More than just a male beauty pageant, Misters of Nusantara is a stage where physical beauty walks hand in hand with intellect, where national identity merges seamlessly with the spirit of the times. The 2025 grand finale in Kuala Lumpur not only marked the end of a competition season but also ushered in a new era—one where the men of Nusantara are celebrated for everything they represent: culture, leadership, and the aspiration to reach beyond.
The beginning of a regional dream
Nusantara—a name that evokes the image of a vast archipelago rich in culture and deeply connected across Southeast Asian nations. In classical Malay, “Nusantara” symbolizes cross-border unity, shared heritage, and collective pride. It is from this very spirit that Misters of Nusantara 2025 was born—as a new declaration of identity and the evolving role of men in the region amid a globalized world.
Held at the HGH Convention Centre, the cultural heart of Kuala Lumpur, the grand finale was the culmination of a long journey. Dozens of representatives from countries and territories across the archipelago competed through various segments—from resort wear and formal wear to talent and Q&A. But beyond the competition, what truly emerged was a collective effort to redefine the modern man: not just through appearance, but through strength of character, intellect, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Magnificent and culturally-profound coronation night
On May 29, 2025, hundreds of guests, media representatives, and fans gathered at the HGH Convention Centre to witness one of the most spectacular male beauty pageants in the region. The event turned into a true visual feast as Malaysia’s top girl group, DOLLA, electrified the atmosphere with a fiery performance, helping elevate the pageant into a large-scale international entertainment and cultural celebration.
That night, Singapore’s representative, Nicholas Erekose Sim, was officially crowned Mr. Nusantara 2025. With his striking looks, confident presence, and impressive professional background—CEO and Co-Founder of Fiduciary Group with over 20 years of experience in investment and finance—Nicholas proved that the true winner is not just defined by appearance but by character, responsibility, and social impact. Having held the Mr. Singapore International title for over a decade, Nicholas is a living embodiment of the message: when life gives you a second chance, embrace it as if it were your greater calling.
New symbol of the regional masculine spirit
Alongside Nicholas, two other representatives—Leon (Malaysia) and Candra Hakiki (Indonesia)—were also announced as part of the emotional court of winners. All three showcased not only impressive appearances but also the ability to voice the values of their generation: kindness, a passion for community-building, and a deep sense of national pride.
Notably, Leon not only claimed the title of Mr. Malaysia Nusantara 2025 but was also officially announced as Mister Supranational Malaysia 2025. He will represent the nation on the global stage at the 9th Mister Supranational competition, set to take place in Poland on June 28, 2025. With his professional stage presence and strong communication skills, Leon is expected to be a standout contender and a potential game-changer for Malaysia on the international pageant map.
A journey celebrating diversity, personality, and connection
Misters of Nusantara 2025 went beyond just the top three positions. The event also celebrated 21 outstanding individuals across special categories, each representing a unique facet of the modern Nusantara man. From awards like Mr. Talent (Azwan), Mr. Photogenic (Amir), Mr. Congeniality (Amyn), and Mr. Best Physique (Arm) to community-focused titles such as Mr. Popular, Mr. Social Media, and Face of Alluora in each participating country—these recognitions showcased that a man’s appeal is no longer confined to a single standard.
Notably, the fact that representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia were honored across diverse categories—from intellect and appearance to social influence—demonstrates that Misters of Nusantara is more than a competition; it is a cultural movement rooted in regional spirit, celebrating individuality in a highly competitive world.
When a contest serves as a platform
The success of Misters of Nusantara 2025 did not come from fleeting glamour but from the long-term vision and strong organizational capability of its management unit: Beam Artistes. As one of Southeast Asia’s leading talent management companies, Beam Artistes is not only organizing a pageant but gradually building a platform to develop character, identity, and global influence for men in the region.
CEO Samuel Seow affirmed, “We are not just looking for handsome faces. We want to build a generation of men who know who they are, what they represent, and who can use their presence to inspire positive change in their communities.” That’s why Misters of Nusantara does not limit age or conform to rigid standards but aims to open the door for real people, real stories, and real values.
Misters of Nusantara 2025 has gone far beyond an ordinary beauty contest. It is a celebration of identity, where tradition blends with modernity, and men are honored not only for their physique and appearance but for their ideals, intellect, and social roles. This journey has paved a new path for the Southeast Asian men’s beauty industry, where true appeal comes from authenticity and the stories they carry.
Catherine | Cameron Truong
