Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Samantha has led a life of remarkable diversity and adventure, traversing three continents in her pursuit of artistic expression. As a multifaceted individual, she has worn many hats - actress, writer, director, chef-entrepreneur, and former professional dancer - across Malaysia, the UK, and the USA.
Her impressive credentials include being the first Malaysian in history to become a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio, a testament to her dedication and passion for the craft. Samantha is also the creative force behind and star of Ally Chia, a popular series on Amazon Prime Video, as well as its prequel series Ally Chia Begins on YouTube.
Samantha's journey to becoming a skilled actress was marked by several milestones. She was the first Malaysian ever to be accepted into the MFA Acting program at Actors Studio Drama School NYC, and her determination and perseverance paid off when she raised $105,000 of her tuition in just two weeks through a combination of global crowdfunding and four scholarships. She will always be grateful to the generous individuals around the world who made her training possible.
A polyglot, Samantha is fluent in Malay and has a basic understanding of Cantonese, Mandarin, and Hokkien/Taiwanese. Her impressive linguistic abilities have undoubtedly enriched her artistic endeavors.
Samantha's notable stage credits in the UK include Disney's High School Musical (original London cast),The King & I (Royal Albert Hall),Bizet's Carmen at the O2 Arena, the BRIT Awards, and the London Olympics Closing Ceremony, where she was a featured dancer watched by an estimated TV audience of 750 million worldwide.
