Emerald Hill's Ivory Chia, 9, Wins Acting Award

Local child actress Ivory Chia is definitely going places. 

Recently, it was announced that the nine-year-old has won Best Actress In A Supporting Role (Singapore) for her performance in Emerald Hill at the Asian Academy Creative Awards.

Ivory won hearts for her performance as young Xinniang (aka Tasha Low), a child beggar raised by Chen Liping's compulsive gambler Ah Zhu, in the 2025 The Little Nyonya spin-off. 

The child star will go on to compete for the Best Actress In A Supporting Role (Asia-Pacific) title on December 4.

Other nominees in the same category include Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung (Pachinko 2), Taiwanese star Fang Wenlin (Though Dead, Still Alive), TVB actress Yoyo Chen (D.I.D. 12), and Chinese actress He Ruixian (Feud).

Reacting to her win, Ivory shared with zaobao.sg that she was "super surprised" when she first heard the news.

"I kept asking my mum: ‘Is my name really on the list?’," she revealed.

"I’m very thankful to the producer, director, the whole crew, and especially my mum for always helping me prepare. It’s such an honour and blessing to represent Singapore!”

Being nominated alongside so many talented actors is already a huge encouragement for Ivory.

Though she says it’s perfectly fine if she doesn’t win, she admits she would be “even happier” if she did as it would give her a chance to personally thank everyone who has supported her on stage.

Regardless of the outcome, Ivory is determined to attend the ceremony. “I told my mom I have to go! It’s such a rare opportunity. I want to wear a beautiful gown and meet all the uncles and aunties who are actors,” she gushed.

“Just thinking about seeing so many amazing actors in person makes me so excited!”

Ivory still looks back fondly on her role as little Xinniang, describing it as one that allowed her to fully express confidence, courage, sadness, kindness, and compassion, all at once.

She vividly remembers two emotional crying scenes where her “Ah Zhu Nya Nya” left her.

“At that time, I just couldn’t stop crying,” she recalled. “My emotions were so real, and I felt so sorry for my character that I cried until I threw up.”

After filming, her castmates rushed over to comfort her. Only after being embraced by everyone did she finally manage to smile again.

Ivory began acting at six and has appeared in 18 productions, including Mediacorp dramas Love At First Bite (2022), Strike Gold (2023), SHERO (2023) and All That Glitters (2023). She recently also wrapped filming for two movies.

However, Emerald Hill remains her favourite.

Ivory has someone she really wants to work with.

“Uncle Mark Lee! I think he’s really talented, a great actor, and very funny. I hope to learn more acting skills from him. He’s also my grandma’s idol!," she raved.

And before you ask, yes, Ivory is managing her acting career and school life like a total pro.

She currently serves as her class monitress and even received the CCC-CDC Education Merit Award 2024 in April this year.

That said, juggling both worlds isn’t always easy. When she’s not filming, Ivory makes sure to study ahead on topics her teachers haven’t covered yet. Her mother also helps her plan her schedule carefully to ensure acting doesn’t interfere with her studies.

So far, her grades have remained solid and consistent across all subjects.

When asked if she wants to become a full-time actress in the future, Ivory didn’t hesitate for a second.

“Yes! Because I love acting too much,” she gushed. “Acting makes me happy and relaxed, and I enjoy the entire process. In a drama, I can become someone completely different and experience another life. It feels so magical.”