Golden family moment: Vicki (right) and her aunt Michelle with the Oscar during a family gathering when the superstar came home.
To everybody else, she’s the big star who won an Oscar.
But to Vicki Yeoh, she is just “Aunty Michelle”.
Vicki is the niece of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and often seen next to the acclaimed actress especially when she was back in Malaysia recently when they attended family gatherings and public events together.
She described Michelle, who is her father’s elder sister, as her “third parent”.
Recalling her younger days, Vicki said she would always ask about Michelle’s whereabouts, who was always away for long periods of time.
“When I was a child, I did not know what an actress was,” said Vicki, 29.
“But whenever she comes home, it feels as if she had never left. She would spend much time with me to fill in on all the gaps she missed from home.
“She would tell us of her adventures and the amazing projects that she would be working on.”
Vicki recalled that some of her best memories with Michelle had always revolved around outdoor activities such as sports, learning about wildlife, and going on hikes and walks in nature together to “explore new things”.
And thanks to Michelle, Vicki found a passion in film production.
She has been pursuing a career in filmmaking since her graduation several years ago.
“She has given me the opportunity at a young age to get a glimpse behind the scenes and witness the magic of bringing movies to life.
“Watching my aunt work, I realised that the filmmaking process is far from easy.
“It entails long hours, unwavering discipline, and the acquisition of various additional skills to enhance the depth and authenticity of the characters.
“Despite her busy schedule, I am truly happy that she always has the time and patience to teach my siblings and I,” she told The Star.When Michelle made history at the Academy Awards on March 13 as the first Asian to win the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Vicki said all her family members were jumping for joy.
“After my aunt delivered her speech, she immediately went backstage to call us.
“I answered the video call, and amid tears and congratulatory wishes – the atmosphere was electric – we were still in disbelief over the announcement.
“There was much cheering, jumping for joy, tears of happiness, and hugs.”
And when the celebrations subsided, Vicki said the family caught up with Michelle for another heart-to-heart chat.
“She shared her emotions leading up to the announcement, saying that she had been hoping that she wouldn’t let down all of us watching from Malaysia.
“But we knew she would be taking home her very own golden man,” she said.
When Michelle returned to Malaysia with the Oscar a month later, Vicki was the one who appeared on stage briefly during a meet-the-fans session in Kuala Lumpur, bringing in the golden statuette for Michelle to show it to the happy crowd.
“To see the Oscar up close was as if I’ve come upon the holy grail.
“It stood before me as a testament to the sacrifices she had made all these years to pave the way for those who had dreamt of ever breaking the mould.
“It was also the representation of all the hard work and unwavering dedication my aunt had poured into pursuing her passion.”
As she draws strengths and inspiration from Aunt Michelle, Yeoh said no one should let their background dictate their potential.
“You possess the ability to shape your future and your life according to your aspirations.”
Vicki believed that young people should “embrace our unique journey”.
“Believe in yourself, set your own goals, and never be afraid to pursue your passions.”
“It is your determination, hard work and resilience that will shape your future,” she said.
And equally as important, she shared a main takeaway from her aunt.
“She taught us to always be humble and give back to the community whenever we can.”
