Singaporeans may know her as Evelyn Maria Ng - she appeared in coming-of-age Channel 5 shows like Moulmein High and Light Years and local erotic movie Hush.

She legally changed her name two months ago and is in the process of giving up her Singapore citizenship so that she can withdraw her CPF money and use it to further her studies in acting in New York.

Her plans were first reported in Shin Min Daily News last week and the Malaysian media has already gone to town with the news.

Some netizens called her a "traitor", while others applauded her for her "smarts".

Alexandria, 31, stressed that her move was purely for financial reasons, maintaining that it's a personal choice and she has nothing against being Singaporean.

"(But) I do feel that the grass is greener on the other side," she said.

Alexandria just wants a shot at a better life.