The inaugural edition of MR NUSANTARA, a one-of-a-kind male pageant that brings together the best of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in a dazzling celebration of heritage, style, and talent. In future years, other nations from the Nusantara region are expected to also be included.
This was announced at the delegates’ sashing ceremony and press conference which was held at the Centrestage in Sungei Wang Plaza this evening.
For the first time, 36 contestants from the three neighboring nations in the Malay Archipelago will compete on the same stage, vying for both national and regional glory – Malaysia and Singapore will be represented by 15 contestants each, while Indonesia will see the participation of six delegates. Due to unfortunate circumstances, a fewer than the initial number of delegates will be representing Indonesia.
In mid-March 2025, Beam Artistes announced the candidates representing Malaysia and Singapore through their official social media platform, Instagram - @beamsearch.my & @beamsearch.sg ; while the candidates representing Indonesia were announced via @beamsearch.id.
Just prior to arrival, some of the delegates from Indonesia were dealt with an unfortunate blow by a certain Indonesian agency, causing their dreams to be sacrificed. This unfortunate incident has resulted in a major drop in the number of participants from Indonesia.
The organisers of MR NUSANTARA feels blessed that a small number of delegates still managed to make it here, to proudly represent their beloved country Indonesia despite facing external interference.
In his welcome address Samuel Seow, CEO of Beam Artistes & founder of MR NUSANTARA shared: “MR NUSANTARA is more than just a competition – it is a celebration of shared heritage and unity across the region.
"We are thrilled to bring together these three nations in a single spectacular event, showcasing the pride, talent, and spirit of the Malay Archipelago”.
“Just as the region has faced significant challenges in the past, the first MR NUSANTARA has also faced and braved its challenges,” he added spiritedly.
“The format of the competition had to be changed too but like they say, ‘The show must go on.’,” Seow concluded.
The competition’s pageant week begins today with the arrival of all delegates in Kuala Lumpur and will conclude with the grand finals on 29th May 2025. It will be effectively run based on international pageant criteria.
From the 36 candidates, a delegate from each country will win the title as MR SINGAPORE NUSANTARA 2025, MR INDONESIA NUSANTARA 2025 & MR MALAYSIA NUSANTARA 2025.
These three titleholders will then battle it out through a thrilling twist in the competition, whereby the coveted title of MR NUSANTARA CHAMPION will be decided purely by online voting, making this the first pageant of its kind to fully empower fans in shaping the final outcome.
The stakes are also presentable for the competitiors, as the winner of MR NUSANTARA will walk away with a prize package worth US$80,000 in cash and prizes, and which also includes a brand-new car.
The grand finals of MR NUSANTARA 2025 will be held at the classy Galaxy Banquet Hall @ HGH Convention Centre in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The organisers are also announced that top alaysian girl group Dolla will be gracing and performing during the grand finals.
Ticketing and voting details for the grand finals can be found at: www.thevotique.com
The main sponsors for the event A.M Aesthetics and supported by Alluora skincare.
For the record, Beam Artistes is a leading talent management and events company, dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and celebrating talent across South-East Asia and beyond. Through innovative and inclusive events, Beam Artistes aim to create opportunities for emerging stars.
The Competitors - MR NUSANTARA 2025
MALAYSIA:
Thamil Chelvan, 29, Entrepreneur - Kulim, Kedah
Pietaloma, 26, Trade Settlement Officer - Batu Caves, Selangor
Amin Eghtedari, 38, Freelance Electrical Engineer - (Iran) Kuala Lumpur
Richard Wong Chun Kiat, 28, Lawyer - Klang, Selangor
Pourya Shapourzadeh, 29, Fashion Model - (Iran) Kuala Lumpur
Azwan Ismail, 47, Entrepreneur - Alor Setar, Kedah
Tan Jun Jie, 25, Interior Designer - Penang
Mohd Faizal Ahmad, 37, Aesthetician - Tangkak, Johor
Mohamad Faiz Miswan, 43, Cargo Sales Officer - Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Leon, 43, Jeweller - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Lee Chee Kiong (Lee CK) , 55, Invention Teacher - Tawau, Sabah
Caden Chew, 39, Finance Consultant - Klang, Selangor
Noramzar Abdul Ghani, 38, Fitness Trainer - Kedah
Mohamad Amir Afandi Mazzlan, 26, Perfume Stylist - Kedah
Aysraaf Rafi, 26, Membership Consultant/Sales Assistance - Dengkil, Selangor
SINGAPORE:
Mhar Jayson Cortez, 30, Principal Engineer
Willy Lim, 33, Entrepreneur & Fitness Trainer
Yoganathan Pitchay, 35, Cabin Crew
William Warumpal Archery, 28, Corporate Risk Management Consultant
Nicholas Erekose Sim, 48, Co-Founder & Group CEO, Fiduciary Group
Raees Mhmd, 27, Cafe Owner
Keith Lam Mun Thian, 36, X Cabin Crew (Kuching)
Raja Sekaran (Josandran), 29, Front Desk Personnel
Jon Phua Yong Chuan, 36, Communications Strategist
Leong Pak Kuan (George), 55, Fitness Coach
Alfie Tjen, 34, Marketing Manager at Accor Ibis Singapore
Ahmad Ashrafiqri Kahar Muzakar, 24, Ground Response Officer
Thineswaran Maniraja, 24, Bank Officer
Amyn Othman. 33, Senior Visual Merchandiser
Danial Hadi, 25, Attractions Operator at Universal Studios Singapore
INDONESIA:
Abdul Rozak (Zakky), 27, Make-Up Artist - Indonesia
Reza Aulia Waskito, 32, Corporate Employee
Candra Hakiki, 31, Model
Aswandi Rosyid, 26, Model
Rahmat Wahyu Aji Saputra (Gio), 25, Model
Marco Hartanto (Marco Marcus), 35, Singer Songwriter
