Picture a Singaporean storyteller who swapped high fashion for high tech and spun her experiences into dazzling novels—meet Kyla Zhao! Born in Singapore and now a rising star in contemporary fiction, Zhao burst onto the scene with her 2023 debut, The Fraud Squad, a glamorous tale of ambition and identity. With a knack for crafting vibrant Asian heroines, she’s carving a unique space in literature.
Zhao’s stories blend the sparkle of high society with sharp critiques of class and gender, drawing from her diverse background in fashion journalism and Silicon Valley tech. Her work has charmed outlets like Vogue and Good Morning America, and she’s already a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Let’s dive into her journey!
The Making of Kyla Zhao
Born and raised in Singapore, Kyla Zhao grew up devouring books, from Sweet Valley Twins to local favorite Mr. Midnight. As a teen, she dove into fashion journalism, landing internships at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Singapore by age 16. Her bold move to Stanford University in 2017 brought her to California, where she earned a BA in Psychology and an MA in Communications by 2021. The 2020 pandemic, however, was a turning point. Homesick and frustrated by anti-Asian sentiment, Zhao channeled her energy into writing, birthing The Fraud Squad as a love letter to her homeland.
Kyla Zhao’s Unforgettable Stories
Zhao’s debut, The Fraud Squad (2023), follows Samantha Song, a working-class woman infiltrating Singapore’s elite to chase her dream of writing for a high-society magazine. Described as Crazy Rich Asians meets The Devil Wears Prada, it’s a fizzy mix of glamour, schemes, and identity struggles. Her sophomore novel, Valley Verified (2024), tracks Zoe Zeng, a fashion columnist diving into Silicon Valley’s tech world, tackling sexism and imposter syndrome with wit.
Zhao also ventured into middle-grade fiction with May the Best Player Win (2024), a spirited tale of a chess prodigy proving girls can dominate male-driven spaces. Her style shines through snappy dialogue, vibrant settings, and bold Asian female leads who challenge stereotypes. Whether it’s Singapore’s glitzy socialites or Silicon Valley’s cutthroat startups, Zhao’s worlds pulse with authenticity and heart.
Drawing from her own experiences—fashion gigs, tech analytics, and competitive chess as a Singapore national junior—Zhao infuses her stories with cultural nuance and personal triumphs. Her themes of ambition, identity, and resilience resonate across ages, making her a versatile storyteller.
Why Kyla Zhao Matters
Kyla Zhao is more than a novelist; she’s a trailblazer for Asian representation. Writing during a surge of anti-Asian racism, she crafted joyful, diverse stories to counter stereotypes. Her heroines—Samantha, Zoe, and chess prodigies—defy expectations in male-dominated arenas, inspiring readers globally. Recognized by Forbes and Tatler Asia, Zhao’s impact extends beyond books, amplifying Asian voices in a Western-dominated industry.
At just 26, she balances a tech career with writing, proving ambition knows no bounds. Her work invites readers to embrace their roots while chasing big dreams, making her a beacon for young creatives, especially women of color.
About Kyla Zhao
- Birthplace: Singapore
- Key Works: The Fraud Squad (2023), Valley Verified (2024), May the Best Player Win (2024)
- Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30, Tatler Leader of Tomorrow
- Fun Fact: Zhao was a competitive chess player on Singapore’s national junior squad.
Snag The Fraud Squad or Valley Verified and dive into Kyla Zhao’s dazzling world of ambition and heart!