In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 44, we present this story on Puan Seri Tiara Jacquelina, actress, producer, singer, and Chief Dream-maker of her own company, Enfiniti.
Having had a fortunate head start in the film business at an early age, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina has definitely, since then, stamped her initials on Malaysia’s prominent arts scene. Undertaking big-budget projects such as Puteri Gunung Ledang, P.Ramlee the Musical and her latest project – The Secret Life of Nora, there is no doubt that she has a keen eye for outstanding work. Taking time out to talk with PASSIONS, Tiara shared her views on the challenges and goals of her professional career, as well as on her ultimate desire of establishing the nation’s next generation of artistes.
As she was naturally drawn to the arts in school, Tiara became an active participant in activities such as drama, where she always held the role of an organiser, be it in minor plays or in inter-school presentations. “Having that sort of background, I wasn’t actually that interested in being an actor, but I have always wanted to be a producer,” she said. “I enjoy being in the driver’s seat, making things happen. Driving successful projects and bringing people together in one spirit means a lot to me.” Later, when she was modelling in commercials as a teenager, Tiara found an opportunity to break into the business slowly by offering to help as a talent casting agent.
After having started her own talent casting agency, together with a friend while still at college, she got her first movie career break when she landed a role in an Indonesian film alongside esteemed actress, Christine Hakim. “I was fortunate enough to have her like a big sister to me. I watched her during interviews where she was always so put together and answered so intelligently,” she said. “So, I thought, gosh, when I am older, I want to be like her – not just another face in front of a camera but someone people actually look up to. So, at the beginning of my career, Christine Hakim was definitely my Mecca.”
When it comes to films and other projects, Tiara is very particular in her choices. “I don’t mind not acting for 5 years or even 7 years, if I do not get a good script. I never want to do something just for the sake of doing it,” she added. With previous projects such as Puteri Gunung Ledang, which was the only Malaysian film to be shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, Tiara certainly has big shoes to fill – her own. “It is not easy to build an audience-following. So, if I take on a new project, I wouldn’t want to let them down.” Her caution and dedication to high standards can be seen in her latest project, ‘The Secret Life of Nora’, which took two years of planning and is promising to be an audio-visual feast that will be enjoyed by all.
Being an actress, producer, entrepreneur, wife and mother, Tiara shows no signs of slowing down as she adds the role of educator to her list of jobs. Having recently established ENACT (Enfiniti Academy of Musical Theatre and Entertainment Arts), Tiara admits that she is a woman on a mission, aiming to impact society in a positive manner through the arts. “I strongly feel that people who have greater exposure to the arts tend to be more open and accepting of different ideas. And I also feel that our country could do with more people like that,” she explained.
“Yes, we do need doctors and engineers, but we also need thinkers. If you can integrate the two, imagine the products and ideas that you will come up with. You will be unbeatable! I have students who are financial analysts, scientists and even lawyers! So, this is me wearing the Malaysian flag proudly on my chest, doing my part in contributing to my beloved nation, because I believe that our country is capable of so much more.”
Judging from everything she has said, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina is far much more than just an actress in a movie. She is a creator, a thinker, but above all, she strives for positive change in this country. Tirelessly persevering to break boundaries and stereotypes, Tiara continues to unite people of different backgrounds for one common cause – to express themselves through the arts. And as we are sure that there are many more ideas and projects up her sleeve, PASSIONS believes that Tiara will remain a prominent figure in the arts, both locally and internationally, for many more years to come.
