 Nelson studied at The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from National University of Singapore and a master's degree in Theatre Arts (Directing) from Goldsmiths College, University of London.Chia has been working in theatre both as an actor and director since 1994.Chia's first major TV role in the drama Together Whenever, which was aired on SPH MediaWorks Channel U, alongside Erica Lee.