Born and raised in
Batu Pahat, Johor, Chiu initially studied graphic design and then fine arts, and worked on ceramic and sculpture production before joining HVD Film Production, doing quality assurance. Chiu then attended the
Beijing Film Academy - which in recent times produced
Zhang Yimou and
Chen Kaige. Since then, he did TV dramas, commercials, corporate videos, and also worked as an assistant director and cameraman. He was also part of the pioneering group that helped set up
8TV, and freelanced for
Astro. The cast of
Woohoo! and
Great Day consists mostly of non-actor celebrities from Astro's popular radio and TV channels, while major roles are given to amateurs in
The Journey and
Ola Bola. Frankie Lee Sai Peng, the lead actor for
The Journey who won the 27th
Malaysia Film Festival award for Best Actor, was one such example. Lee was the first recipient of Chinese descent and the eldest since its inauguration at 75 years old. Chiu's work is known for its emotional charge, and has earned him numerous critical and commercial success, especially within Malaysia. In addition to breaking box office records in Malaysia, he is decorated with notable award wins and nominations, including the Golden Wau Awards and the
Malaysia Film Festival awards. His international breakthrough came through
On Your Mark (film), a film that was nominated for various international awards and was a box office hit. == Filmography ==