The Artist Sculpting Himself

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BECOMING AN EXCEPTIONAL ACTOR, HUN HAQEEM HAS COME A LONG WAY, AND IS NOW MAKING THE MOST IN HIS PRIME YEARS

- ALISON LOH

ON THE SURFACE, it’s easy to categorise Hun Haqeem as yet another Malaysian heartthrob. With a smile matched with cheerful eyes, this 26-year-old actor radiates an energy unlike most. Yet a few things seem to belie his youthful charm and endearing smile.

To start, Hun has defied all odds by solidifying himself as one of Malaysia’s top-performing actors today, just six years since his debut. And that’s quite a feat for this Kuching-born star.

So how did it all begin? As cliched as it may be, Hun’s rise to fame all started with a dream. As the youngest child growing up in a small town, it’s easy to coast along and hide in the shadows of your older siblings. But for young Hun, the world was his oyster, ready for the taking.

During his teenage years, he would juggle his studies with work. Before turning twenty, an age where studying was the norm, Hun would already hold various job postings such as managing a retail outlet or working his way through corporate communications.

Still, he couldn’t find satisfaction in his pursuits at the time. One fateful day, he decided to follow his heart and fly to Peninsular Malaysia to audition as an actor. “My parents loved watching movies. So when I was little, I too picked up an interest in it,” he said. “That’s where my curiosity and passion for acting grew. So I told myself to give it a shot, because why not? That leap of faith changed my life.”

STOKING THE FIRE

Today, if you tune in to the local television channels or streaming platforms, you’re bound to come across Hun’s work, be it as the main or supporting role. Known for his versatility, Hun has made his way into various shows, playing a wide range of characters.

Hun’s big break happened in late 2019 when he starred in TV3’s comedy series Kampung People. “That show was truly the turning point in my career. Plus, my experience for this production was phenomenal.”