Digital Cover #2: Inside the mind of actress Anna Jobling featuring Ralph Lauren

Even though she is only 22 years old, Anna is an exemplary actress who never sits on her laurels. As we speak, the tenacious and loveable actress has already made plans to expand her career outside of Malaysia and her first stop is Indonesia.

And Ralph Lauren makes a fitting wardrobe for Anna, as this season sees the brand celebrating the American West Coast, a place that birthed Hollywood and the land of the brightest stars.

Without further ado, let us indulge you with an exclusive interview and photoshoot with the one and only Anna Jobling.

To let you dive deeper into Anna's mind, we also have an extensive interview here for your delight:

Melur Untuk Firdaus was a raging success and the second season is nearing its finale. How do you feel right now?

Honestly, I am feeling a little sad and nostalgic because after the first season, I thought it was done, but then we got a second season.

So now, I am feeling really sad because I’ve made so many new memories and a larger fanbase now, but it’s almost over now.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without Melur Untuk Firdaus, the first season.  I don’t think there will be a third season, but, I mean, you never know…

What is the funniest memory you have from filming Melur Untuk Firdaus 2?

Oh my goodness! There are so many but the thing is they are almost never caught on camera. Most of them are not during any scene. They usually happen behind the scenes like during our hair and makeup session or during wardrobe.

A lot of times, the funny moments include the crew as well. I really wish there was a way for me to show them to you.

What do you think makes a good actress?

Something that would make someone a good actor or actress would probably be willing to always learn something new and not be afraid to ask for advice or help.

If you ever feel like you don’t know what you are doing or if you’re stuck, you should always ask! I think that as an actress, I still have so much more to learn.

As an actress, what role do you want to try next?

Oh my god, I love this question. I feel like there are so many roles I have not done yet and I would love to do something really terrifying, like a horror movie or something like a psychotic thriller would be really fun.

I would also want to try action movies. That would be a good challenge for me because that’s something I’m really interested in and have been wanting to do for a really long time. So hopefully in the future, I get the chance or opportunity to do so. So, if there are any producers out there who want to do an action movie, call me? (laughs)

If you get to cast your very own leading co-star, who would you want to work with?

Probably… Theo James from Divergent or maybe, Dylan O’Brien? I really like them and I think they are very good-looking.

And who is your ultimate role model in the world of acting?

I would probably say Anne Hathaway. I really love her and I think she is such a great actress. She can pull off literally any role and she does an amazing job as well. So I really love Anne Hathaway and I really look up to her as a role model when it comes to acting.

Aside from Malaysia, you have plans to expand your career in Indonesia. How different is Indonesia compared to our local filming industry?

Honestly, I don’t think I have an exact answer because I haven’t done any shows in Indonesia yet, but I can tell you what’s similar between both countries.

I think both really appreciate their own local entertainment industry and are very passionate about it. I’m really looking forward to working there more often.

How do you unwind and declutter yourself from work?

Honestly, I just like to sleep. I feel like I don’t get enough sleep when I am working. So usually I just like to stay home and spend time with my family, friends and especially, my cats.

If there is one moment from the past you could change, what would it be?

You know, the cliché answer would be I wouldn’t change anything because I wouldn’t be who I am today.

One thing I would probably change is learning to say no more often and to not people please.  You know you don’t always have to be nice to someone just because you want them to like you. I feel like you need to set your own boundaries and you should make people respect you as a person.

With social media, negativity and criticism are inevitable. How do you deal with it?

I’ve learnt to stop caring. I feel like if it is good criticism and you say it in a way as if you’re advising me, then I would take that into consideration.

I try to be careful but everybody makes mistakes and just because we are public figures and what my job is as an actress is very public, I feel like we are not allowed to make mistakes and that’s very hard for us to do.

We are just normal people. We make mistakes and we learn from them and we grow from them, but it does take time and I am learning every single day. Just focus on you and focus on what makes you happy.

What is one piece of advice you want to impart to aspiring actors and actresses?

Something I learnt from the beginning is to always be humble to every single person around you. It doesn’t matter if it is the crew, the clients, your family and friends or your fans. Remember no matter how good you are or how famous you are, there’s always someone better than you.

Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes because I promise you that you will definitely make some, but you will learn and grow from them.

What’s next for Anna Jobling in 2023?

I feel like I’ve been on set for the past two years and I haven’t stopped, so I am taking a little break for a little while just to travel and focus on my endorsements and campaigns.

Just because I am taking a break from acting, does not mean I am taking a break from work. I am still working every single day and I feel like that’s what makes me the most happy.

Creative Direction and Styling: Amelia Tan; Photography: Edmund Lee; Videography: Jackie Mah; Hair: Ckay Liow; Makeup: KF Bong

Outfits: Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2023 collection