Malaysian Singer · Songwriter · Cultural Ambassador

Shila Amzah

Twenty-five years of music, memories & bridges between nations.

From a ten-year-old debut album in Kuala Lumpur to 500 million viewers a week in China — the story of an artist who proved that music truly knows no borders.

Explore Her Journey Discography

25+Years in Music

1990Born in Kuala Lumpur

3Languages Sung

2012Asian Wave Winner

Nurshahila Amir Hamzah

About

A Voice Without Borders

Shila Amzah, born Nurshahila Amir Hamzah, is one of Malaysia's most accomplished and internationally recognised musical artists. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has transcended borders to become a celebrated figure not only in her home country but across Asia — particularly in China, where she built one of the most remarkable second acts in Malaysian entertainment history.

The daughter of renowned 1980s singer and actor Datuk ND Lala, Shila grew up surrounded by music. She released her debut album, Terima Kasih Guru, at just ten years old in 2000 — but it was her run on the singing competition One In A Million that turned her into a household name, with "Memori Tercipta" becoming the breakthrough hit that defined a generation of listeners.

In 2012, her victory on Asian Wave in Shanghai opened the door to nearly a decade in the Chinese entertainment industry. Her multilingual repertoire — moving fluidly between Malay, Mandarin and English — and her genre-spanning vocal artistry have made her a genuine cultural ambassador between Malaysia and China.

Full NameNurshahila Amir Hamzah
Born1990, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
FamilyDaughter of Datuk ND Lala; mother of two
LanguagesMalay · Mandarin · English
Known ForAsian Wave winner, I Am a Singer, Tourism Ambassador

The Journey

Milestones of a Musical Life

From child performer to international star — the moments that shaped a 25-year career.

2000

Debut at Ten Years Old

Released her first album, Terima Kasih Guru, beginning a journey in the entertainment industry at the remarkably young age of nine or ten, following her father ND Lala on his artistic endeavours.

2007

One In A Million Breakthrough

Finished second in the second season of One In A Million, with her performance of "Memori Tercipta" becoming a breakout hit that catapulted her to national fame.

2012

Wins Asian Wave in Shanghai

A transformative turning point. Her victory on the Chinese reality competition marked the beginning of nearly eight years building a career in the Chinese entertainment market.

2014

I Am a Singer Season 2

Competed on one of China's most popular programmes, commanding an estimated 500 million viewers per week. She emerged as the No. 2 choice of professional judges and No. 3 choice of the audience.

2016

Tourism Ambassador for China

Appointed by Tourism Malaysia and the Minister of Tourism and Culture to help boost tourist arrivals from China, recognising her popularity and influence across the Chinese-speaking world.

2020

The Pandemic Turning Point

During the Movement Control Order, she separated from her father in terms of work and had to start from scratch. She describes it as the biggest turning point of her life and career.

2023

Marriage & Motherhood

Married influencer Ubai on 5 August 2023. The couple have a daughter named Rhea Akira; Shila is a mother of two.

2026

SA25 — The Silver Jubilee

Celebrated 25 years in entertainment with the album SA25, featuring a nostalgic re-recording of "Memori Tercipta", plus the Resonance concerts at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas and the KITA concert at Resorts World Genting.

2027

The Next Chapter

Announced plans to relocate to China by the end of 2027, driven by the demands of her career and a desire to keep her family together — with a full Mandarin album in the works.

Discography

Signature Songs

A repertoire spanning Malay, Mandarin and English — from teen ballads to arena anthems.

Patah Seribu

One of her most popular songs, a staple of her live concerts.

Memori Tercipta

The One In A Million hit that catapulted her to fame — re-recorded for SA25.

Masih Aku Cinta

A beloved ballad that anchors her concert repertoire.

Sirna Hati

A fan favourite, frequently performed live.

Forever Love

A Mandarin song that helped elevate her popularity in China.

Terima Kasih Guru

The title track of her 2000 debut album.

Albums & Concerts

'00

Terima Kasih Guru

Her debut album, released at ten years old — the beginning of everything.

'26

SA25

The silver jubilee album marking 25 years, symbolising her journey from the age of nine to today.

'26

Resonance

"Shila Amzah in Harmony — 25 Years of Music & Memories" at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.

'26

KITA

A 40-song concert at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting — in Mandarin, Malay and English.

Recognition

Achievements & Honours

Awards, appointments and accolades earned across two decades and three languages.

★

Asian Wave Champion

Won the Shanghai-based reality competition in 2012, launching her career across the Chinese-speaking world.

★

Tourism Ambassador for China

Appointed by Tourism Malaysia in 2016 to help boost Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia.

★

China–Malaysia Friendship Award

Recognised by the Chinese Government as Malaysia's singing Cultural Ambassador for strengthening bilateral ties.

★

I Am a Singer Season 2

No. 2 choice of professional judges and No. 3 choice of the audience on a show drawing 500 million weekly viewers.

★

International Press Praise

Japanese media recognised her achievements, describing her success as a national treasure.

★

Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

Performed over two nights at the prestigious venue — a dream stage for Malaysian singers — with no backing vocalists.

What's Next

The Road to China

Shila has announced plans to relocate to China by the end of 2027, driven by the growing demands of her career there and her desire to keep her family together while reducing the strain of constant travel between Malaysia and China.

She is currently working on a full Mandarin album specifically for the Chinese market, expected for release in the near future.

Despite the move, she has emphasised that it does not mean she is forgetting her Malaysian fans — she continues to produce albums and hold concerts at home.

“

Travelling back and forth can be exhausting. Whenever I need to be overseas for three or four days, I have to leave my children behind. That is one of the sacrifices I have to make, but at the same time, I want my children to see what their mother does and feel proud.

Shila Amzah