Kuching, Malaysia – The ASEAN Public Relations Network (APRN), in collaboration with LSPR Institute of Communication and Business and World Communications Network, Malaysia held the second ASEAN UniFest 2025 short film competition for ASEAN university students, in conjunction with ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA).The event took place on 12th November 2025 at the Spring Mall Movie Foyer, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. 

The second ASEAN UniFest brought together student filmmakers from across Southeast Asia. Together, they represented 42 universities from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei. Collectively, students submitted 150 films that showcased the creativity, cultural diversity and pressing issues of the region. Hosted by the ASEAN Public Relations Network (APRN), these biennial film awards celebrate student films that in some way explore issues around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals or promote action towards them. The event highlights the powerful voices of youth in driving awareness, innovation and positive change through the power of short films.

The evening began with Welcome Remarks from Ms. Livan Tajang, Festival Director of the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA). In her address, Ms. Livan highlighted the growing creative energy of ASEAN youth, saying:”ASEAN UniFest: Inter-University Short Film Awards is the segment of AIFFA dedicated especially to young creators like you. Our aim is to nurture your creativity while fostering meaningful connections among students from across ASEAN. To all of you who made it here, thank you. We hope these four days become a memorable experience—not only because you’re meeting fellow university filmmakers from the region, but also because you have the rare opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and immerse yourselves in the real world of filmmaking”.

Following this, opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Andrew Trigg, Chairperson of ASEAN UniFest, who praised the remarkable talent showcased in this year’s competition.

After thanking the student filmmakers for traveling to Kuching for the awards ceremony, he told them, ”You are responsible for some truly wonderful films. I have watched every one of them, and I have seen some real gems; I am so impressed and touched by your work.” He then went on to say that the kind of collaboration seen in film making was needed between countries to ensure a secure, sustainable and liveable future. 

 

The evening’s Keynote Speech was delivered by YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak. In his inspiring message, YB Datuk Snowdan emphasized the importance of nurturing the next wave of creative minds in the region:”It is truly remarkable to see a dedicated platform that celebrates the creative talents of university students across ASEAN, especially with an impressive 150 film submissions. ASEAN UniFest, together with the AIFFA Management Team, has created an important space for young filmmakers, not only to nurture their passion for storytelling but also to highlight the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through film. Congratulations to all participating students for stepping beyond your borders and sharing your interpretations of the SDGs with such creativity. To the winners, well done, and may your journey in the creative industry continue to grow, especially with the tremendous potential of a Southeast Asian audience of 700 million people.”

The panel of judges comprised film industry professionals from the UK, Malaysia and Indonesia, and included:  Mr. Andrew Trigg, the ASEAN UniFest Chairperson, Dr. Ben Harbisher, the Director of SDG Film Festival, Mr. Kaan Lativan, an award-winning Indonesian actor and Mr. Jaffri Amin Osman, as the Executive Director of AIFFA. The winners of the eight prizes were:

  • BEST Film Award: Till the last note (Singapore)
  • Best Drama: Umpan: The Betta Fish (Malaysia)
  • Best Documentary: BILIN (Philippines)
  • Advocacy Award: Anak Mangku Anak (Indonesia)
  • Best Poetic Film: Apathy (Brunei)
  • Change Agent Award: A Cup of Hope (Indonesia)
  • Best Cinematography: Hoi Ans Lantern – Making Tradition (Vietnam)
  • Environment Action Award: Leftovers (Indonesia)

After the last award had been presented by YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, the winners and nominees gathered for group photos  with the distinguished guests and judges, bringing the exciting celebration of the 2nd ASEAN UniFest to a close!