#SHOWBIZ: Syafiq Kyle to receive special award at Asia-Pacific film festival
The event's organising chairman Aron Koh said today that the Blood Brothers: Bara Naga and Sheriff: Narko Integriti star will be the recipient of the FPA Asia-Pacific Rising Icon Award, which recognises an actor's growing impact and contribution to the region's film industry.
"Since emerging as a Hero Remaja finalist, Syafiq has built a reputation as one of the country's most dynamic leading men, with recent standout performances in Sheriff: Narko Integriti, The Experts and Blood Brothers: Bara Naga," he said.
The festival was launched at GSC Mid Valley Megamall today by Koh, who was joined by Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific (FPA) secretary-general Pansha and Creative Content Association of Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Mahyiddin Mustakim.
In a special video message, Syafiq thanked the organisers of the awards for recognising his efforts to shine as an actor.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved in the film festival for this most unexpected recognition. It's a great incentive for me to work harder and take the Malaysian film industry to greater heights," he said.
Koh also announced that Academy Award-winning cinematographer Peter Pau had been appointed as the awards' jury president.
The Hong Konger who graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute and famously worked on the acclaimed wushu film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon which won him an Oscar for Best Cinematography said in a video message that he was honoured to take up his job.
"I've always been a strong supporter of this festival and I hope that this year will see great competition amongst high quality films around the region. May the best film win!" he said.
Koh said: The return of APFF to Malaysia is not just a celebration of cinema but also a statement of confidence in our creative industry. This festival belongs to everyone who believes in the power of stories that transcend borders."
Pansha said: "Nothing feels more like home than bringing APFF back to Malaysia. We have always believed in initiatives that uplift communities and give space to emerging storytellers.
"Cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums for connection and cultural exchange, and APFF is here to make that happen."
Founded in 1954 by the FPA, the APFF is a travelling film festival that has been hosted in different member countries over its six-decade history.
The 2025 edition, hosted by Malaysia for the fifth time, will see films from around the region screened at GSC Cinemas, the event's official cinema partner.
The event is organised by Lomo Pictures with the support of the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).
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