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Paula Malai Ali

Full Biography

PAULA MALAI ALI:

One of Asia's most popular television personalities, Paula Malai Ali invaluable experience and passion for working in television has made her a key addition to STAR Sports' strong ensemble of presenters, adding a touch of glamour and charm to the sports entertainment channel.

PAULA - THE ENTERTAINER:

Known for her consummate professionalism, Paula is a hot favourite in the entertainment industry in Malaysia as well as across the region. The high-profile presenter is also the face of many international brands.

PAULA - ON CHANNEL V:

Over the past 9 years, Paula has having graced the screen for various networks, with Channel [V] being the place she called home for 4 years. Besides her work on TV, Paula also presented several radio programs in Malaysia, and acted on the theatre stage. Because of her career achievements, she was featured in a special episode on The Oprah Winfrey Show that profiled successful women in their thirties.

PAULA - THE SPORTS PRESENTER:

The Eurasian beauty is a mainstay on the Formula One pre and post-race show, Race Day and Chequered Flag with Steve Dawson, and the weekly sports highlights show Seven @ Seven. Paula is also one of the anchors on STAR Sports' news programme Score Tonight.

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Question & Answer with Paula Malai Ali

Q: How did you come to be in your current position in your broadcasting career?

PMA: A long journey of flirting my way through show biz and basically doing whatever I could…theatre, radio, terrestrial TV and now eating my way through the Asian market with Star Sports.

Q: Is reporting on sport the next best thing to playing it? And what was the pinnacle you reached in your favourite sport?

PMA: Reporting a live sporting event is awesome. The 2007 Formula One season was the perfect season to be covering. There was never a dull moment; you were right there with the viewers experiencing every slip and slide, fine and scandal….

Q: What is your favourite sport outside of the one you are best known for? And how do you relax when you are not working?

PMA: I enjoy watching tennis and always love the athletics in the Olympics. There’s nothing better than a long run if I need to blow off steam and nothing more delicious than curling up on the couch with a good book.

Q: Who was the biggest influence on your life, either within your career or outside?

PMA: I have a twin sister and an older sister both of whom have always been my biggest cheerleaders and my worst critics. They haven’t influenced me so much as supported me in all my decisions no matter how awful some of them are. And I can always count on them for a good ol’ “I told you so…”

Q: Who is the most memorable individual you have met during your playing or working life?

PMA: During my time with music channel I had the chance to interview many interesting (and some not so interesting) people. Sting was my all time favorite. A hugely talented man, with a great sense of humour. His longevity in the industry is testament to amazing song writing skills, showmanship as a performer and humility.

Q: Tell us the funniest story you have heard regarding your chosen, or any, sport.

PMA: Steve Dawson on Race Day has this ability to make me laugh during commercial breaks. Towards the end of last season we were all very tired as the race was on at some obscure time. Coming back from the commercial break it was hard to compose myself and having to suppress the giggles came at a consequence.

Q: Do you/did you have a nickname?

PMA: Pauls, Polly, Paulsy, Pudding, Shorty, Malai, Mrs. P, Pauly wauly, Smelly, Blondie… and sometimes Donkey. I have no shortage of them.

Q: Tell us something we may not know about you...

PMA: I’m 25 minutes younger than my twin sister and cannot remember what my natural hair color looks like. I also have a love affair with cranberry sauce and salt and vinegar crisps, lilies and love the smell of petrol.

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