Picture this: a pint-sized nine-year-old girl from Singapore dazzling the world of acting by snagging a major award, becoming the youngest performer ever to triumph at a prestigious international ceremony. It's a heartwarming tale of talent defying age, but one that also sparks a whirlwind of questions about childhood in the spotlight. Let's dive into the story of Ivory Chia and her groundbreaking win at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA).
Ivory Chia, just nine years old, etched her name into history as the youngest actor to claim victory at the eighth edition of the AACA. The event, celebrated at Singapore's iconic Capitol Theatre on December 4, saw her take home the coveted Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for the Asia-Pacific region. Her performance? A spirited, clever portrayal of a younger version of the character Xinniang from Mediacorp's hit drama series Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story (2025). This show, a modern take on a classic tale, blends romance, family dynamics, and cultural heritage, making Ivory's role a standout in a blockbuster that captivated audiences across the region.
But here's where it gets controversial: Ivory's win wasn't without a nail-biting twist. She ended up with the exact same score as Indian actress Garima Vikrant Singh, nominated for her work in the Indian comedy-drama Gram Chikitsalay (Village Clinic, 2025)—a heartfelt series about rural life, healthcare challenges, and community bonds in a small-town clinic. With the tie in place, an additional round of judging was needed to break the deadlock, ultimately crowning Ivory as the victor. And this is the part most people miss: she edged out seasoned pros like South Korean Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung, who was honored for her role in the epic drama Pachinko (2022 to 2024), and Hong Kong actress Yoyo Chen, recognized for her part in the intense series D.I.D. 12 (2025). It's a reminder that talent knows no age, but does pitting a child against veterans like this raise eyebrows about fairness in the industry? Some might argue it's inspiring, while others could see it as putting undue pressure on young kids.
Clad in a traditional kebaya—a beautifully embroidered blouse often worn in Southeast Asian cultures—Ivory delivered a touching acceptance speech that warmed hearts. She thanked the producers, cast, and crew of Emerald Hill for believing in her and mentoring her with patience. Then, in a nod to her local co-stars, she expressed gratitude to her on-screen 'nya nyas' (a term for maternal figures in some Asian languages), actresses Chen Liping and Jesseca Liu, for providing her with the warmth and self-assurance she needed on set. It's moments like these that highlight how supportive environments can nurture young talent, offering beginners in the acting world a glimpse into the collaborative magic behind the scenes.
Ivory's journey to this pinnacle began earlier; in October, she already clinched the AACA's Best Actress in a Supporting Role award specifically for Singapore, paving the way for her Asia-Pacific nomination. Her acting debut came in the local drama Love At First Bite (2022 to 2023), a fun, lighthearted series about unexpected romances and culinary adventures. From there, she's built an impressive portfolio, appearing in shows like Soul Detective (2022), which explores supernatural mysteries; Family Ties (2023), delving into intergenerational conflicts; Shero (2023), celebrating strong female leads; All That Glitters (2023), a glittering tale of ambition and deceit in the entertainment world; Once Upon A New Year's Eve (2024), a festive romance; Moments (2024), capturing life's pivotal instants; Hope Afloat (2024), an emotional story of resilience on the seas; and I Believe I Can Fly (2025), an uplifting drama about chasing dreams against odds.
Adding to her accolades, Ivory has been nominated twice for the Young Talent Award at the Star Awards—in 2023 for Love At First Bite and in 2024 for All That Glitters. These recognitions underscore her rising star status in a competitive field, where even newcomers can shine if given the chance.
The AACA, an annual celebration held to honor creative excellence, features entries from 17 countries and regions, including Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, and South Korea. Its judging panel comprises seasoned industry experts, ensuring a fair and insightful evaluation that reflects diverse cultural narratives. This year's event also showcased other triumphs: China dominated with the top honors, winning Best Feature Film for the poignant drama Mumu (2025)—a story of personal struggles and societal pressures—and Best Drama Series for the fantastical Strange Tales Of Tang Dynasty: To The West (2024), weaving historical folklore with adventure.
Singapore, however, held its own, securing five additional awards and tying with Japan for the highest number of wins overall. These included Best Short Form (Non-Scripted) for the documentary series Diablo: Father Antonio Beyond The Veil (2024), which investigates a mysterious priest's life; Best Branded Programme for Monumental Macao (2024), a promotional showcase of the region's history and landmarks; Best Direction (Non-Fiction) for director Rowena Loh on the documentary Karikal Mahal: A Silent Witness (2025), a haunting look at a historic site witnessing untold stories; Best Documentary Series for Addicted – The Synthetic Curse (2025), exposing the dark side of drug dependencies; and Best Theme Song or Title Theme for 'Bebas' by Andy Gan and Zalelo from the drama Korban Part II (2025), a thrilling sequel about sacrifices and secrets.
Ivory Chia's achievement isn't just a win; it's a conversation starter about balancing youthful innocence with the demands of fame. Does entering kids into adult competitions push boundaries or cross them? Is this a celebration of potential, or does it risk overshadowing mature artists? What do you think—should we applaud these early breakthroughs, or rethink how we spotlight young talents? Drop your opinions in the comments and let's discuss!
