December/January 2025 Cover: Icon status, Awal Ashaari and Scha Alyahya

Which moment from your relationship do you feel is most memorable and don’t mind reliving?

SCHA ALYAHYA (SA) If I could go back in time to any moment, it would be the moment I held each of my babies for the very first time. The very moment everyone and everything else stood still when the world spun for just me and that new little life. Nothing will ever compare to it.

AWAL ASHAARI (AA) I would choose to relive the day she said “Yes” to my proposal. It was one of the best days of our relationship because, at that moment, I was certain about taking our relationship to the next level. She agreed to leave everything behind and start a new chapter of life with me.

How do you balance maintaining your privacy while being two of the most recognisable faces?

SA Due to my obligations, I do share the required amount of time on social media platforms, including appearances and engagements, or else I’ll keep my nose out of it like the rest of the population.

AA As a celebrity, I feel like we live with two separate personas every day: one as a normal human being and the other as a glamorous celebrity. When the entire family is in the spotlight, privacy often suffers.

Can you reveal to us one interest you have that fans might not know about?

SA I have a toxic trait as a bookworm, which is that I would force myself to read till the last page even if I’m not necessarily enjoying it.

AA I can cook very well, and I enjoy baking from time to time. If you leave me in the kitchen, you might be surprised at the variety of dishes, cakes, pastries, or desserts I can prepare.

If you could collaborate on a project outside of entertainment, what would it be?

SA To be involved in an NGO or charitable organisation, assisting the less fortunate and those in need by providing services of any type, advocating for public policy, and raising awareness on challenging issues so that the future can be brighter/promising for them.

AA I have a passion for beautiful, creative, and aesthetic things and definitely have an eye for styling and interior design. I would love to collaborate on interior projects for clients.

How do you handle creative differences when working together?

SA By respecting and embracing different perspectives while recognizing and appreciating diversity through open communication in an open, collaborative environment. At the end of the day, we both have a common goal to achieve.

AA Our creative minds are different, and we often have varying approaches to creativity. I believe that accepting your partner’s ideas and respecting each other’s opinions and ethics is key to working together successfully.

What is the most unexpected lesson parenthood has taught you?

SA Children possess far more insight than we often acknowledge. They are remarkable, already significantly surpassing their elders in life skills. Remembering that we all experience worry and heartache is also one of the surprising keys to connection and compassion as parents — the bond we forged that holds immense power and value.

AA Parenthood is not an easy task. It requires a variety of skills to deal with kids. Being a father entails taking on a role filled with responsibilities, worries, and a drive to do more for them.

How do you ensure your children stay grounded despite growing up in the spotlight?

SA Like any other parents, Awal and I are making every effort to guide our children. We limit material possessions, lead by example, and hold them accountable for everything they do.

AA We always remind our girls to be nice, humble, and respectful to others. Despite the public attention they receive, they still need to work, study, and live like everyone else.

Is there a cause or charity that is particularly close to your heart?

SA There are a few that I hold dear to my heart, but children who are disproportionately affected by war and conflict, whose human rights are severely endangered, are what I think about every day. As a mother, I can’t help the distress they have to endure at such an age with a lack of access to basic needs.

AA Children hold a special place in my heart due to their often-overlooked nature. They’re harmless yet helpless and shouldn’t face challenges at such a young age. I love children and believe every child deserves to be happy.

What is a personal goal each of you hopes to achieve in the not-so-far future?

SA The goal is always to provide for family and help those in need to the best of my ability. Insyallah, through career advancement that we both have been planning at the moment.

AA I envision being successful in business and doing something close to my heart. I aspire to spearhead a long-lasting enterprise that leaves a lasting legacy. Additionally, I hope to mentor young talents, guiding them toward excelling in their careers while maintaining strong personal branding. This involves developing effective communication skills, maintaining a professional appearance, and upholding their status with dignity in order to succeed in this industry.

If you could live anywhere in the world besides Malaysia where?

SA It would have to be Japan due to quality of life, healthcare, safety, and a diverse geography with efficient and reliable public transportation. Japan also ranked among the world’s most advanced technology sectors while maintaining its cultural heritage and tradition.

AA Nothing beats Malaysia when it comes to where I want to live, but if I had to choose, it would be New York. I love its vibrant, high-energy lifestyle. People might not know this, but I enjoy fast-paced, loud, and bustling environments. New York is simple yet adrenaline-pumping!

What is one piece of advice you would give to young couples entering the entertainment industry?

SA Don’t turn back on each other.

AA The entertainment industry is not an effortless field, but it’s filled with opportunities and challenges. Going solo is hard, but going as a couple is harder. Every action has consequences, not just for you but also for your partner. Be wise and respectful, and avoid oversharing your personal life on social media.

How do you keep your relationship strong amidst the pressures of fame?

SA Communication is important, but comprehension is key. We would address issues constructively and find solutions that both can agree upon, being willing to adapt and accept that we both are two sets of different people and at the end of the day we love one another.

AA We have a strong understanding that we don’t see each other as “celebrities.” We fell in love with the same person we met before fame, and that remains unchanged. While we face ups and downs, positive communication keeps us going.

What is a book or film that has influenced your life or career?

SA Atomic Habits by James Clear.

AA I love David Nicholls’ One Day, a bittersweet love story about two people navigating friendship, romance, personal growth, and the complexities of timing. It taught me that time won’t wait, so you have to act now or never.

How do you approach teaching your children about social media and its impact?

SA Monitor diligently, having a regular conversation about online safety, and we would discuss the consequences of online actions that could impact their future, opportunities, and relationships.

AA So far, my girls aren’t very active on social media, but they occasionally watch TikTok and YouTube. It’s impossible to block them completely, so I monitor their activity and educate them about the pros and cons. I give them real-life examples of consequences and advise them not to engage with strangers online.

We have heard rumours about your upcoming major project. Could you perhaps tell the readers something?

SA Throughout these years we have been blessed to be able to work and collaborate with big names in the fashion industry and experience the real deal behind the close scene. Humbly, with all these opportunities given, the project is still brewing and hoping to get all the support and love from you guys!

COVER CREDITS:

Words John Ng
Creative Direction & Styling Colin Sim
Photography Lock Chee Wei
Grooming Sharman Yee / Plika Makeup
Hair Keith Ong

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