deep fondness for Malaysia is undoubtedly Stray Kids (스트레이키즈) member, Han. This affection stems from his time living in several districts in Selangor from the age of 9 until he returned to South Korea at 14 to begin his idol training. The 24-year-old rapper has even earned the nickname “Budak Ampang” from Malaysian fans, as he often shares stories of his experiences in Ampang whenever he gets the chance.
2. Andy Lau (劉德華)
Renowned Hong Kong actor and singer-songwriter Andy Lau publicly revealed his marriage to his girlfriend, now wife, a year after their 2008 wedding. Fans were surprised to learn that his partner, Carol Chu, is actually Malaysian and a former model. The two also reportedly met through a mutual acquaintance, who was a Malaysian journalist.
3. Michael Gough
Legendary British actor Michael Gough, famous for his role as Alfred Pennyworth, the butler in four Batman live-action films, was born in Kuala Lumpur in 1916. His British parents were working as rubber planters during their time in the country, and the family moved back to England when he was six years old.
4. Seo Kang Joon (서강준)
Best known for his second male lead role in “Cheese in the Trap” (치즈인더트랩), Seo Kang Joon spent one year of secondary school at Ipoh International School, where his parents enrolled him to help him learn English and learn more about the world.
5. James Wan
James Wan, the acclaimed filmmaker known for horror hits like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious,” was actually born in Kuching, Sarawak, in 1977. Growing up in Malaysia, he was exposed to a diverse cultural background that influenced his unique storytelling style. James later moved to Australia, where he pursued his passion for filmmaking, eventually rising to fame in Hollywood as a pioneering director in the horror genre.
6. Shaun Maloney
Shaun Maloney, former professional footballer and current coach for a Scottish football club, was born in Miri, Sarawak, where he spent the first four to five years of his childhood. His family’s stay in Malaysia was cut short when his father’s contract as a helicopter pilot ended, prompting their move back to Scotland. Maloney had shared fond memories of his time in Malaysia, including his babysitter, Ziton, whom he remembers warmly.
7. CRAVITY’s Taeyoung (김태영)
Another K-pop idol who spent a part of their childhood in Malaysia is CRAVITY’s (크래비티) member Taeyoung. While he has never specified the exact location, the 21-year-old singer lived in Malaysia with his family for around 2 years, from the age of 4 until he returned to South Korea at 6. Taeyoung also occasionally uses the word ‘Bagus,’ one of the Bahasa Melayu phrases he still remembers until now.
8. Yin Chang
One of the most memorable supporting characters in the iconic 2007 American teen drama series “Gossip Girl” was Nelly Yuki, portrayed by Yin Chang. What many might not know is that Yin Chang is the maternal granddaughter of renowned Malaysian artist Dr. Chew Teng Beng. Though born and raised in New York, she holds Malaysia in high regard and takes pride in her roots.
9. Sam Bone
English footballer Sam Bone, who currently plays as a centre-back for Shelbourne FC in the League of Ireland Premier Division, was born in Kuching, Sarawak. He is the son of former Sarawak import player Billy Bone and even holds dual citizenship of England and Malaysia.
10. Gurmit Singh
While many know that the famous comedian Gurmit Singh, best known for his iconic character Phua Chu Kang, hails from Singapore, not everyone is aware that he is actually half Malaysian. Gurmit was born in Singapore to a Malaysian Indian father and a mother of Chinese-Japanese descent, giving him strong ties to both Malaysia and Singapore.
11. YELLOW (黃宣)
Taiwanese singer YELLOW, also known as Hsuan Huang, has expressed a sense of familiarity with Malaysia, revealing that his mother frequently travels there. Additionally, he has many Malaysian friends, further strengthening his connection to the country.
Sources: Britannica, Weebly, FourFourTwo, KpopMap, UtusanSarawak, TheStar, ChinaPress
Alia contributed to this article.
