By Willy Wilson | Feb 1, 2011
Photograph by Lim Eu-Jin
CNY celebration a la Amber Chia
Chinese tradition believes that rabbit represents a year in which one gains benefits from negotiation, diplomacy and self-reflection. It is said that the characteristics of a rabbit – private and individual – suggest a general trend that focuses on home, security and family-work balance.
Amber Chia is certainly thrilled to welcome the year of rabbit. With a baby in tow and two businesses under her belt, Amber is on a quest to find that family-work harmony. In short, she is determined to become both a supermodel and supermum.
She is also hoping that the year of rabbit will bring a lot of fortune to her family. A hardworking woman, Amber says she already has a line up of big projects, which include everything from rounding up TV shows to launching modeling school (Amber Chia Academy).
But as for now, Amber is concentrating on decorating her house to welcome Chinese New Year. She insists that this year’s celebration is very special for two reasons: "First, this would be my first Chinese New Year celebration in Kuala Lumpur. Second, this would be my first year giving AngBao, and as a newlywed, I have to give two AngBaos!”
StarProperty.my revisits Amber’s Old Klang Road house and chats with the supermodel recently as she’s preparing the house to welcome the year of rabbit.
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Optimistic: Amber Chia enters the year of rabbit with a scattering festive red decorations
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Supermodel turned supermum
A festive mood is present in Amber’s 5,400sqf house, as a splash of red is found on the wall, ceiling and tables. Sitting crossed legs in the high-ceiling living room, Amber is all ready to give us an interview.
“A lot of things have changed since StarProperty.my’s last visit,” says the 29-year-old, adding, “For one thing, my house is now more happening with baby Ashton around!”
Amber admits that being a mother has been one of the most defining moments in her life. In fact, 2010 has been a very landmark year for Amber.
“Last year was crazy! I got married in March, launched Amber Chia Academy (a modeling school) and run Amber Creations(an event company) at the same time. In between all these activities, I got pregnant and delivered a baby!” she enthuses.
The year of rabbit is set to be nothing less exciting for Amber. But as the interview continues, Amber makes it clear that she’s more interested to talk about Chinese New Year decorations than work. When asked what was the first thing she bought to welcome Chinese New Year, Amber says: “Usually I would buy myself new clothes. But this year, the first thing I bought was a set of new clothes for my baby. In fact I haven’t even bought myself anything yet!”
“I have never shopped for Chinese New Year decorations because I had never celebrated it at home [in Kuala Lumpur],” she says. “I usually celebrate Chinese New Year in Tawau, Sabah, with my family. But now that I’m married, I’m going to celebrate it with my husband and son here in KL.”
So far, she has bought lanterns, rabbit posters, figurines, cushions and plum blossoms (Prunus Mume). She shares that she hasn’t done with shopping yet, as she reckons that more decorations are needed to make her rather spacious house looks more festive.
“I started shopping for the decorations a week ago in various malls around KL and PJ. I honestly had no idea that these items are quite expensive!” Amber says.
Amber set her budget under RM1,000, and she recommends the knick-knack shops at Petaling Street for a more affordable selection.
“I don’t want to spend too much because these items are seasonal. Chances are, I would buy new items next year,” she adds.
A place to call home
“Being a wife and mother comes with a new set of responsibility that requires me to compromise my time and focus. But it’s a good thing, since I haven’t really taken time off work since I started my career. I feel that I have come full circle as a woman,” says Amber, with a sense of contentment.
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Private: Master bedroom (left) located on the top floor and baby room on the first floor
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However, she is quick to add that she can hardly compromise when it comes to home.
“My husband and I stayed at his Damansara Heights bungalow for a while following the marriage, but I constantly thought of my house in Old Klang Road,” Amber laments.
Having lived with an older sister, two younger sisters and three dogs in her Old Klang Road house since 2008, Amber says she missed having her family members around.
“I told my husband that I prefer to reside at my house in Old Klang Road, because I miss having my sisters around. So here we are now,” says Amber.
Amber’s corner-lot house in Old Klang Road is one of six linked units developed by UOA. She purchased this 6-bedroom house in May 2008 for RM1.9mil. Sitting on a 5,400sqf land, the three-storey house had been fine-tuned by Edwin Cassian of Fix Interior.
The layout of the house is pretty much intact – ground floor consists of a kitchen, a dining area, a porch and a barbeque area and a high-ceiling living room; First floor consists of three bedrooms and a smaller living room; Second floor is a mini studio that consists of a master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and balcony-turned-office.
Moving back in to the her house as a mother, Amber decided to convert a bedroom on the first floor into a baby room. She also bought a bigger bed for her and hubby.
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