A new generation of acting talent is emerging across Southeast Asia, bringing renewed attention to the craft of performance in film and television. These actors are increasingly focused on developing strong screen presence, emotional expression and versatility across different roles and genres. As Southeast Asia’s entertainment industry continues to grow, they are stepping into a wider range of opportunities that allow them to refine their skills and reach broader audiences. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia shares its list of Southeast Asia’s top 10 most outstanding new generation acting talents whose performances are gaining recognition for their impact, versatility and contribution to the rapidly evolving film and television landscape.
Nadhir Nasar (Malaysia)
Nadhir Nasar is one of the defining faces of the new generation of Malaysian cinema and television, an actor and emerging filmmaker known not only for his screen presence, but for the intensity, discipline, versality and emotional depth he brings into every role. He first gained recognition through television dramas and quickly rose as one of the country’s most promising young talents, admired for his natural acting style and strong on-screen presence. From critically talked-about drama projects like High Council to his award-winning performance in Nusyuz Berkiblat Cinta, which earned him recognition at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2022 for Best Supporting Role, Nadhir continues to prove himself as a versatile and commanding performer within the industry. Crowned Hero Remaja 2019/2020, he has since evolved into an actor with a distinct identity and undeniable aura, bringing his own atmosphere onto every set he steps into. Whether in film, television, or campaign work, his presence carries a rare balance of charisma, intensity, and authenticity that resonates strongly with audiences and creatives alike.
Sweet Qismina (Malaysia)
Malaysian actress Sweet Qismina achieved a monumental career milestone by sweeping major regional and local awards for her outstanding performance in the drama film Babah. She earned widespread critical acclaim, winning Best Actress at the 34th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM 34). Her success quickly transcended local borders when she was crowned Best Supporting Actress at the prestigious ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA). To solidify her stellar run, she won Aktres Filem Popular and became one of the top 5 Bintang Paling Popular at Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH 37) through her massive fan votes. Sweet has built a massive portfolio spanning over 80 individual productions across acting, hosting, and music since beginning her career as a child actress in 2006. She has fronted several high-profile commercial campaigns for prominent fashion, skincare and lifestyle brands in Malaysia, such as NanoWhite and Laurier. Her recent achievements mark a transformative transition from a former child star into one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent acting talents.
Bright Vachirawit (Thailand)
Bright Vachirawit is an award-winning Thai actor and singer whose rapid rise has made him one of the most influential young figures in Asian pop culture. He is best known for his breakout success in the 2gether series franchise and F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, alongside film appearances in Congrats My Ex! and Love You To Debt, as well as his work on the variety show Toe Laew, his music album Adolescent, and the song Lost & Found. Beyond his on-screen and musical achievements, he has established himself as a creative entrepreneur through ASTRO Stuffs merchandise and the Cloud9 Entertainment agency. Recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment 2024, he continues to expand his global footprint. As a prominent ambassador for major international brands, he seamlessly blends entertainment, fashion and business influence into a powerful modern celebrity presence.
Vanesha Prescilla (Indonesia)
Vanesha Prescilla is an Indonesian actress and singer known for her captivating screen presence. She is widely known for portraying Milea in the Dilan film trilogy, consisting of Dilan 1990, Dilan 1991 and Suara dari Dilan, a role that established her as one of Indonesia’s most beloved young stars. In 2018, she starred in the first installment of the Dilan franchise and #TemanTapiMenikah, expanding her reach in Indonesian cinema. Her performance opposite Iqbaal Ramadhan turned into a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread acclaim and contributing to one of the highest-grossing Indonesian films of all time. Based on the novel by Pidi Baiq, the film’s massive success also led to major recognition at the Indonesian Choice Awards 2018, where it won Movie of the Year. Vanesha continues to be celebrated as a symbol of elegance, talent and stardom in Southeast Asian entertainment.
Jazmy Juma (Malaysia)
Jazmy Juma is an award-winning Malaysian male actor and singer known for his magnetic screen presence and rising star appeal. He first gained widespread recognition as one of the finalists of Hero Remaja 2020, a prestigious Malaysian youth icon competition that has produced many leading entertainers in the industry. He further strengthened his acting portfolio by portraying Zamir in the Astro Ria drama Marry Me Senorita, a role that showcased his emotional range and natural charisma. He also took on a supporting role in the TV3 drama Shah Alam 40000, adding depth to his growing body of work. Making his official drama debut in Marry Me Senorita in 2021 alongside celebrated actors such as Janna Nick, Dini Schatzmann and Shaza Bae, Jazmy quickly positioned himself as one of the most promising talents in Malaysian entertainment, admired for his versatility and on-screen confidence.
Omara Esteghlal (Indonesia)
Omara Esteghlal is an Indonesian actor celebrated for his striking versatility and powerful screen presence across critically acclaimed films. He rose to prominence for his role as Piyan in Dilan 1990, where his performance left a lasting impression on audiences and marked him as one of the most promising young talents in Indonesian cinema. He further cemented his reputation as a formidable actor when he won the Citra Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Joko Anwar’s The Siege at Thorn High at the 2025 ceremony, a role that showcased his emotional depth and commanding intensity. Expanding his artistic range, Omara also starred as Gora in Wregas Bhanuteja’s drama film Andragogy, which had its world premiere at the prestigious 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, solidifying his presence on the international stage as a rising force in contemporary cinema.
Liza Soberano (The Philippines)
Liza Soberano is a celebrated Filipino-American actress who first gained recognition through supporting roles in teen dramas and comedies before rising into one of television and film’s most sought-after leading actresses. She has earned major accolades including a FAMAS Award, a PMPC Star Award and six Box Office Entertainment Awards, with Tatler Asia naming her among the most influential people in Asia in 2022 and 2023. She found commercial success in romantic films such as My Ex and Whys (2017), which earned her the Box Office Queen title. Seeking to expand beyond her on-screen pairing with Enrique Gil image, she explored new genres and made her voice acting debut in Trese (2021). She later broadened her international career with roles in Hollywood productions, including the horror-comedy film Lisa Frankenstein (2024), further strengthening her presence as a rising global talent.
Kaity Nguyen (Vietnam)
Kaity Nguyen is an outstanding Vietnamese actress and entrepreneur, widely regarded as a master of multiple cinematic roles. Rising to prominence after the 2017 Vietnamese box office smash Jailbait, she quickly established herself as one of the most compelling talents of her generation. Her award-winning performance earned her the Best Actress Award at the 20th National Film Festival in Vietnam, solidifying her place in the industry. She continued to impress audiences with standout roles in Daddy Issues (2018), Blood Moon Party (2020), Camellia Sisters (2021) and The Last Wife (2023), each showcasing her evolving depth and versatility. Beyond acting, Kaity is also the founder and CEO of KAT House Entertainment and Media Company, demonstrating her influence behind the camera as well. Recently, she expanded her creative reach as the creative director for the 2025 film Friend Zone, proving her visionary impact on modern Vietnamese cinema.
Belle Mariano (The Philippines)
Belle Mariano is a talented Filipino actress, singer and model who has evolved into one of the most dynamic young stars in Philippine entertainment. She made her acting debut in 2012 through Lorenzo’s Time, followed by appearances in Maalaala Mo Kaya, Princess and I, and as a cast member of the youth programme Goin’ Bulilit, where she first showcased her natural charm and screen presence. She rose to greater acclaim as Gabbie Salazar in Four Sisters Before the Wedding (2020), the prequel to the iconic Filipino hit, which became a major streaming success across Netflix markets. Mariano further cemented her stardom through the hit series He’s Into Her (2021–2022) and Can’t Buy Me Love (2023–2024). Her growing influence reached international recognition when she became the first-ever Filipina recipient of the Outstanding Asian Star award at the Seoul International Drama Awards, establishing her status as a global rising actress.
Jirawat Sutivanichsak (Thailand)
Jirawat Sutivanichsak, popularly known as Dew, is a Thai actor who has quickly risen to become one of Thailand’s most prominent actors on the global stage. He made his breakthrough with his acting debut in F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, a runaway success that earned him widespread recognition both domestically and internationally. The series became an international sensation and was ranked #1 in “Top Thai Romance Series” to watch online, firmly positioning Dew as a standout new-generation star. Building on this momentum, he continued to expand his acting portfolio in 2023 with notable roles in Home School, Because Of You, and Faceless Love, showcasing his growing range and screen presence. He also appeared as Fong in the romance anthology Zero in the Moonlight, starring alongside Tontawan Tantivejakul. In Home School, he impressed audiences as Nai alongside Ramida Jiranorraphat and Hirunkit Changkham, further strengthening his position as one of the most successful young actors shaping the future of Thai entertainment.