Why Malaysian Muslim singer Shila Amzah had to move to China | South China Morning Post: "Shila says relocating to China was the right decision for her. She has received more respect and encouragement from mainland audiences. But with that, she also feels the pressure.
"I have to work harder than I did in Malaysia - pushing myself to become a better person, a better singer, a better performer. This brings out the best in me," she says.
Shila has also become a cultural ambassador. She sang for President Xi Jinping in October 2013, when he visited Malaysia. In December 2014, the Chinese government gave Shila an award for her "special contribution to building friendship between China and Malaysia".
As a Muslim, she is aware that her religious beliefs and practices may be a sensitive issue in some parts of China. For example, in one city in Xinjiang, citizens with head scarves, veils and long beards are banned from public buses. Some view this as discrimination against Uygurs; the authorities think the ban strengthens security especially when major events are being held in cities.
Shila has a different view. "There are a lot of things in our religion that are really simple. It's not the religion that makes it hard, but it is the people who make it hard.
"Religion is about trust, about believing in yourself. Whatever your religion, it's really beautiful to have something to believe in. All religions teach us to be nice, to be kind and to have courage. Those are the values I want my fans to have.""
'via Blog this'
"I have to work harder than I did in Malaysia - pushing myself to become a better person, a better singer, a better performer. This brings out the best in me," she says.
Shila has also become a cultural ambassador. She sang for President Xi Jinping in October 2013, when he visited Malaysia. In December 2014, the Chinese government gave Shila an award for her "special contribution to building friendship between China and Malaysia".
As a Muslim, she is aware that her religious beliefs and practices may be a sensitive issue in some parts of China. For example, in one city in Xinjiang, citizens with head scarves, veils and long beards are banned from public buses. Some view this as discrimination against Uygurs; the authorities think the ban strengthens security especially when major events are being held in cities.
Shila has a different view. "There are a lot of things in our religion that are really simple. It's not the religion that makes it hard, but it is the people who make it hard.
"Religion is about trust, about believing in yourself. Whatever your religion, it's really beautiful to have something to believe in. All religions teach us to be nice, to be kind and to have courage. Those are the values I want my fans to have.""
'via Blog this'
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