The 25-year-old actor bares (a lot of) his soul as he shares about pursuing happiness by being true to himself, learning through mistakes and living in the &ldquo;Huniverse&rdquo;.

Known for their independence and entrepreneurial flair, Generation Z is making a mark. With a yearning for a more equitable and transparent world, they are committed to forging unconventional routes towards their aspirations. In an intimate post-photo session conversation within a serene studio, Hun Haqeem shares, "While I hesitate to generalise for the entire Gen Z cohort, I must admit I'm truly astounded by their pursuit against convention, breaking barriers and transcending boundaries."
Intriguingly, the actor-model embodies all these traits and more, whether consciously or not. As we delve into the highs and lows that have punctuated his life journey, it becomes evident that Hun is a multifaceted individual with an abundance of experiences to share. Clad in a comfortable black cotton polo tee and loose-fitting jeans, his hair is slicked back, featuring an inadvertent but stylish fringe. Despite the three-hour-long photoshoot we've just wrapped up, he greets me with a cheerful hello, exemplifying his affable nature. Hun mentions that it's a mellow day and the rain has set a tranquil tone. Exuding an air of composure and unruffled demeanour, his responses are eloquent, underscored by profound reflection and wisdom. It's a revelation to consider that Hun is merely 25 years old &mdash; yet, this realisation might not be so startling, given the magnitude of transformations he&rsquo;s already navigated.

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Originating from Kuching, Sarawak, the young talent left his hometown as a teenager to study corporate communications at Kolej University Poly-Tech MARA Kuala Lumpur. His passion for acting, sparked by &rsquo;90s cinema and TV dramas, was supported by his family. Initially, he saw acting as a secondary interest, choosing to focus on academia and a conventional career. However, he gradually realised that acting was a core part of his identity. With determination, he spoke to his parents about his desire to pursue acting seriously. He took a brave step by joining a local TV production, acting alongside the renowned Namron. This marked a turning point in his journey.
Now at 25, his name resonates, and his warm smile is an instantly recognisable beacon to the public &mdash; whether it's on the silver screen or in the real world. From local productions to global drama series, Hun has artfully showcased his talent, seamlessly transitioning from sharing the spotlight with industry giants to collaborating with emerging artists who share his artistic wavelength. Reflecting on his journey, Hun opens up, " You know, at this point in my life, I spend a lot of time thinking things through. It's not always easy though. There's this delicate balance I'm trying to strike &mdash; I want to grab onto every chance that comes my way while I still can. So, I'm always pretty careful about the choices I make, especially when they have an impact on where I'm headed in my career.&rdquo; Resolute to remain on his chosen path, he says, " Honestly, I really want to keep going in this field for as long as I can, so I try to make every step count. I believe that being thoughtful and dedicated in every move I make will pay off in the long run."

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A radiant smile lights up Hun's face as he talks about his cherished family &mdash; a close-knit unit comprising two elder sisters and an older brother. &ldquo;When life hits its lowest points, I've always looked for a helping hand. I truly believe that as humans, we're not meant to tough it out alone. There's always someone we can lean on, no matter what's going on. It could be God, our folks, extended family and friends. For me, it's always been my family who's been my rock. They're the reason I'm here, enjoying the things I love. And when life throws curveballs, they're right there to uplift me and keep me moving,&rdquo; he says, the glow in his eyes intensifying at the thought of his most steadfast supporters, regardless of the challenges he may be grappling with.
&ldquo;But you know, there's also this voice inside saying we should believe in ourselves. Recognise your value and abilities, and dive into things with all your heart. Be proud of what you have achieved and take a moment to see how far you've come. It's so important not to get caught up comparing your journey to someone else's. We're all on our own path, doing our thing in our own way,&rdquo; he adds.

"...it wasn't just about having people who support me, but creating a space where everyone supports each other within this humble community.&rdquo;

When the topic shifts to the bedrock of his support system since his acting career began, Hun lovingly introduces his devoted fan club, affectionately known as "Huniverse." Reflecting fondly on this dynamic community, he shares, " You know, my initial idea for a name was "Huneystars". But in the end, I settled on "Huniverse" because I was drawn to the concept of unity and togetherness. It wasn't just about having people who support me, but creating a space where everyone supports each other within this humble community.&rdquo; 
The significance of his fan club becomes evident as Hun continues with a genuine smile touching his lips as he remembers the event. " They mean the world to me because they've stood by me through thick and thin. They've held onto their belief in me and what I do. What I really admire about them is their dedication to one another. Recently, we organised a community service event, and I was genuinely amazed by the turnout. It was so heartwarming to see how everyone came together and had a blast that day. It might have been tiring, but the laughter and the great memories we made overshadowed it all. Nowadays, these are the moments that hold immense value &mdash; sharing good times."

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The conversation then shifts to his on-screen performances and commitment to self-improvement which has him beaming proudly. Recent times have seen Hun undergo a major physical transformation for an upcoming drama series, an adaptation of the popular K-drama W, featuring respected actors like Lee Jung Suk, Han Hyo-Joo and Kang Ki-young. He mentions how his body had transformed several times &mdash; starting at 120 kg, slimming down to 70 kg for a crucial role and then going back to 98 kg after filming. Another acting opportunity arose, not requiring weight loss but demanding a specific physique. Drawing on his past success, he reminded himself of his capabilities and achieved it once again. Throughout this amazing body transformation journey, Hun learned the importance of discipline in pursuing his goals. He acknowledges that his initial motivation was work-related, but he also realised the value of prioritising his overall health. He observed that when his body felt good, his mental state, mood and general well-being improved too. This insight led him to a crucial lesson: practising self-love. He has learned how to appreciate his body by listening to its signals, resting when needed and pushing himself when it's time for hard work.
Now that Hun has cultivated a more harmonious relationship with himself, he openly acknowledges that he has become more daring yet simultaneously comfortable and at ease with his clothing choices. He articulates his current fashion sensibilities,&rdquo; I'd describe my fashion sense these days as a blend of easy-going, alluring, and comfortable. I envision myself in uncomplicated, functional outfits that allow me to move freely, similar to what I sported during the recent photoshoot. I really appreciate those relaxed, roomy garments they had me wear, particularly the Calvin Klein 90&rsquo;s Straight Jeans. I think they're ideal for any laid-back gathering or outing.&rdquo;
Calvin Klein, renowned for its enduring style, has transcended generations with its timeless designs. Among its revered pieces, the 90's Straight Jeans stand as trailblazers that played a pivotal role in popularising designer denim during the 1990s. Whether rendered in classic shades such as washed black, rinse blue, mid-stone blue, and vintage light blue washes, or in its contemporary interpretations like the latest acid-wash purple and pink dye editions, Calvin Klein's 90's Straight Jeans consistently emanate a lively, alluring, and casual aesthetic that resonates deeply with modern society's fashion aspirations.

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Despite the accolades and recognition that rightfully come his way, Hun maintains a remarkably down-to-earth demeanour, fortified by a belief that his journey is far from the finishing line. " Honestly, I don't think I'm all that great at acting, but the people around me keep insisting that I'm doing a fantastic job. I'm still in the process of discovering my range and skills when it comes to acting. I guess this is something that happens to actors and actresses worldwide &mdash; we're always on the lookout for new challenges to see just how much we can stretch ourselves,&rdquo; he says with humility, musing about how his self-perception transformed when others acknowledged his talents. "It's funny how I never really saw myself as a good actor until someone pointed it out to me. Hearing that my acting has a positive impact on others was an eye-opener. It got me thinking that maybe I am doing something right.&rdquo; As an actor, the gratification of touching hearts and minds through his performances is unparalleled for Hun.
My last question to him is what question he wished to be asked by an interviewer, and his answer is rather simple, &ldquo;Am I happy? The simple act of asking how someone's doing has become less common. Our busy lives and responsibilities divert our attention from these gestures. There's a belief everyone should handle things alone, which might explain the infrequent questions. Society assumes everyone's managing on their own, making it feel awkward to inquire about well-being," he shares with concern. He concludes with much grace and wisdom, "Balancing genuine care with not being intrusive is tricky. What our world needs is more compassion and care. We should revive checking in on each other, extending empathy and kindness without crossing boundaries. Looking out for each other now is crucial and can truly make a positive impact. And yes, I am happy now.&rdquo;

Photography Edmund Lee Creative Direction &amp; Styling Colin Sim Words Syazil Abd Rahim Makeup Raeseok @ Plikamakeup Hair Juno Ko&nbsp; 
All Clothing &amp; Accessories Calvin Klein

Digital Cover: Hun Haqeem is in his bold era

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