KOTA KINABALU: The HyperLive Impact Influencer Festival’s Awards 2025 was a groundbreaking event that celebrated the power of digital influence, bringing together Malaysia’s and Asia’s most inspiring content creators.
Held for the first time in Sabah, the festival was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan and attracted influencers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders eager to explore the impact of social media on business, community development and social change.
HyperLive Entertainment Founder and CEO Dr Sean Wong shared his vision of using digital platforms as a force for good.
“At HyperLive Entertainment, we believe in leveraging digital influence to drive social change, support humanitarian efforts, and create a lasting positive impact. Our goal is to empower individuals to use their platforms to inspire change and make the world a better place.”
The festival featured a renowned panel of speakers, including Adelyne Velvet, a top TikTok live host from Singapore; Nadia Shakira, General Manager of HyperLive Entertainment; Arnold Vegafria, founder of the ALV Group of Companies from the Philippines; and Pham Kim Dung, founder and CEO of Sen Vang Entertainment from Vietnam. Their insights set the stage for the much-anticipated Digital Success Forum, where leading influencers shared strategies on building digital brands, content monetization, and business growth.
A key highlight was the Digital Success Forum, featuring some of the region’s most influential figures, including Malaysia’s own esports influencer, Noel. Other notable speakers included Miss International 2024 Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy (Vietnam), Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc (Vietnam), award-winning Indonesian content creator Adi Syahreza and Singaporean actor Nick Shen.
Attendees gained valuable insights into maximizing the potential of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to drive personal branding, storytelling and digital entrepreneurship. The festival also provided a dedicated marketplace, allowing Malaysian entrepreneurs to showcase their products and collaborate with influencers, boosting their brand visibility and digital reach.
The festival’s grand finale, the Awards Gala, was a night of talent, resilience, and inspiration. Audiences were mesmerised by the performances of four extraordinary autistic savant pianists: Clarence Kang from Malaysia, Zhou Bohan from China, Chen Kuan-Wen from Taiwan, and Takuto Koyanagi from Japan. Their performances not only highlighted their exceptional talent but also raised awareness of autism, celebrating the strength and perseverance of individuals with unique abilities.
The awards ceremony, officiated by Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt, recognised outstanding influencers who have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes, social impact and community development. Among the notable Malaysian winners were Angelica Paujin, who received the Asia Humanitarian Influencer Award, and Leo Liew, Miao In Sabah, Jason Jonathan Omar, Hosiani James Jaimis, Melisha Lin and Noel, who were honoured with the Asia Social Impact Influencer Awards. Clarence Kang was recognized under the Asia’s Icon of Inspiration Awards, alongside Zhou Bohan, Takuto Koyanagi and Chen Kuan-Wen. A special highlight was Zara Goh Flintoft, whose saxophone performance captivated the audience, further cementing Malaysia’s presence in the international influencer scene.
Beyond the awards, the HyperLive Impact Influencer Festival 2025 positioned Sabah as a premier tourism and cultural destination. Influencers from across Asia explored Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, sharing their experiences with millions of followers worldwide. This initiative strengthens Sabah’s appeal as a global travel hotspot.
The festival concluded with a powerful message: True influence is about making a difference, not just numbers. The event reaffirmed Malaysia’s role as a leader in the digital space, showcasing how talent, influence and humanitarian efforts can come together to create lasting change.
