Born in Hong Kong, Susan Shaw Yam-yam moved to Taiwan with her father at an early age, studying nursing for five years after graduation, and then working as a nurse on a ship. After travelling through 23 countries, she decided to go ashore in Hong Kong to find another job, first singing in a nightclub and then became an actress. She has been active in the Hong Kong film industry since 1970. She has won four Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actress (2008, 2011, 2013, 2018).