Interviewing International Super Model Amber Chia

Finance Malaysia is very pleased to be able to interview Malaysia's Super Model Amber Chia, who had already making a name for herself in Modeling. When given the chance to interview, Amber Chia had always been Finance Malaysia's mind. In fact, Amber is an icon of the industry nowadays. She even forays into international scene, bringing Malaysia's image with her.

Amber's Story

From her small town roots in East Malaysia to her domination of the local modeling scene, Amber Chia embodies the classic fairy tale rise to fame. After moving to Kuala Lumpur at the early age of 17, Amber was quickly able to make a name for herself within the local modeling scene. Her charming personality and distinct look hastily ensured her place amongst the countries elite. Amber proved her international appeal by securing a contract with Guess Watches International in 2004 and has since used this as a platform to propel herself into other mediums such as movies and television. (AmberChia.com)

The Lovely Interview...

1. Being a Model, TV Host and Actress, which one do you think that is the most challenging task for you? And, why?
• Basically, everything new to me sometime would be challenging. If you really want me to select, I would say being a model. Why? This is because modeling is the first task that I faced the world, be it on the stage, in front of TV and camera. In fact, being a model had gained me different experiences which could then be useful for being a TV host and actress. Yes, modeling is my answer.
  
2. You had ventured into business and started Amber Creations and AmberChia Academy. What drives you to become a businesswoman?
• I am not young anymore. Haha. I wanted to plan for my future too. I love this entertainment industry, and before venturing into business, I had been in this industry for 14 years. I started Amber Creations (event management company) and AmberChia Academy, and these are not new to me either. These businesses closely related to what I am practicing all this while. And, this is the best of me.
  
   
  
• AmberChia Academy was set up with the aim of grooming the next top super model. I am very passionate about it, and hopes to nurture ones talent just like Amber Chia did.
  
3. The following questions touched on your personal money matters. What is your view on Insurance
• For me, insurance is something compulsory, it's not optional. My insurance plans includes everything ranging life, medical, accidental and retirement. You must be mindful of your loved ones when something unfortunate event happens to you. Insurance is very important to us, especially if a family was set up.
  
4. How about Investment?
• On investment, I had started planning, and started my baby education fund. I am investing in properties. As usual, location location location is the most important rule in property investing. All of my investment is in Malaysia. I don't invest in overseas because I only did what I knew best. For me, I am not confident in overseas investing.
  
5. Any words for our readers?
• Dear readers, we must save money for our future. We should save, invest and spend on essential items. Do not overspend. Learn and enhanced our skills and knowledge in personal money management is crucial. Good luck.

Finance Malaysia takes this opportunity to thanks Amber for her time spent on this interview, and wishes her good luck in her career and businesses. We hope that this article could inspire Malaysians to excel further in their future.

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Personal Income Tax: Child Relief

When we are having children, it's a gift from God. And, Malaysia is a blessed place to live, a place where no earthquake and volcano. Although we once hit by tsunami, but it brings minimal effect to us. Thank God.

In line with the effort to increase Malaysian workforce, in achieving self-sustainable economy with strong domestic consumption, Government has laid out several tax relief especially meant for child. Dubbed as one of the "major investment" of a family, raising up a child could easily cost a family few hundred thousands (if not millions). Let's take a look at some of the tax advantages of having a child.

Child Tax Relief

Married couple can claim child relief of maintaining any child. The children can be their own child, step child, or legally adopted child. Then, there are subdivided into 4 different categories.

Source: IRB, Finance Malaysia Blog

Generally, parents can claim tax relief of RM1,000 per unmarried child per year, until he or she turns 18. An unmarried child who is over 18 and continuing full-time education at a secondary school, he or she entitles the parent to a RM1,000 tax relief.

Meanwhile, parent may claim a tax relief of RM4,000 once the child is 18 and above, and pursuing full-time tertiary education (diplomas and above qualifications) locally or overseas. The said tertiary education must be a program and in Higher Education Institute that is accredited by related Government authorities.

For those unfortunate Disabled child, the tax relief is RM5,000 per year as long as he/she is unmarried. Other than that, an additional relief of RM4,000 will be granted if the disabled child pursues a full-time tertiary education just as an ordinary child mentioned earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a limit to the number of child entitled for child relief?
• There is NO limit to the number of child, but please take note that relief will only be given to unmarried child.
  
2. Can husband and wife claim for the same child relief?
• NO. Instead, the child relief should be claimed by either spouse who has the highest taxable income in order to minimize the tax payable. It should never be divided between husband or wife.

Source: IRB