Cover Filipino actor and singer Joaquin Pedro Valdes has become known for playing Light in the London production of ‘Death Note: The Musical’ (Photo: Getty Images)
Filipino actor and singer Joaquin Pedro Valdes has become known for playing Light in the London production of ‘Death Note: The Musical’ (Photo: Getty Images)
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Ten up-and-coming stars are redefining entertainment with their natural talents and creative eyes while highlighting cultural narratives and sparking thoughtful dialogue
Entertainment, at its essence, encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences designed to engage audiences. It can stimulate emotions, provoke thought or offer people the chance to relax and escape from their daily routines. Through their craft, entertainers can create memories that resonate with an individual or group, foster connections and cultural exchange, as well as social commentary on the intricacies of human life.
Among the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024 are rising stars leveraging their talents to enrich what it means to captivate an audience. With each performance, lyric or stage they conquer, they are shaping the future of entertainment. Here are ten of Asia’s next big names you should keep on your radar.
Read more: These are the most followed stars from the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024
Hush
Chen Pin-He first broke out as the lead vocalist of the band Hush! before becoming a solo artist under the moniker Hush. The solo Taiwanese artist is well-known for his poignant compositions that fuse melancholic lyrics with melancholic narration.
Aside from being a steadfast supporter of LGBTQ+ equality, he uses his platform to give voice to those who are frequently marginalised in popular discourse.
Bunga
Above Malaysian rapper Bunga shares how she started her career in music (Video: Izrul Izelan/Tatler Gen.T)
Meet Noor Ayu Fatini Mohd Bakhari, the lyrical dynamo known as Bunga, whose presence in the rap scene defies gender expectations and breaks barriers. Clad in her hijab and traditional baju kurung, Bunga effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, crafting verses that resonate with authenticity and empowerment. Her magnetic performances, whether opening for global icons like Coldplay or headlining her own tours, captivate audiences with a blend of fierce lyricism and cultural pride.
Jared Lee
Founder and director, Grim Film
From surviving cancer to winning awards, Jared Lee spotlights social issues through comics, animation and film productions. His first fully animated short film, Horologist, was the first Malaysian work to premiere and win the Best Animation award at the San Diego International Independent Film Festival. He is working on another short film, developing two animated projects, writing a secret game project and opening a Japanese-themed cafe.
Read more: 5 takeaways from Malaysian filmmaker Jared Lee’s journey from YouTuber to award-winning director
Pramote Pathan
A singer, DJ, actor and TV host, Pramote Pathan has become perhaps best known for his highly successful YouTube channel, Khotkool, which has amassed more than 3 million followers. Its impact has been so widespread that Thai media giant Workpoint Entertainment has acquired a 49 percent stake in the channel.
Joaquin Pedro Valdes
Joaquin Pedro Valdes captivates audiences worldwide with his versatile performances, including acclaimed roles in Philippine theatre to commanding a presence on London’s West End.
He starred in Heathers: The Musical and the world premiere of Death Note. He also headlined the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures off West End and has performed in countless UK touring companies. A trailblazer for Asian actors on the international stage, Valdes’ versatility spans genres and narratives, from thrilling dramas to lively musicals.
Zig Dulay
After ten years of developing his skills as a television director, Zig Dulay’s career took off in 2023 when the highly regarded series Maria Clara at Ibarra won over 70 awards both locally and abroad. The TV series also held the top spot on Netflix Philippines for almost two months.
Dulay is a prominent figure in the entertainment scene because of his ability to encapsulate Filipino culture and deliver it in a way that is captivating to a global audience. His fantasy film Firefly, which took home the Best Picture prize at the Metro Manila Film Festival, helped him establish even more notoriety.
Read more: These are the 35 Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow from the Philippines
Michael Cheung Tin-Fu
Singer
Michael Cheung Tin-fu, aka MC Cheung Tin-fu, isn’t your usual Canto-pop success story. From his humble beginnings as a busker to becoming a chart-topping sensation, Tin-Fu embodies the spirit of perseverance and creative ingenuity. Rejecting the conventional paths to stardom, he captured hearts with his distinctive voice and soulful lyrics, earning recognition and topping local charts with hits like Pillow Talk from his album This is MC.
Shye
Shye is a Singaporean musician whose ascent from teenage prodigy to international acclaim has captivated audiences worldwide. Winner of the prestigious NME Award for Best New Act from Asia, Shye’s genre-defying sound and magnetic stage presence redefine the boundaries of contemporary music. Her journey, marked by early accolades and memorable performances at renowned festivals like South by Southwest, underscores a fearless pursuit of artistic evolution.
He Shuming
He Shuming scored a hit with his debut film feature, the upbeat fish-out-of-water comedy Ajoomma. It received four nominations at the 59th Golden Horse Awards, including Best New Director and was selected as Singapore’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards, after premiering at the Busan International Film Festival. He is also a recipient of the Young Artist Award from Singapore’s National Arts Council.
Read more: ‘Ajoomma’ director He Shuming on his 7-Year journey to producing Singapore’s pick for Oscars 2023
Haven
Haven, whose real name is Teo Cher Win, shot to fame in her teenage years on TikTok where her relatable content and genuine voice won her over a million fans. The Singaporean singer signed with Wild Group in 2022. Future Somebody, her first record for the label, became an instant hit with listeners. Her second single No Hard Feelings has over six million streams to date.
Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
