A recognisable presence with effortless allure, this Malaysian-British multihyphenated has steadily established herself in the spotlight. She first captured public attention through Dewi Remaja, and has since blossomed into one of the industry’s most sought-after young names. In 2025, her rising influence reached an international milestone when she was honoured with the “Outstanding Asian Star – Malaysia” award at the prestigious Seoul International Drama Awards.
In this Top 10 Malaysia exclusive interview, Anna Jobling reflects on her personal journey on navigating the industry, the principles that anchor her growth and how she continues to hold her ground as the ultimate it-girl.
1
From modelling and to talent competitions, acting and television, you’ve explored many sides of the entertainment world at a young age. How do you define yourself as an artist today, and how do these diverse experiences shape the kind of artist you want to become?
I see myself as an artist deeply passionate about my work. I genuinely love what I do — and I embrace the challenges and lessons that come with each role. Being on different sets and meeting new people constantly inspire me to grow, because every experience teaches me something valuable. Over time, those moments have shaped the kind of artist I aspire to be: someone who is always open to learning and equally willing to share that knowledge with others, especially those who may have the same questions I once had when I first entered the industry.
2
Having first gained recognition through beauty pageants, what inspired you to be highly dedicated to acting, and what continues to motivate you as you build your career as an actress?
What inspired me to pursue acting was the need to challenge myself. I started out in modelling and TV commercials, but I felt there was more potential in me that hadn’t been explored. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy — I faced rejection and moments where it felt like not many people believed in me.
Still, I held on to the belief that if I truly committed to something, I could make it happen. That mindset continues to fuel me today. I choose to keep striving, take criticism in stride and enjoy the process.
3
Your role in Duyung: Legenda Aurora marked your entry into one of Malaysia’s most iconic film franchises. What excites you most about being part of films that audiences eagerly look forward to?
Being part of a highly anticipated franchise definitely comes with pressure. As an actress, you naturally don’t want to disappoint the audience, especially when expectations are high.
At the same time, it’s incredibly exciting. I grew up watching Duyong and so many timeless, legendary Malay films, so to find myself involved in a project of that scale felt surreal. It was truly an honour to work alongside members of the original cast and to experience the behind the scenes of such an iconic production.
4
Do you have a dream role, passion project or new artistic direction you hope to explore?
Moving forward, I’m interested in exploring new challenges, particularly action or fantasy movies, because I enjoy pushing my limits and learning the skills required for these roles. I’m always open to training, whether it involves fight choreography, defensive skills or anything that helps me grow as a performer.
5
Reaching this point at such a young age in the entertainment industry comes with its own set of challenges. What have been the most defining obstacles along your journey, and how did overcoming them shape the artist and individual you are today?
When I first started in the industry, I faced a lot of rejection because my Malay language skills and acting abilities weren’t great. I knew I had to put in the work, so I spent a lot of time learning the language, studying the industry and immersing myself in Malaysian films and shows by attending acting classes and watched a lot of Malay productions. That preparation helped me a lot in my journey.
6
Many young artists appreciate you for your outstanding talent as a rising star who has already won multiple honours. What advice would you provide aspiring youngsters looking to establish themselves in the present entertainment industry?
My advice for newcomers may sound cliché, but it’s something I truly believe in — never give up, stay true to yourself and keep learning. Take classes, ask questions from experienced people in the industry, respect everyone and remain humble. Hard work may not show immediate results, but it will pay off in the long run.
I also believe in trusting your own path if you know you’re doing the right thing, while staying open to constructive criticism from people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Being in the public eye can sometimes make you lose sight of who you are as a person, so it’s important to stay grounded and acknowledge your own emotions. The industry isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly enjoyable if you learn how to navigate it wisely.