Shang-chi actor Ronny Chieng is still Malaysian at heart

Kuala Lumpur — Marvel Studio’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is scheduled to hit Malaysian cinemas on Oct 7 and many Malaysians are anticipating the release.

Malaysians cannot wait to see Malaysian-born actress Michelle Yeoh and comedian Ronny Chieng on screen. Marvel released a short video of Chieng on Sept 16. Chieng not only promoted “Shang-Chi”, but he also showed that he is still a bona fide Malaysian with a few choices of Malay phrases.

Chieng, 35 was born in Johor Bahru but attended school in Singapore. He did comedy acting in Australia. He went on to become popular on the American talk show “The Daily Show” and subsequently starred in Crazy Rich Asians in 2018. This time, in “Shang-Chi”, Chieng will be portraying Jon Jon, an underground fighting arena manager, as reported by Hype.my.

Speaking to Channel News Asia (CNA) in an interview, the comedian admitted that Jon Jon was a total ‘Ah Beng’.

He drew on his experiences in Malaysia and Singapore to properly convey his character. “You know, I was speaking Chinese in it. At one point I dropped Bahasa Melayu in there as well,” he said. “In Singapore, that’s how we roll! We just go (in and out).”

Of course, saying it is one thing. Chieng proved he still had a grasp for the language when he promoted the movie yesterday. “Selamat Hari Malaysia! (Happy Malaysia Day!)” he greeted. “Johor Bahru kampung saya. Saya anak Malaysia! (Johor Bahru is my hometown. I’m Malaysia’s son!)”

Although the comedian is staying in the States at the moment, he is still a Malaysian at heart. Speaking in Malaysian phrases is not the only proof. He pulled out his Malaysian passport and promised he still uses his “lahs and mehs” all the time. He even demonstrated his ability to order like a pro at the local coffee shop (kopitiam)— a must for any Malaysian.

We are definitely looking forward to watching “Shang-Chi”, especially with the promise of hearing our accent and language in the blockbuster movie. /TISG