Tiara: The vision was so clear in my mind – this magical, immersive experience where visitors wouldn’t just observe but become part of a living, breathing story.
Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina is one of the most prominent Malaysian entertainers having acted, produced and directed numerous movies and musicals. But lesser is known of her business involvement as an entrepreneur.
In an interview with StarBiz, Tiara shares her early interest in business and her latest project, the multi-sensory theme park in Langkawi.
Wong: Tiara, congratulations on this amazing achievement! How does it feel to be recognised as the Best Immersive Experiences Entrepreneur of the Year (from the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards)?
Tiara: Thank you so much! It’s absolutely exhilarating and a bit surreal, to be honest. Being recognised as the Best Immersive Experiences Entrepreneur of the Year is such an honour.
It’s not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the hard work and creativity of my entire team at Enfiniti. We’ve always poured our hearts and souls into creating experiences that transport people to other worlds, whether on stage, for live events or even at our resort – and to see that effort acknowledged on such a grand scale is incredibly rewarding. It motivates us to dream even bigger and push the boundaries of what we can create.
Most people know you as an extraordinary performer, but there’s another side of you that’s just as fascinating – Tiara Jacquelina, the businesswoman. Can you tell us more about that?
Oh, absolutely! Being an entrepreneur has been my dream ever since I was very young. While I absolutely love the creative side, there’s a lot of business thinking behind each project I undertake.
It’s all about balancing the creative vision with practical business strategies. From conceptualising ideas to executing them, while keeping an eye on the market trends and financials and applying creativity to problem-solving.
It’s like playing a multifaceted game where art meets commerce.
I understand you started your first business at 18 while studying. That sounds like a story! How has that background shaped your approach in the entertainment industry?
Yes, I did, and that was quite an adventure, haha! In fact, my friend and reluctant first business partner Jennifer Ong and I started our first RM2 company – a talent scouting agency called Jacquie Eu Productions, whilst studying business at what is now KDU College University.
My idea back then was that to understand subjects we were both learning like economics, business law, costing, statistics and accounting. Ah, it felt so good to be young, fearless and audacious.
So, there we were, two young students rocking up to Leo Burnett’s office with the audacious goal of “providing a service that would transform the advertising industry”.
That led to my first venture, which evolved into a dance and comedy revue called The Kit Kat Klub Show. That grew into something much bigger, which is an event organising company to film and TV production, musical theatre, the Enfiniti Academy, and now into immersive experiences.
Studying business really grounded my approach though. It taught me to think strategically, understand market dynamics, and make decisions that balance creativity with profitability.
It’s been a wild ride with ups and downs, but every challenge was a stepping stone, shaping me into the entrepreneur I am today.
Let’s rewind a bit. Share with us your early interest in business. Where did it all begin?
As a kid, I was always intrigued by how businesses work, the thrill of making decisions, creating something of value.
At the start of my career in acting, I realised the person ultimately calling the shots was not the person in front nor behind the camera – it was the producer.
So that was my immediate goal, to be my own producer, make films I wanted to make and hire people I wanted to work with.
I guess it was in my blood, watching family members, especially my grandmother, navigate the business world with such finesse. It was inspiring for me as a child to see her lead with such grace and intelligence.
Speaking of your grandmother, I saw your LinkedIn post about how she shaped your view of women in business. Can you share more about her influence?
My Nana was a phenomenal woman. Seeing her at the helm of our family’s stevedoring business in Port Swettenham, leading with both elegance and authority, really imprinted on me.
She was a perfect blend of toughness and femininity. Her leadership style, her savvy in business, it all resonated with me deeply and set the tone for my aspirations.
Can you share with us what sparked your interest in creating immersive experiences?
Absolutely! It all started with my love for storytelling and the arts. I’ve always been fascinated by how stories can transport us to different worlds. The idea was to take this a step further, to not just tell stories but to create worlds where people can step in and become a part of the narrative themselves.
What challenges did you face in bringing your vision for Dream Forest Langkawi to reality, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges with Dream Forest Langkawi was articulating the concept to others. It’s such a unique and novel idea, unlike a conventional theme park or a musical performance. People often rely on familiar references to understand something new, and Dream Forest didn’t fit neatly into any existing category.
The vision was so clear in my mind – this magical, immersive experience where visitors wouldn’t just observe but become part of a living, breathing story.
But explaining that vision, making it tangible to others, that was the tricky part.
To overcome this, communication with my team was key. I engaged with them constantly, sharing every facet of my vision, every detail I could see in my mind’s eye. It was important they didn’t just understand the concept but felt it, believed in it as much as I did.
This meant lots of discussions, walkthroughs, and brainstorming sessions. It was about bringing them into the world I envisioned, so they could help bring it to life for everyone else.
Persistence was also crucial. I had to be steadfast in my belief in the project, even when it was challenging to convey its essence to others. It was a journey of not just building an experience but also building understanding and excitement for something completely new. And seeing it come to fruition, watching visitors immerse themselves in the world we created, makes all those challenges worthwhile.
In your talks to young women who dream of leading and creating, what’s the heart of the message you share with them?
At the core of my talks, I want to send a message of empowerment and the real, gritty kind of resilience. It’s about saying, “Hey, you’ve got unique strengths – own them, use them.”
When challenges knock at your door, stand your ground and keep pushing for your dreams. I want to tell them that it’s okay to be different, to include everyone, and to always believe in yourself. In the end, it’s about making a difference in your own way and lighting up the path for others to follow.
Out of all the projects you’ve worked on, from movies (like Puteri Gunung Ledang) to stage musicals (like OlaBola and P. Ramlee the Musical) to your resort Tiarasa Escapes and now immersive attractions through Dream Forest, do you have a favourite?
That’s like asking a parent to choose a favourite child!
But if I have to pick, I’d say our recent Dream Forest Langkawi project holds a special place in my heart. I love the blend of culture, nature and cutting-edge technology, and with a fantasy genre you can dream as far as your imagination takes you.
In what ways has your husband, Tan Sri Effendi Norwawi, influenced your journey and growth as an entrepreneur?
My husband, Effendi, is a treasure trove of wisdom and experience, and I find myself in a constant state of learning from him.
Observing him in his professional element every day, engaging in discussions after meetings, and soaking in the insights he shares, are akin to attending an ongoing masterclass in business!
These experiences are really invaluable to me. Every time I get excited about a new project, he would challenge me on the details of my concept, business plan, feasibility study and project management.
He is my steadfast critic and my most enthusiastic supporter at the same time. Anyone who has worked with me will tell you how he attends every single night’s performance of each musical I produce.
And he gives me notes every day on all his observations, up until the final performance. When we were building Dream Forest Langkawi, he would accompany me on every site visit and push me and the team to perfect every moment of the experience. The wind beneath my wings, to borrow the lyrics of a Bette Midler song. He isn’t just my business mentor and coach; he’s also a partner who shares my passion and vision.
How do you see the future of immersive experiences evolving in Malaysia?
I’m really excited about what’s ahead. Malaysia is a treasure trove of culture and unique stories waiting to be told in new, immersive ways. Immersive attractions like Dream Forest Langkawi are just the beginning.
They hit the mark with younger crowds who love being part of the story and, of course, the “Instagram-worthy” moments.
We’ve got a lot of homegrown talent in animation and a knack for figuring things out creatively and cost-effectively. I believe we’re only just getting started.
Malaysia has all the ingredients to be a big player on the global stage for immersive entertainment – it’s a space to watch!
Can you describe how your everyday experiences influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and business idea generation?
The entrepreneurial mindset is a part of me that fortunately or unfortunately remains constantly active!
Whenever I encounter something remarkable, be it an engaging movie, a captivating musical, an alluring resort, or an innovative business concept, it sparks my entrepreneurial spirit.
These experiences invariably set my mind in motion, stirring up a surge of creative business ideas and inspiring me to contemplate my own ventures.
This journey of yours must have been filled with highs and lows. How do you keep pushing forward?
You know, I could write a book about everything that went wrong, from not getting paid for work done, getting cheated, making wrong business decisions, trusting the wrong people. But that’s what builds resilience. It’s like that Chumbawamba song “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You are never gonna keep me down.”
I believe strongly in my visions, and that passion fuels me. Plus, anyone who knows me knows that once I set my goal on something, I will not give up until I make it happen. I always remember my Nana’s tenacity and my own youthful fearlessness. They remind me to keep chasing those big dreams.
Finally, any words for that bold 18-year-old Tiara starting her first business?
I’d tell her, “You’re on the right path. It’s going to be challenging, but every experience will teach you something invaluable. Stay true to yourself, keep that fearless spirit alive, and never stop dreaming big. Oh, and a big thank you for choosing this incredible journey.”
Tiara Jacquelina, a prominent figure in the Malaysian arts and entertainment industry, has been recognised for her remarkable contributions and innovative work, recently winning her the SEBA Award for Immersive Experiences Entrepreneur Of The Year.
