Cover Story: Breakout Star, Meerqeen is On The Rise
More than just a heartthrob, Malaysian actor and singer Meerqeen is eager to prove that his charm extends beyond his looks.
Whether on social media, television or billboards, these days it’s hard to go a day without seeing Meerqeen. The 22-year-old Malaysian actor, model and singer was propelled into the entertainment industry after placing third in the 2020 edition of the Hero Remaja idol competition, and has racked up some serious credentials in the ensuing four years. While his first drama Angkara Cinta (2020) launched his acting career, it was Melur Untuk Firdaus (2022) that took him to new heights. The romantic series, which paired the Ampang-born actor with fellow breakout star Anna Jobling, garnered a whopping 11 million viewers, with the on-screen couple going on to nab several awards after.
Following the phenomenal success of the series, Meerqeen was named YSL Beauty’s first Malaysian brand ambassador as well as Tiffany & Co’s first Malaysian Friend of the House. And this is merely the beginning for the rising star; he has yet to scratch the surface of all he has to offer. With two films, one drama and one web drama set to be released this year, we, along with the Meerqeen Troopers (his official fan club), are all eyes and ears.
Hi Meerqeen! Besides being our first cover star for the year, how has your 2024 been?
I’m already reaching new heights! January was great, and I’d love for things to stay that way, hopefully for the rest of the year.
Melur Untuk Firdaus achieved undeniable success. What was your biggest takeaway from the series?
That I should do more romcoms? [Laughs] Jokes aside, I see it as a sign that either the audience loves seeing [Jobling and myself], or the story was simply that good. Between you and me, I prefer to believe it’s the former. [Laughs]
What’s a project that significantly impacted your acting growth?
Viu’s Nenek Bongkok Tiga (2023) was extremely helpful in developing my craft. Due to the nature of the platform and the raw script I was given, I had the chance to be more confident in wearing my skin, while also benefitting from the safe space that acting provides. I believe the experience allowed me to incorporate my ego and my voice into my art. Not to mention the bonds I’ve made with the cast and crew, which itself is invaluable for my acting journey.
How do you handle the blurred lines between your public persona and personal life?
Thanks to social media and the Internet, the lines are becoming even more nonexistent. With personal lives becoming more public, even for non-celebrities, it’s been hard. However, with the Internet being an online space, and the ramifications of unblurring being confined to comment sections instead of in-person confrontations, I can just go off line and take a drive when it gets too much. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. “What? Y’all are talking crap about me? That’s not gonna stop me because I’ve switched on airplane mode.”
Do the negative comments ever get to you?
Like I said, what comments? Airplane mode, baby! But seriously, social media can be toxic for your mental health, so please take a break and touch grass once in a while.
“I SEE IT AS A SIGN THAT EITHER THE AUDIENCE LOVES SEEING [JOBLING
AND MYSELF], OR THE STORY WAS SIMPLY THAT GOOD. BETWEEN YOU AND
ME, I PREFER TO BELIEVE IT’S THE FORMER.”
Congratulations on being selected as one of the “100 Most Handsome Faces” by TC Candler. What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is subjective, so, technically, everyone is both right and wrong about their perceptions of beauty. Therefore, I’ll just be wrong and say beauty is a pattern that makes you happy. Patterns of paint on a portrait, patterns of sounds in a lullaby, patterns of words in a sonnet — I could go on. If it makes you happy, then it’s beautiful to you.
You’re also YSL Beauty’s first Malaysian brand ambassador. What about the brand resonates with you?
Yves Saint Laurent is such a “main character” name to have. You cannot fail in life with a name like that. It exudes class, which is apt because have you seen what he has made? Absolute bangers, all of them. Wearing one just makes you want to do better in life, and also makes you look like you do better in life. So yeah, I love that.
Describe your perfect day off.
Definitely a long scenic drive that ends with a fantastic view of the night sky. Or, you know, binge-watching Friends for the umpteenth time in my room.
Your last single “Menunggu” was released three years ago. Are there any plans to put out more songs in the future, or is acting your main focus right now?
Well, it depends on what the people want. Looking at the stats, they want to see me acting. And I love acting. So for now, I’m going to focus on that. But who knows? Maybe there’ll be collaborations coming my way. Or I’ll get more movie offers. We don’t know yet, but I’ll keep grinding and be ready for any opportunities I get.
Photography NELSON CHONG / FRENSS STUDIO
Styling COLIN SIM
Hair KEITH ONG
Grooming RAE SEOK / PLIKA
