Malaysia is a wonderful melting pot of multiple cultures and races, known mostly for our delicious food, cultures and hospitality. (Until recently, but that’s a whole other story la) With such a beautifully diverse country, there have been many successful people constantly hitting the news as well, from Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Michelle Yeoh to previously world no.1 badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei and even world famous singer Mizz Nina, it’s easy to forget that Malaysia isn’t just the Peninsular, so today we’re going to highlight some notable East Malaysians that’s definitely made our country proud!
1. Larissa Ping
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Miss Larissa Ping was recently crowned Miss Malaysia 2018! Sporting her traditional garb during the contest as pictured below, this Chinese-Kenyah born Sarawakian definitely makes us proud and is now trying her hardest to be crowned Miss World as she goes “head to head” with the champions of other nations.
2. Gary Chaw
World renowned Mandarin pop superstar, that was born in Kota Belud, Sabah. Has seen incredible success in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and even Singapore with his amazing songwriting skills, stage presence and vocals, He also was one of the judges for The Voice Malaysia/Singapore! How cool is that?! Although Gary Chaw is currently based in Taiwan, he’ll forever be a Malaysian in our hearts.
3. Mohd Sirhajwan Idek
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How bout another awesome one from Kota Belud, Sabah? An educator by trade, Mohd Sirhajwan Idek has won the Community award for Citizenship at the Fifth Annual Global Educational Supplies and Solutions in Dubai. Back in 2017, he also won the International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Excellence in Teaching Award in Paris and as a reminder, he was also a finalist for the Outstanding Contribution in Education Award! This educator has also won the Teacher Icon Award at every single level which includes national, state and district levels and also got the Sabah’s Youth Icon Award in the bag! What an amazing person!
4. Nicholas Teo
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Nicholas Teo is another Sawarakian who was born in Kuching, the man started his career as a singer and actor back in 2004, he has released multiple albums and his ballads are really popular! Although currently based in Taiwan as well, Nicholas Teo already has multiple TV series and movies in his portfolio to share with the world and all of that talent can be traced right back to Malaysia!
5. Henry Golding
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Our man HENRY GOLDING is indeed a SARAWAKIAN. Let us explain. The Crazy Rich Asian lead was born in Betong, Sarawak and spent his formative years here. His mother, Margaret Likan Golding, is a Malaysian of Iban ancestry. The rest? Well, they said is history!
With all these Malaysians and many more, we salute you for putting (East) Malaysia back on the map for good deeds, talents and skills obtained through your hard work that you all put in day in and day out. At the end of the day, whether you’re from the East or West Malaysia, we same same, okay?
