In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight award-winning comedian, actor, and writer Ronny Chieng.
Ronny Chieng was born in 1984 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, into a Malaysian Chinese family. Growing up, Chieng cut his teeth as a Sea Scout in the Singapore Scout Association, part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (similar to the Boy Scouts of America). At age five, the family immigrated to New Hampshire, spending five years in the United States while his parents attended college. After completing junior college, he enrolled at the University of Melbourne and went on to earn a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
In 2012, Chieng won best newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for his show The Ron Way. A year later, he teamed with star comedian Trevor Noah at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, a performance he parlayed into a correspondent role during Trevor Noah’s stint hosting The Daily Show on Comedy Central. The considerable professional momentum landed him on Variety magazine’s Top 10 Comics to Watch list. He went viral for a visit to New York City’s Chinatown neighborhood for a television segment in which he challenged negative stereotypes while interviewing local residents. The segment was covered by various international publications, including the Washington Post.
In 2018, he flexed his editorial chops, co-writing and starring in the sitcom Ronny Chieng: International Student. Developed for Comedy Central, the lighthearted anecdotes were inspired by his own experiences as a student.
Known for his keen wit and intellectual satire, Ronny Chieng has showcased his formidable stand-up chops in three separate Netflix specials. He’s also found widespread success in Hollywood, landing notable roles in silver screen productions of Kung Foo Panda, Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and in television shows including Crazy Rich Asians and King of the Hill.
Chieng has taken home a handful of honors for his work, including Primetime Emmy and Critics’ Choice Awards.
In April 2025, he was naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:
- Miyoshi Umeki, trailblazing Japanese American and Academy Award-winning actress
- Kristin Kish, Chef and television personality
- Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic Champion and “father of surfing”