Hari Raya treat: Handsome abangs and hunkles who are just so sedap

As Ramadan gently winds down and Hari Raya edges closer, the signs are everywhere – baju melayu being pressed, kueh tins quietly multiplying in the kitchen, and family group chats lighting up with plans for the first day of visits. But while we count down to the festivities, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge another seasonal indulgence: the region’s most handsome abangs and hunkles.

From the velvet-voiced Afgan and the ever-dashing Prince Abdul Mateen, to beloved screen icons like Aaron Aziz, Fattah Amin and Zul Ariffin, these men have long kept audiences across the region entertained... and occasionally a little weak in the knees. Add to that the charm of Meerqeen, Syafiq Kyle, Hisyam Hamid and Haizad Imran, and you have a line-up that’s almost as irresistible as the Hari Raya kueh spread.

Afgan (Afgansyah Reza)

Age: 37
From: Indonesia

Smooth voice, effortless charm and a face that seems to grow more handsome with time – Afgan has long been Southeast Asia’s answer to the classic romantic crooner. The Jakarta-born singer first stole hearts with his 2008 debut album Confession No.1, delivering swoon-worthy hits like Terima Kasih Cinta and Sadis that cemented him as one of Indonesia’s most beloved pop stars.

But it isn’t just the music that keeps fans captivated. With his warm smile, polished style and quietly magnetic stage presence, Afgan has mastered the art of understated allure. Whether he’s crooning a heartbreak ballad or flashing that disarming grin on stage, the effect is the same: audiences across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore melting just a little.

His appeal shows no signs of slowing down. His recent single “Kacamata” has racked up millions of streams across platforms and more than nine million views on YouTube, proving that more than a decade into his career, fans are still very much under his spell. If anything, Afgan seems to be ageing like a fine vintage – smoother, more assured, and every bit irresistible.

Prince Abdul Mateen

Age: 34
From: Brunei Darussalam

At 34, Prince Abdul Mateen remains one of Southeast Asia’s most admired modern royals. Born 10 August 1991, he is the **fourth son of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, and currently fifth in line to the throne. For years, the Oxford-educated royal and trained helicopter pilot in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces captivated global audiences as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, thanks to his athletic lifestyle, polo tournaments and glimpses of royal life shared with millions online.

In January 2024, Mateen married Anisha Rosnah in a dazzling 10-day royal celebration held at the majestic Istana Nurul Iman. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in February 2026, marking a joyful new chapter for the young royal family.

He may have relinquished the title of “eligible bachelor,” but Prince Mateen remains very much the king of our hearts, and we wish him, his new family the best of blessings in the years ahead.

Amir Ahnaf

Age: 26
From: Malaysia

Every generation gets its breakout bad boy – and right now, Malaysia’s belongs to Amir Ahnaf. The Terengganu-born actor first caught the industry’s attention as a finalist on the Hero Remaja 2021/2022 talent search, but it was his intense turn as Kahar in the hit series Projek: High Council that truly sent his star soaring. The role proved so popular it spawned the film Kahar: Kapla High Council, which earned Amir the Most Promising Actor (Male) honour at the 34th Malaysian Film Festival – not bad for someone still in his mid-20s.

Tall, brooding and blessed with that classic “dangerous but soft-hearted” screen presence, Amir has quickly become one of Malaysia’s most talked-about young leading men. With credits including Pendekar Awang: Darah Indera Gajah and the drama Keluarga Itu, and a social media following that continues to climb, he’s part of a new generation of stars proving that charisma and a little rebellious charm can go a very long way.

Meerqeen

Age: 24
From: Malaysia

At 24, Meerqeen has star power that feels both effortless and inevitable. Born Muhammad Shameer Shauqeen Shaiful Izam, the Malaysian actor first caught the industry’s attention after finishing third in Hero Remaja 2019/2020, a talent search known for launching some of the country’s biggest entertainment names. But his true breakthrough came in 2022, when he stepped into the role of the brooding yet charming Firdaus in the wildly popular drama Melur Untuk Firdaus. The series quickly became a regional obsession, racking up millions of views and catapulting Meerqeen into heart-throb territory almost overnight.

The adoration soon translated into awards. Meerqeen took home Aktor TV Popular at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) 35, while his on-screen chemistry with co-star Anna Jobling earned the pair Couple TV Popular. His popularity reached another peak when he dominated the Gempak Most Wanted Awards 2025, where he was crowned Selebriti Tergempak, one of Malaysia’s biggest fan-voted honours.

Off-screen, the actor has quietly become a fixture in the luxury and fashion world. He was named Malaysia’s first brand ambassador for YSL Beauty and later a Friend of the House for Tiffany & Co., cementing his place as one of the region’s most bankable young celebrities.

Still early in his career and currently single, Meerqeen remains a favourite among fans who can’t seem to get enough of his boyish charm, cinematic good looks and easy confidence. In an industry always searching for its next leading man, he already looks like the answer.

Fattah Amin

Age: 36
From: Malaysia

Malaysia has no shortage of handsome leading men, but few have commanded the spotlight quite like Fattah Amin. Born Abdul Fattah Mohd Amin on 14 September 1990 in Kuala Lumpur, the actor first gained national attention after winning the Hero Remaja 2011/2012 talent competition, before shooting to regional fame through hit dramas such as Hero Seorang Cinderella and Suri Hati Mr. Pilot, where his brooding good looks and quietly confident screen presence quickly made him one of the most talked-about heart-throbs in Malay entertainment.

Over the years, Fattah has expanded his repertoire beyond acting into music, modelling and business, building a multi-hyphenate career while maintaining a loyal fan base across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. His star power has also been recognised at major entertainment ceremonies, including winning Most Popular Actor at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian, one of Malaysia’s most prestigious fan-voted awards.

His personal life has also drawn considerable public interest. In 2017, he married fellow actress Nur Fazura, and the couple welcomed their daughter Nur Fatima Aisya in 2020. After seven years together, the pair parted ways in 2024, before Fattah found love again with singer Amira Othman, whom he married in September 2025.

Syafiq Kyle

Age: 33
From: Malaysia

With his tall frame, soulful gaze and brooding charm, it’s little wonder Syafiq Kyle has become one of Malaysia’s most adored leading men. The Kuala Lumpur-born actor first caught the industry’s attention after finishing runner-up in the Hero Remaja 2011/2012 talent search, before rising to prominence through hit dramas such as Mencintaimu Mr. Photographer and the cultural phenomenon Nur.

He has since proven his versatility on the big screen, most notably in the blockbuster crime thriller Sheriff: Narko Integriti (2024), one of Malaysia’s highest-grossing films, where he delivered a gripping performance that further showcased his dramatic range.

Part of Syafiq’s irresistible appeal lies in the way he balances strength with vulnerability on screen – intense when the role demands it, yet disarmingly gentle in tender moments. Off-screen, the actor commands a strong following of more than three million fans on Instagram, where audiences eagerly follow his work and personal milestones. He also shares a long-running, widely followed romance with actress Mimi Lana, whom he married in 2025 after nearly a decade together.

Hun Haqeem

Age: 28
From: Malaysia

The Sarawak-born star first won audiences over in the wildly popular comedy Kampung People, where his portrayal of Jaafar – equal parts charming and cheeky – turned him into one of Malaysia’s most talked-about new leading men.

Since then, the actor has been on a steady upward climb, taking on roles in dramas such as Angkara Cinta, W: Two Worlds (Malaysia) and Mandul Bukan Pilihan. The industry has taken notice too: in 2024, Hun was named Most Popular TV Actor at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian, while fashion houses clearly appreciate the view as well – he was tapped as the first Malaysian ambassador for Emporio Armani Fragrances.

Still only in his twenties, unmarried and already closing in on a million Instagram followers, Hun represents the new generation of Malaysian heart-throbs: stylish, self-assured and just mischievous enough to keep fans intrigued.

Zul Ariffin

Age: 39
From: Malaysia

If Malaysia were casting its own action hero, chances are the role would go to Zul Ariffin. Born Zulkifli Ariffin on 25 October 1986 in Taiping, Perak, the former model rose to prominence through hit television dramas such as Rindu Awak 200% before cementing his reputation on the big screen with intense, physically demanding roles. Today, he is best known for leading the gritty crime thriller Sheriff: Narko Integriti (2024), one of Malaysia’s biggest action hits in recent years.

With his rugged good looks, sculpted physique and brooding screen presence, Zul has become the archetype of the modern Malaysian action star. Of Malay, Indonesian and Dutch heritage, his striking features only add to the commanding presence he brings to every role.

Off-screen, he keeps his personal life largely out of the spotlight – despite past headlines linking him to film producer Gayatri Su-Lin Pillai and periodic marriage rumours, the actor has never publicly confirmed a wedding, adding to the air of mystery that surrounds him.

Nadhir Nassar

Age: 29
From: Malaysia

Brooding eyes, model looks and the subtle intensity of someone who clearly knows what he’s doing – Nadhir Nasar has quickly become one of Malaysia’s most compelling young leading men. Born Ahmad Nadhir Ahmad Nasar, the actor first caught the industry’s attention after winning Hero Remaja 2020, a talent competition famous for launching the country’s next generation of heart-throbs. But it was his electrifying turn as the rebellious Naim in the hit series Projek: High Council that truly set social media alight, transforming him from rising talent into one of the region’s most talked-about screen presences almost overnight.

Since then, Nadhir has steadily proven he’s more than just a pretty face. The UiTM Mass Communication graduate has built a growing résumé with series such as i-Tanggang: Mother of All Lies and Kelas Tahanan Cikgu Hiragi, while also setting his sights behind the camera with his own production venture, Paradise Pictures. His performance in Nusyuz Berkiblat Cinta even earned him Best Supporting Actor at Astro’s national leg of the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022, hinting at a career that could stretch far beyond the typical matinee-idol arc.

Off screen, he carries himself with a cool, enigmatic charm. A Friend of MILO and a familiar face in major campaigns, Nadhir keeps his personal life largely out of the spotlight – currently single and notably private about his romantic life, which only seems to fuel the fascination surrounding him.

Mierul Aiman

Age: 27
From: Malaysia

Before the cameras and fan edits, Mierul Aiman was simply a young man determined to make his dream happen. Born Muhammad Amirul Aiman Norazman on 14 July 1998, the Malaysian actor studied mechanical engineering and even worked as a food delivery rider to pay for acting classes, laying the groundwork for a career in entertainment. His persistence paid off when he won Hero Remaja 2021, a competition known for launching the country’s next generation of leading men.

The real turning point came soon after, when he landed the role of Fakhri in the hit series Projek: High Council. With his commanding screen presence and brooding intensity, Mierul quickly became one of the show’s most magnetic figures. The momentum has continued with projects such as Seadanya Kita and Project: Exit, the latter earning him a Bronze for Best Male Lead in a TV Programme/Series Made in Asia at the 2025 ContentAsia Awards.

Off screen, the actor remains single and largely private about his personal life, focusing instead on building his craft and exploring creative ventures like his streetwear project Dream Kid. With his striking looks, athletic presence and a backstory built on grit rather than shortcuts, Mierul Aiman embodies the kind of leading man who feels both aspirational and refreshingly real – and that may be exactly why audiences find him so irresistible.

Hisyam Hamid

Age: 40
From: Singapore

Not every leading man begins his career running into burning buildings – but Hisyam Hamid did. Born 20 October 1985 in Singapore, the actor spent nearly eight years as a fireman with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) before stepping into the world of television. His earliest appearances in local series such as Anak Metropolitan and Tetangga offered a quiet introduction to audiences, but bigger things soon followed.

After making his cross-border debut in Cut Amirah (2011), Hisyam found his footing in Malaysia, where dramas such as Ariana Rose, Gerak Khas and Abang Bomba I Love You helped establish him as a familiar and dependable leading man. Since relocating there to pursue acting full-time, he has built much of his career across the Causeway.

Off screen, Hisyam keeps family close. He shares two children with his former wife Rosmawati Hanafi, whom he was married to for 18 years before their separation in 2024.

Haizad Imran

Age: 40s
From: Singapore

Local audiences first met Haizad Imran when he made the Top 18 on Singapore Idol in 2004, a televised moment that sparked his entry into entertainment. Before the stage lights and camera calls, he worked as a nurse, an experience that speaks to the grounded, people-first approach he still brings to his work today.

Over the years, Haizad has built a steady career across acting, hosting and music within Singapore’s Malay entertainment scene. His credits include Suria dramas and programmes such as Embun di Tengah Hari, 6 X 7 S2, Sihat Oh Sihat, Cinta Ixora, PICIT, Hos!Pektakular and the film Takbir Nan Syahdu. Still active today, he most recently earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination at Pesta Perdana 2025 for the drama Mencari Marina.

Off screen, Haizad shares the stage and life with performer Alia Demelda Sharma. Together they are raising a blended family, with Haizad embracing the role of stepfather while also having a child of his own.

Harhys Stewart

Age: 24
From: Singapore

With his grey-blue eyes, sculpted features and lean footballer’s build, it’s easy to see why Harhys Stewart tends to turn heads long before the final whistle. Born 20 March 2001, the Singapore international – whose full name is Harhys Rizal Gareth Stewart bin Muhammad Ian Stewart – is the child of a Welsh father and a Singaporean Malay-Chinese mother, a heritage that gives him a look fashion editors have repeatedly taken notice of. In fact, his modelling journey reportedly began almost by accident, when he accompanied a then-girlfriend to a casting and ended up getting scouted himself.

The handsome footballer is far more than a pretty face, though. Harhys came through the Singapore Sports School and National Football Academy, captained the Young Lions, and has since taken his career abroad with stints in Thailand’s top league while representing the Singapore national team, making his senior debut during a 2024 World Cup qualifier against China.

Ryhan Stewart

Age: 26
From: Singapore

Footballer first, heart-throb second – though fans might argue the order sometimes flips. Singapore international Ryhan Stewart, born 15 February 2000, has built his reputation the old-fashioned way: through grit on the pitch and a career that has taken him from the Young Lions in the Singapore Premier League to clubs abroad, including spells in Thailand’s top league and Lithuania. The full-back – whose full name is Ryhan Euan Griffin Stewart – is the son of a Welsh father and a Malay Singaporean mother, a heritage that gives him the striking features and athletic build that have made him just as comfortable in style editorials as he is charging down the flank.

But Ryhan’s appeal goes beyond looks. A Temasek Polytechnic graduate with a diploma in marketing, he has compiled a résumé that includes representing the Singapore national team, scoring on his AFC Champions League debut for BG Pathum United against Ulsan Hyundai, and helping his club lift the 2023–24 Thai League Cup.

Fans may also recognise the surname from his younger brother Harhys Stewart, who is likewise a Singapore international footballer – making the pair one of the country’s most recognisable sporting sibling duos. Off the pitch, Ryhan carries a slightly different energy from the typical “mystery heart-throb”: the quietly confident athlete who lets his work speak for itself. In June 2025, he married Hannah Alkaff, trading bachelor status for married life while continuing to pursue his football career overseas.