Rising Stars: Meet Sunita Chiu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunita Chiu.

Hi Sunita, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a multifaceted individual, pursuing my passion as an actor, model, singer, dancer, host, and event manager. From a young age, I dreamt of a life spent on stage, dancing, acting, and singing like the iconic Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. However, growing up in a small town in Malaysia, the career options seemed limited to traditional 9-5 jobs, such as teachers, lawyers, doctors, or accountants.

While filling out the annual ‘What’s your ideal job form’ at school, I would often write down generic options like lawyer or teacher, but deep down, I yearned for more unconventional roles like a drain sweeper, a cashier, or even a ballerina. Little did I know that my true calling would be found in the world of acting, where I could embody all these different personas.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to enroll in dance and music classes from the age of five, although I initially assumed it was a common extracurricular activity for kids in Malaysia. At the age of 15, I was cast in my very first musical show, which took place in an international theater with a seating capacity of 6000 people. That experience became a turning point in my life.

From that moment on, I dedicated myself to researching, planning, and seeking ways to educate and train myself further. I made the bold decision to move to Singapore, where I spent years training and performing as a full-time professional actor in theaters and on screen. Later, I expanded my horizons to Kuala Lumpur and now find myself in the United States, where I continue to pursue my passion for the performing arts.

This journey has brought me immense joy and fulfillment, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I am excited to see what the future holds as I continue to grow and thrive in the world of entertainment.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I must admit that my journey in chasing my dreams hasn’t always been a smooth one. Despite considering myself fortunate in several aspects. I’ve encountered a fair share of challenges along the way. Having to convince not only myself but also those close to me about my abilities and dedication has proven to be a significant obstacle. Navigating a career that demands substantial financial, emotional and physical investments, all with a slim chance of ever reaching the pinnacle has required unwavering commitment. Being more of a dreamer rather than a realist, I frequently found myself overcoming various challenges. This entailed making life-altering decisions and risking everything that I have while surmounting obstacles, particularly with my family and friends who’ve held different expectations about my future. However, even in the face of hardships, I’ve persisted for more than a decade and continued to pursue my dreams with even greater enthusiasm and inspiration. It is a lifelong commitment that demands my complete devotion. The passion within me burns brighter than ever, propelling me onward. Despite the foreseeable and unforeseeable difficulties that haven’t always smoothed my journey, I’m confident that triumphing over these struggles has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for the valuable lessons learned and the resilience I’ve gained along this path.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am now proud and confident enough to say that I am a professional international performance artist. My journey spans over a decade, during which I spent my time and efforts in Singapore and Malaysia learning and working as a performer in both theaters and on television. In 2020, I made a bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, a thriving hub of creativity, to fully immerse myself in its vibrant atmosphere. This new adventure that I am on has been nothing short of amazing and exciting. The cultural shift, the sensory overload of living on Hollywood Boulevard, and the abundance of artistic opportunities have all been exhilarating. Being able to learn from industry leaders through numerous classes, working on iconic film studio sets, and engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow creatives have filled my soul with happiness and satisfaction.

Coming from a small town, I lacked exposure to the intricacies of show business. I have dedicated extensive effort to refining my craft. My journey encompassed a lifetime of dance, music, and life lessons, five years of drama school, countless acting classes, failed auditions, acceptance of critiques from anyone and everyone, extensive research, and immersion in TV and literature. Throughout this process, my family and friends played a pivotal role, providing unwavering encouragement. Their support bolstered my self-belief, ultimately giving me the boost to be able to identify myself as an artist and creator. My multicultural background, life experience of living in three countries, and the influence of generations’ worth of traditions, history, and exposure to different languages have all enriched my artistry. Every performance opportunity becomes a canvas for my blended culture, manifesting in my speech, movement, and even laughter. With time, I’ve learned that while imposter syndrome is a real struggle, repetition, multiple perspectives, intention, interest, and gratitude enhance every endeavor.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have to admit, being an introverted-extrovert individual, I may not be the best person to give sound networking advice, but this is what has worked for me thus far:

Before seeking out a mentor:
– Identify your goals. Clarify what you want to achieve from this particular mentorship or networking event. Define your objectives to guide your efforts.
– Research and prepare. Research potential mentors or networking events aligned with your goals. Understand their background and expertise to approach them thoughtfully.

While in the process:
– Leverage online platforms. Tailor your connection requests with a personalized message explaining your intentions.
– Attend events. Attend seminars, workshops, conferences, meetups related to your interests. These events provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and potential mentors.
– Leverage existing contacts. Reach out to friends, colleagues or acquaintances who might introduce you to potential mentors or opportunities.
– Offer value. Approach potential mentors with a willingness to learn and contribute. Show how their guidance could also benefit them in some way.
– Be authentic. When networking, be genuine and interested in others. Building real connections is more effective than superficial interactions.
– Practice active listening: Engage in meaningful conversations by actively listening and asking thoughtful questions. This can lead to deeper connections.
– Volunteer or Join Organizations. Participate in community or professional groups to meet people who share your interests. Volunteering can help you stand out or build relationships.
– Follow Up. After meeting someone, send a follow-up message expressing your gratitude and interest in maintaining contact. Nurture relationships over time.
– Mutual value. Focus on how you can provide value to your mentor or network contacts not just what you can gain. A mutual exchange of insights and assistance can create lasting relationships.
– Persistence. Networking takes time. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks or slow progress. Consistent efforts will yield results.

With all that being said, also remember that there may be times where you may need to pull back or move on and engage with a different potential mentor or attend a different networking event. Flexibility is key. Be sure to check in with yourself and never push yourself too hard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakyrasunitachiu/?hl=en

Image Credits
Three Boudoir Buzzfeed & Friskies JED Foundation