KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April – Malaysia’s singer Nurshahila Amir Amzah, better known by her stage name Shila Amzah in her homeland and as Xila among her fans in the Land of The Great Wall, believes that the entertainment industry holds considerable influence and plays a pivotal role in fostering Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, especially as the two countries mark their 50th anniversary this year.
Shila, 34, who is currently on maternity leave for her second child, said that when Malaysian and Chinese artists collaborate or when entertainment product travels between the countries, it is akin to constructing a bridge between the two cultures.
“It is not just about movies and music. It is about connections and understanding. It is about sharing stories, songs, and experiences that resonate with people in both countries.
‘These connections help strengthen our diplomatic relations and bring our nations closer together,” said the first Malay artist to take the Chinese-speaking pop world by storm through her Australia-based global talent management, Greyscale Pty Ltd.
Shila who has 2.4 million followers on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website, said when Malaysian movies or Chinese dramas gain popularity across borders, it is like a shared celebration that deepens Malaysia and China’s bond even more.
Shila first gained attention in China when she won a Chinese reality singing talent show, the Asian Wave competition in Shanghai in 2012, where she showcased her vocal talents singing in Mandarin.
The Malaysian hijabista subsequently participated in one of China’s most popular programs, “I Am A Singer Season 2,” in 2014. This show commands a staggering 500 million viewers per week.
She emerged as the number two choice of professional judges and the number three choice of the audience.
