Shark Tank, the U.S. reality TV series lets entrepreneurs present their ideas to billionaires, who then will decide if they want to invest in their idea, or company. The first Malaysian to ever be featured on the show, Amber Leong landed a $800,000 (RM 3.3 Million) investment from Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban.

That’s a pretty generous deal, and if the Sharks invest in it, it means they believe in both the entrepreneur and the business. Kudos honestly, to Amber Leong.

Her company, Circadian Optics, was set up by her and her husband 3 years ago. They make light therapy lamps that apparently help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, and makes you sleep better.

Amber Leong comes from Salak South in Kuala Lumpur, and came to the U.S. on a one way ticket to finish her studies. As she recalls the tale, she mentions that her family used their retirement funds to get her the ticket, and only one semester’s worth of living expenses and fees. The story had Mr Wonderful in tears, as you can see from the video above.

Even then, unfortunately, she was diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome shortly after arriving, and was given a 50% chance of surviving. But survive she did, and prosper, finishing grad school, making a 6 figure salary, and finally starting her own business.

The deal she agreed to came from Cuban and Greiner who accepted a 20:80 split for US $750,000 and an additional $50,000 for her family back home. I’ve been a fan of Shark Tank for as long as I can remember, and it really is great to see someone representing the Malaysian spirit, and getting a deal, and hopefully inspiring many more to pursue their dreams. Malaysia Boleh!