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Entertainment • Comedian

Ronny Chieng

Ronny Chieng is a Malaysian-born comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on The Daily Show and for creating and starring in Ronny Chieng: International Student.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ronny Chieng is a Malaysian-born comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on The Daily Show and for creating and starring in Ronny Chieng: International Student. He has also appeared in films including Crazy Rich Asians and in television and voice roles across comedy and animation. In 2025, he became a United States citizen and renounced his Malaysian citizenship.

Early life and education

Chieng was born in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and was raised in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. He graduated from the University of Melbourne with degrees in law and commerce.

Comedy career

He began performing stand-up in 2009 and developed a career in Australian and international comedy. His material is often associated with observational and satirical commentary.

Television and film work

Chieng joined The Daily Show as a correspondent and later became a rotating host. He also created Ronny Chieng: International Student and appeared in films such as Crazy Rich Asians.

Citizenship and personal background

Chieng was born into a Malaysian Chinese family and later became an American citizen in 2025. Because Malaysia does not recognize dual nationality, he renounced his Malaysian citizenship.

Key facts

  • Ronny Chieng is a stand-up comedian and actor born in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
  • He is a senior correspondent and rotating host on The Daily Show.
  • He created and starred in Ronny Chieng: International Student.
  • He studied law and commerce at the University of Melbourne.
  • In 2025, he became a U.S. citizen and gave up Malaysian citizenship.
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Canadian context

Ronny Chieng has worked internationally in English-language comedy and television, including global entertainment markets that overlap with Canadian audiences through streaming and broadcast distribution.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ronny Chieng?
Ronny Chieng is a Malaysian-born comedian, actor, and writer best known for The Daily Show and Ronny Chieng: International Student.
Where was Ronny Chieng born?
He was born in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
What is Ronny Chieng known for?
He is known for stand-up comedy, his work on The Daily Show, and acting roles in film and television.
What did Ronny Chieng study?
He studied law and commerce at the University of Melbourne.
Is Ronny Chieng American or Malaysian?
He became a U.S. citizen in 2025 and renounced his Malaysian citizenship.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronny_Chieng
    Supports: Birth name, occupation, major credits, and 2025 citizenship change
  2. Ronny Chieng — https://www.ronnychieng.com/band
    Supports: Birthplace, upbringing, and University of Melbourne education
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5307044/
    Supports: Biography, performance start date, and career overview