Internationally acclaimed quick-change artists, Avery Chin and Sylvia Lim have redefined the art of transformation on the world stage. Their passion for pushing creative boundaries has earned them 15 Guinness World Records, a recognition that places them among the most celebrated artists in their field. They are proud to serve as the official Guinness World Records Ambassadors in Malaysia, a role that allows them to inspire others to dream beyond limits. In an interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Avery and Sylvia share their remarkable journey and the values that continue to drive them as global representatives of Malaysia’s talent and creativity.
Avery Chin and Sylvia Lim’s journey is filled with milestones, they became the first-ever International Magicians Society world record holders, received the Merlin Award as the World’s Best Quick-Change Artists and were crowned the Grand Champions of 2 Minutes to Fame. They are also proud recipients of the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian award, a recognition that celebrates their contributions and achievements.
They have collected multiple international awards and showcased their signature performances across continents. “Our story has captured the attention of global media, from CCTV to CNN and America’s History Channel,” says Avery excitedly. “Our achievements have been shared in more than 100 countries through television, news, magazines, radio and online media.
“Beyond performing, we empower others by serving as Guinness World Records consultants, guiding brands, businesses and individuals to achieve global recognition through extraordinary record-breaking feats,” says Sylvia. “We are committed to proving that with vision, passion and persistence, anyone can create history,” adds Avery.
Magic is Avery’s lifelong passion. “After graduating in civil engineering, I chose to follow my true passion and step into the entertainment world as a full-time magician. Sylvia, on the other hand, always had a deep love for fashion. When we combined our passions, the art of quick-change was born. It is a performance that merges illusion and design into something truly unique.”
“One of our greatest life goals was to achieve a Guinness World Record, to bring glory to our country by showcasing Malaysia’s talent to the world. After setting our first record, doors began opening internationally, giving us countless opportunities to represent Malaysia on some of the biggest stages across the globe,” Sylvia recalls. “Our upbringing taught us the values of hard work, resilience and pride in our roots.”
One of the most pivotal moments in their career was their first Guinness World Records challenge, which took place outdoors under extreme conditions. “On that day, a typhoon made everything unpredictable. Our costumes were made from delicate, lightweight fabric and controlling our quick-change techniques in such weather was incredibly difficult,” Avery reminisces.
“The most critical part was the final transformation, where I tossed confetti into the air above Sylvia’s head and she would instantly change from a short dress into a long white gown. However, the Guinness World Records adjudicator advised us not to perform this finale as the wind could blow the confetti away – exposing the secret and causing the attempt to fail.”
“Against all odds, the transformation worked flawlessly, and we successfully set our very first Guinness World Record,” Sylvia says proudly. “We were overwhelmed with tears of relief and pride. It felt like the world finally saw us, and we knew our dream had became history.”
“The toughest Guinness World Records challenge was the record for the most costume changes in 30 seconds,” Avery explains. “Originally, the requirement was to complete 9 costume changes in 30 seconds. But just two weeks before the official attempt, the Guinness World Records team raised the number from 9 to 15 costumes. We had very little time to re-strategise and prepare under the new rules.”
Instead of backing down, the duo trusted their teamwork and refused to let the new rules shake their determination. “In the end, we exceeded the requirement, completing 16 costume changes in just 30 seconds and setting a new record,” says Sylvia.
“My advice to anyone starting in this field is simple: never walk alone. Talent can help you win a competition, but it is teamwork that allows you to win the world. Behind every performance, every record, and every success is a team that trusts, supports and pushes each other to be better,” he says. “You must also train your mind to go beyond limits, see the invisible, believe the incredible, and achieve the impossible. This art is not just about costumes or techniques; it’s about vision, creativity and the courage to turn imagination into reality. If you can combine passion, teamwork and persistence, you won’t just be a performer – you’ll be a history maker.”