Digital Cover #11: Daiyan Trisha on women empowerment and her next big adventure

First of all, congratulations on Tulisan being a bestseller for consecutive weeks. It’s been a minute since we spoke about your plans to launch the book in our last cover shoot. How does it feel to see everything come to life?

It feels very surreal and I have a list of the best things I feel I did with my life and releasing a book is one of them. It’s something that I will celebrate for the rest of my days because the first step is always the hardest and I have managed to do that. That has motivated me to write more and to release more books in the years to come.

Seeing those who bought my book unboxing it and resonating with what I wrote is a joy that I never expected but has now become necessary for me to continue with what I am doing

With Tulisan, what was your most memorable moment so far?

I think it would be the book-reading session I did during Tulisan’s book signing event. It was the first time I met my readers and saw how much the book and the poems within touched their lives. Almost all of them came to me with shimmer in their eyes and told me how much they loved the book and how much it had helped them. It is such a precious feeling and connection that is irreplaceable in my life.

You juggle a lot simultaneously being an actress, singer and author. What would you say to all the women out there who want to be or do more?

I think I could be one of the prime examples of a person doing one too many things. In my ten years as an artist, I have acted, sung, modelled, hosted, written songs, produced and am now a book author. Everything I have set my mind to, I have accomplished it. I think it is just about having a clear mindset and a goal you want to achieve.

Stubbornness (or persistence) is the key. There will be people who will deter you and say no to you, but you just need to be stubborn and stay strong. I’ve been told that I would never survive in the industry if I did singing and acting together, but look where I am now. So to all the women out there, every morning when you wake up, make a list of the things you want to do. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to tick off that list but make sure you stand strong and just do it.

Cartier has always been about women’s empowerment and giving back to society, what are your thoughts on that?

It is always wonderful when a brand focuses on things like these. I’ve talked about women empowerment for most of my career, from when I was a young girl to a woman now. I’ve always instilled this idea in my followers through everything that I’ve done.

It is not a fight that everyone wants to be involved in but I think it comes naturally to me and is something that I will always advocate for.

We are entering the second quarter of 2024; how has everything been so far?

I’ve had a tremendous year in 2023 with many achievements unlocked so for the first quarter this year, I felt the need to slow down and recuperate to ground myself.

I am now slowly planting the seeds of what’s to come for the rest of the year. Most recently, I have been appointed as the vivo V30 ambassador for Malaysia which marks another milestone in my career.

What are your goals for the year? Is there anything you can spoil us with?

In terms of “planting the seeds”, I have many things lined up for 2024. I’m super excited and I think a lot of people will not expect what’s coming. I’ve also been working a lot on my music so that’s something to look out for. On books, I don’t think I will release one this year but I assure you, I have been diligently writing. So, maybe the next book will be in 2025 (laughs)? For those who love Tulisan, there are plans for expansion to elongate Volume 1 a little more.

Speaking of Projek: High Council, it is now on Netflix and has been trending in the top 10 list for Malaysia.

Yes, and I’m so happy that it has shot straight up to first place in Netflix Malaysia’s Top 10 list in its first week! It is one of the most prominent roles that I have done and so happy to be part of it with the boys as the “kakak” and see them thrive in their respective acting careers.

It is also so amazing that this is my second work to be picked up by Netflix (the first was my film Sumpahan Jerunei) and both works had also shot straight up to No.1 when they were released. I am very thankful to be part of these amazing projects in 2023, and that includes W: Two Worlds, which also ranked first on Viu Malaysia, making me one of the most sought-after actresses in Malaysia

Now, let’s talk fashion. Since we spoke last year, do you think your fashion sense and preference in style have changed?

Definitely! I think the years 2022 and 2023 were when I became a fashion chameleon to fit into every fashion brand I worked with. But this year, I want to just be me and go back to my roots. To give you a bit more context, like how when artists like Billie (Eilish) are invited to fashion shows, she wears Gucci but unapologetically in her own way.

There’s nothing wrong with blending in with the brand’s DNA but I feel like for 2024, I want to instill my DNA into every brand that I wear. I want it to be a collaboration between the brand and me.

What are the three things you want to tick off your bucket list this year?

My bucket list this year is a surprise that I will reveal later in the second quarter. So, if I tell you now, I might have to kill you (wink).