Tontawan Tantivejakul to receive FPA Asia-Pacific Rising Icon award

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Tontawan Tantivejakul to receive FPA Asia-Pacific Rising Icon award

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Tu Tontawan to receive prestigious Rising Icon Award

25 Nov - Thai breakout star Tontawan Tantivejakul has been announced as the next recipient of the FPA Asia-Pacific Rising Icon Award, joining Malaysian actor Syafiq Kyle, who was revealed earlier this year as a fellow honouree.

The two actors will be presented at the 62nd Asia-Pacific Film Festival (APFF) Awards Night, taking place on 6 December 2025 at Auditorium Bandaraya, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

Tontawan, widely known as Tu Tontawan, has rapidly emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most talked-about young actors. Her profile surged internationally following the runaway success of the Thai family dramedy "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies," one of 2024-2025's most significant regional box-office phenomena. Her heartfelt portrayal earned praise from critics and audiences alike, solidifying her status as a rising force in Asian cinema.

Tu Tontawan joins Syafiq Kyle in receiving the Rising Icon awards

This year's APFF Rising Icon selections spotlight two talents representing the new wave of the region; Tontawan Tantivejakul for her emotionally resonant screen presence and expanding global appeal; and Syafiq Kyle for his rising stature in Malaysian cinema, strong audience following, and growing slate of screen work across genres.

Presented by the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific (FPA), the Rising Icon Award honours emerging actors whose artistic trajectory is shaping the region's cinematic future.

The 62nd APFF is organised by Lomo Pictures Sdn. Bhd., endorsed by the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific (FPA), and supported by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).

Cinema Online, 25 November 2025