Singapore's Nicholas Sim is crowned the first-ever Mr Nusantara, an inspiring winner at the age of 48 who overcame many adversities
KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated MR NUSANTARA pageant 2025 reached a spectacular conclusion on 29th May 2025 at the prestigious Galaxy Banquet Hall @ HGH Convention Centre, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage and modern elegance of the Nusantara region.
The coveted title of MR NUSANTARA 2025 was awarded to Mr Singapore Nusantara 2025 winner Nicholas Erekose Sim who impressed the judges with his charisma, confidence, and dedication to promoting cultural unity and social impact.
At 48, Sim was also one of the oldest winner seen in a full pledged male pageant show.
On top of that, he was indeed an inspiring winner. The Singaporean for many years since his primary school day had actually battled speech difficulties and stuttering issues before overcoming it in his early twenties and going on to become a well-known male pageant winner in his country.
"This is indeed a fantastic day for me. I like to thank all my family members and friends who have supported me throughout the many difficult years that I had when I was growing up. For me, believing in myself and knowing that I can overcome all difficulties is the reason I'm here today with this title," said Sim in his winning speech at the ceremony.
On top of that, Sim has also proven top be very successful in his professional life. At the age of 48, Sim is the also the co-founder and group CEO of the Fiduciary Group.
He has 20 years of experience in investment banking, private banking, and investment management. A notable fact is Sim was previously the reigning Mr Singapore International for more than 10 years.
For his efforts in being crowned Mr Nusantara he walked home with a prize package in total of US$80,000 (RM340,000) in cash and prizes which included a brand-new car.
Completing the winner's court were Jervie Lo @ Leon, a 43 year old jeweller from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who was sashed as Mr Malaysia Nusantara 2025 and Candra Hakiki, a 31-year-old model from from Jakarta, Indonesia who was adjudged as Mr Indonesia Nusantara 2025.
Both national winners demonstrated remarkable poise and passion throughout the competition.
On the very same stage, Mr Malaysia Nusantara 2025, Jervie Lo, was also sashed as Mister Supranational Malaysia 2025. He will be representing Malaysia at the ninth edition of Mister Supranational which will be held on 28th June, 2025, in Poland.
The grand finale of the much heralded pageant, marked by dazzling performances, fierce competition, and inspiring showcases of talent, intellect, and tradition, drew a full house of distinguished guests, media, and enthusiastic supporters.
Making the night even more glamorous with their attendance were Miss Supranational Malaysia 2025 Eshwin Kaur and Miss Malaysia 2025 (Miss Emerald) Jessrina Kaur.
One of the highlights of the evening was a show-stopping live performance by Malaysia's top girl group, DOLLA, who brought their signature energy and glamour to the stage with three of their major hits. Their electrifying dance-oriented set elevated the atmosphere, earning roaring applause from the crowd and making the event an unforgettable spectacle.
This year's pageant brought together a group of exceptional finalists from across the archipelago, each embodying the values of leadership, cultural pride, and contemporary masculinity. The evening saw the contestants compete in various rounds including resort wear, formal wear, talent showcase and lastly the Q&A segment.
The national winners where selected by a panel of esteemed judges from the entertainment, fashion, business and cultural sectors. Among them were Mister World Singapore 2024 & founder of A.M. Aesthetics - Dr Terence Tea, Miss International Singapore 2006 & founder of Alluoara - Genecia Luo, founder & CEO of Beast Cosmetics & ArtFigura - Jasrina Jasni, renowned fashion designer & president of MODA - Gillian Hung, Miss Supranational Malaysia 2018 Sanjna Suri, Filipino-Malaysian celebrity hairstylist Albert Nico and Singaporean comedian, actor and content creator Hirzi Zulkiflie.
The main MR NUSANTARA 2025 title winner was selected from the winners of the national titles via public voting. The final was hosted by Mr World Malaysia 2022, Joshua Benedict.
Samuel Seow, CEO of Beam Artistes said, 'MR NUSANTARA will continue to grow as a platform that celebrates identity, community engagement, and the dynamic spirit of Nusantara men.'
The 2025 edition solidified its reputation as one of the most meaningful and stylish pageants in the region and also as the biggest male pageant in Malaysia.
This event would not be possible without the pageant's main sponsors A.M Aesthetics and supported by Alluora skincare.
Main Winners:
MR NUSANTARA CHAMPION - Nicholas Erekose Sim (Singapore)
MR MALAYSIA NUSANTARA 2025 – Jervie lo @ Leon
MR SINGAPORE NUSANTARA 2025 – Nicholas Erekose Sim
MR INDONESIA NUSANTARA 2025 – Candra Hakiki
MISTER SUPRANATIONAL MALAYSIA 2025 - Jervie lo @ Leon
Subsidiary Title Winners:
MR A.M AESTHETICS NUSANTARA 2025 - Nicholas Erekose Sim (Singapore)
FACE OF ALLUORA MALAYSIA 2025 – Dr Mohd Faizal Ahmad, Thamil Chelvan, Jervie lo @ Leon
FACE OF ALLUORA SINGAPORE 2025 – Mhar Jayson Cortez, Alfie Tjen, Nicholas Erekose Sim
FACE OF ALLUORA INDONESIA 2025 – Aswandi Rosyid, Marco Marcus @ Marco Hartanto
MR POPULAR MALAYSIA 2025 - Amin Eghtedari
MR POPULAR SINGAPORE 2025 - Nicholas Erekose Sim
MR POPULAR INDONESIA 2025 - Abdul Rozak @ Zakky
MR POPULAR NUSANTARA 2025 – Nicholas Erekose Sim (Singapore)
MR TALENT NUSANTARA 2025 – Azwan Ismail (Malaysia)
MR PHOTOGENIC NUSANTARA 2025 – Mohamad Amir Afandi Mazzlan (Malaysia)
MR CONGENIALITY NUSANTARA 2025 – Amyn Othman. (Singapore)
MR BEST PHYSIQUE NUSANTARA 2025 – Noramzar Abdul Ghani (Malaysia)
MR CHARMING NUSANTARA 2025 – Dr Mohd Faizal Ahmad (Malaysia)
MR PERSONALITY NUSANTARA 2025 – Alfie Tjen (Singapore)
MR SOCIAL MEDIA NUSANTARA 2025 – Mohamad Faiz Miswan (Malaysia)
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The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Singapore's Nicholas Sim is crowned the first-ever Mr Nusantara, an inspiring winner at the age of 48 who overcame many adversities
KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated MR NUSANTARA pageant 2025 reached a spectacular conclusion on 29th May 2025 at the prestigious Galaxy Banquet Hall @ HGH Convention Centre, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage and modern elegance of the Nusantara region. The coveted title of MR NUSANTARA 2025 was awarded to Mr Singapore Nusantara 2025 winner Nicholas Erekose Sim who impressed the judges with his charisma, confidence, and dedication to promoting cultural unity and social impact. At 48, Sim was also one of the oldest winner seen in a full pledged male pageant show. On top of that, he was indeed an inspiring winner. The Singaporean for many years since his primary school day had actually battled speech difficulties and stuttering issues before overcoming it in his early twenties and going on to become a well-known male pageant winner in his country. "This is indeed a fantastic day for me. I like to thank all my family members and friends who have supported me throughout the many difficult years that I had when I was growing up. For me, believing in myself and knowing that I can overcome all difficulties is the reason I'm here today with this title," said Sim in his winning speech at the ceremony. On top of that, Sim has also proven top be very successful in his professional life. At the age of 48, Sim is the also the co-founder and group CEO of the Fiduciary Group. He has 20 years of experience in investment banking, private banking, and investment management. A notable fact is Sim was previously the reigning Mr Singapore International for more than 10 years. For his efforts in being crowned Mr Nusantara he walked home with a prize package in total of US$80,000 (RM340,000) in cash and prizes which included a brand-new car. Completing the winner's court were Jervie Lo @ Leon, a 43 year old jeweller from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who was sashed as Mr Malaysia Nusantara 2025 and Candra Hakiki, a 31-year-old model from from Jakarta, Indonesia who was adjudged as Mr Indonesia Nusantara 2025. Both national winners demonstrated remarkable poise and passion throughout the competition. On the very same stage, Mr Malaysia Nusantara 2025, Jervie Lo, was also sashed as Mister Supranational Malaysia 2025. He will be representing Malaysia at the ninth edition of Mister Supranational which will be held on 28th June, 2025, in Poland. The grand finale of the much heralded pageant, marked by dazzling performances, fierce competition, and inspiring showcases of talent, intellect, and tradition, drew a full house of distinguished guests, media, and enthusiastic supporters. Making the night even more glamorous with their attendance were Miss Supranational Malaysia 2025 Eshwin Kaur and Miss Malaysia 2025 (Miss Emerald) Jessrina Kaur. One of the highlights of the evening was a show-stopping live performance by Malaysia's top girl group, DOLLA, who brought their signature energy and glamour to the stage with three of their major hits. Their electrifying dance-oriented set elevated the atmosphere, earning roaring applause from the crowd and making the event an unforgettable spectacle. This year's pageant brought together a group of exceptional finalists from across the archipelago, each embodying the values of leadership, cultural pride, and contemporary masculinity. The evening saw the contestants compete in various rounds including resort wear, formal wear, talent showcase and lastly the Q&A segment. The national winners where selected by a panel of esteemed judges from the entertainment, fashion, business and cultural sectors. Among them were Mister World Singapore 2024 & founder of A.M. Aesthetics - Dr Terence Tea, Miss International Singapore 2006 & founder of Alluoara - Genecia Luo, founder & CEO of Beast Cosmetics & ArtFigura - Jasrina Jasni, renowned fashion designer & president of MODA - Gillian Hung, Miss Supranational Malaysia 2018 Sanjna Suri, Filipino-Malaysian celebrity hairstylist Albert Nico and Singaporean comedian, actor and content creator Hirzi Zulkiflie. The main MR NUSANTARA 2025 title winner was selected from the winners of the national titles via public voting. The final was hosted by Mr World Malaysia 2022, Joshua Benedict. Samuel Seow, CEO of Beam Artistes said, 'MR NUSANTARA will continue to grow as a platform that celebrates identity, community engagement, and the dynamic spirit of Nusantara men.' The 2025 edition solidified its reputation as one of the most meaningful and stylish pageants in the region and also as the biggest male pageant in Malaysia. This event would not be possible without the pageant's main sponsors A.M Aesthetics and supported by Alluora skincare. Main Winners: MR NUSANTARA CHAMPION - Nicholas Erekose Sim (Singapore) MR MALAYSIA NUSANTARA 2025 – Jervie lo @ Leon MR SINGAPORE NUSANTARA 2025 – Nicholas Erekose Sim MR INDONESIA NUSANTARA 2025 – Candra Hakiki MISTER SUPRANATIONAL MALAYSIA 2025 - Jervie lo @ Leon Subsidiary Title Winners: MR A.M AESTHETICS NUSANTARA 2025 - Nicholas Erekose Sim (Singapore) FACE OF ALLUORA MALAYSIA 2025 – Dr Mohd Faizal Ahmad, Thamil Chelvan, Jervie lo @ Leon FACE OF ALLUORA SINGAPORE 2025 – Mhar Jayson Cortez, Alfie Tjen, Nicholas Erekose Sim FACE OF ALLUORA INDONESIA 2025 – Aswandi Rosyid, Marco Marcus @ Marco Hartanto MR POPULAR MALAYSIA 2025 - Amin Eghtedari MR POPULAR SINGAPORE 2025 - Nicholas Erekose Sim MR POPULAR INDONESIA 2025 - Abdul Rozak @ Zakky MR POPULAR NUSANTARA 2025 – Nicholas Erekose Sim (Singapore) MR TALENT NUSANTARA 2025 – Azwan Ismail (Malaysia) MR PHOTOGENIC NUSANTARA 2025 – Mohamad Amir Afandi Mazzlan (Malaysia) MR CONGENIALITY NUSANTARA 2025 – Amyn Othman. (Singapore) MR BEST PHYSIQUE NUSANTARA 2025 – Noramzar Abdul Ghani (Malaysia) MR CHARMING NUSANTARA 2025 – Dr Mohd Faizal Ahmad (Malaysia) MR PERSONALITY NUSANTARA 2025 – Alfie Tjen (Singapore) MR SOCIAL MEDIA NUSANTARA 2025 – Mohamad Faiz Miswan (Malaysia)
Daily Express
12 hours ago
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I was blacklisted from Sabah last week, now banned from leaving Malaysia: Fahmi Reza
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: Fahmi shared on social media that he arrived at KLIA2 for a short two-day trip to a concert in Singapore. - Pic via Fahmi Reza | Facebook Graphic artist and political activist Fahmi Reza said he was stopped from boarding a flight to Singapore today after being informed he was blacklisted from travelling overseas — the second such travel restriction imposed on him in just over two weeks. In a statement posted on his social media, Fahmi recounted arriving at KLIA2 at around 7.30am to catch a 9.35am flight for a short two-day trip to attend a concert featuring South Korean band Slant and Singaporean act Sial. Advertisement But at the international departure counter, Immigration officers told him he had been flagged and needed to wait at their office. 'I was asked to wait while they checked with TCO (Travel Control Office/Order). Then they took my passport and IC for photocopying. They also wanted printed copies of my boarding pass and e-ticket, even though I had them on my phone,' he wrote, adding that with only 10 minutes left before boarding, an airport staff member helped him get the documents printed at a hotel nearby. When he returned to Immigration with the documents, Fahmi said an officer told him, 'Bukit Aman has not given clearance for you to leave the country.' He said no explanation was provided and he was escorted out of the departure area. Advertisement Fahmi is well known for his satirical illustrations that often critique political leaders and institutions. He believes the ban is linked to his artwork criticising the recent appointment of former Sabah chief minister Tun Musa Aman as the state's new Yang di-Pertua Negeri. Just weeks earlier, on May 29, the Sabah Immigration Department had denied Fahmi entry into the state under Section 65(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. He said he was flown back to Kuala Lumpur the same day without further explanation. That incident followed his earlier arrest by Sabah police in February this year over another satirical post. Authorities had opened investigations under the Sedition Act for allegedly insulting the royal institution. 'Last week I was blacklisted from entering Sabah. This week, I'm blacklisted from leaving the country,' he wrote. 'My only 'offence' was creating critical artwork.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
2 days ago
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Hong Kong branch of Singaporean 1880 club in liquidation with HK$20 million debt
The Hong Kong branch of a Singapore-based private club that closed after less than a year in business is undergoing liquidation with debts of about HK$20 million (US$2.5 million), former employees have said. Financial difficulties forced 1880 Hong Kong, located at Two Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay, to shut its doors on Friday last week, leaving 100 employees without pay for two months and some members angered by sales made shortly before the closure. It also owed rent to its landlord, Swire Properties. Two former employees told the Post on Tuesday that the cash-strapped club had gone into liquidation, blaming the failure on the company's poor financial planning and governance. Both said that the landlord made a substantial capital investment in the fixed assets, while the club only had to take care of operations. One said that Swire's capital investment amounted to more than HK$170 million. The club, which opened on November 8 last year, occupied four floors offering event spaces, a gym with spa facilities, four restaurants, a cocktail bar and a sports bar. Each member had to pay a joining fee of about HK$24,000 and a monthly subscription fee of HK$1,300, or HK$14,000 for a full year, according to the founding member rates seen by the Post. 'Still, the company could not run the club properly because it did not understand how Hong Kong works and did no due diligence. It just assumed the city was going to be the same as Singapore,' one middle-ranking employee said. 'It was suffering from cash-flow problems from day one.' He said the senior management made a string of poor decisions, including hiring more than a dozen staff members for each of their five kitchens long before the restaurants opened and ordering tens of thousands of cake packaging materials for an eatery that did not sell cakes. 'But when an employee at a lower rank tried to speak up, they did not listen,' he said. 'November was the last month I received my salary on time.' The company had not managed to pay all of its staff on time since December last year, with the landlord returning a deposit at one point to help it pay wages, but priority was given to junior employees. He also said the club had struggled to pay its suppliers since February and had asked to settle the payments in instalments. But it failed to honour the arrangement, placing immense pressure on frontline staff, he added. 'In the end, we were only paying those whom we desperately needed to keep the club in business,' the middle-ranking employee said. In the first week of May, founder Marc Nicolson held a town hall meeting to reassure all staff that a 'very big investor' was coming to save the business, he said. Despite being in a dire financial situation, the club kept recruiting new members, with the last one joining in mid-May, just about two weeks before the closure. The same employee said the company's Singaporean leadership had sent in support before the opening in November, but they stopped in January this year. He said he believed the company still owed staff members about HK$4 million in unpaid wages and around HK$15 million to suppliers and its landlord. Another employee, who was transferred from Singapore to the Hong Kong club in August, said he was owed more than HK$100,000 in unpaid wages dating back to April, as well as payment in lieu of notice. Comparing the operation of the clubs in Singapore and Hong Kong, he said the one in the city state had a much smaller floor area but was exclusive to its 2,000 members. But the Hong Kong branch had a larger floor size and was partly open to the public, making it far less attractive to sign up as a member. He said that all the restaurants had failed to hit their targets, even after a downward adjustment, with the amount being made by the food outlets 'definitely below HK$1 million monthly'. He also said the company did not pay suppliers for months, and they had only accepted cash on delivery since March. 'I just pray they find the money to pay the staff because they really believed in the company, even when wages were delayed for weeks and came to work until the last day. Some of us even took a loan to come to work,' he said. 'They could have been honest about it and told us the truth in the last two, three months ... it's really unethical for them to do this.' He said that returning to Singapore was difficult because it would mean breaking his lease and losing his deposit. The head office would not cover his loss either because he had signed a new contract with the Hong Kong branch, he added. The group previously announced plans to expand to Bali, with the construction of a resort largely completed before the project was shut down late last year. A spokeswoman for Swire said the landlord was unable to disclose any financial details related to specific tenants. Hong Kong's Labour Department and the Customs and Excise Department said they had received complaints and were following up on the matter. The Consumer Council said it had yet to receive any complaints related to the club. The Post has reached out to the club and its founder for comment.
