Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are. It is the rest of your story, who you choose to be.

If I only get to play Malaysian roles, there wouldn't be very many roles for me to play.

My career in the movie business began in Hong Kong, my heart has always been tied to Asia, and it is immensely gratifying to see international recognition for Asian cinema as a whole.

As an actor, you hope to find roles that are challenging to you as an artist. Then if you are truly blessed, you will find that it also carries a message that you can impart to your audience.

I believe we are all born equal. You know, we are, whether you're a boy or a girl, you should have the same equal rights.

And I don't feel any fear in a sense, because I have every good intention in my heart. When you face up to bad things in the past, the most important thing is not to allow them to happen today or in the future, and as storytellers, we must play our part in that.

I have been presented with roles with demand not just a physical ability but mental disciplines as well. 'Memoirs of a Geisha' was not so much about physical exertion...it was much more graceful and contained than that.