Singapore’s Ivory Chia, 9, Triumphs Over Oscar Winner at asia-Pacific Screen Awards
Nine-year-old ivory Chia has secured the Best Actress in a supporting Role award at the Asia-Pacific Screen Awards, besting a field that included Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung (Pachinko 2) and TVB actress Yoyo Chen (D.I.D. 12). The win follows Chia’s October victory in the Singapore category, which qualified her for the regional competition.
chia’s breakthrough performance as young Xinniang in the 2025 The Little Nyonya spin-off, a role portraying a child beggar raised by Chen Liping’s character, propelled her to local recognition. The Asia-Pacific Screen Awards recognize cinematic excellence across the Asia-Pacific region, and this win marks a important achievement for the young actress, signaling a promising future in her burgeoning career. She received the award at a ceremony hosted by 987 DJs Sonia Chew and Joakim Gomez.
The young star reportedly reacted with shock upon hearing her name announced, rushing to the stage to accept the award.A custom microphone stand was created for her during the ceremony-Gomez knelt to hold the microphone at her level.
“Thank you AACA for this astonishing honour,” Chia said in her acceptance speech,also expressing gratitude to Mediacorp,the show’s executive producer,director,and scriptwriter. She further thanked the crew and her family for their support, pausing to catch her breath from excitement, prompting Gomez to offer encouragement.
Chia also acknowledged her Emerald Hill co-stars, Chen Liping and Jesseca Liu, stating, “My on-screen nya nyas [mums], Chen Liping and Jesseca Liu, thank you for giving me warmth and confidence in every scene.”
Othre nominees in the category included Taiwanese star Fang Wenlin (though Dead, Still Alive) and Chinese actress He Ruixian (Feud).
