Masters of their craft
The BURO Impact Awards 2024 shines a spotlight on individuals who not only excel in their respective fields through exceptional talent and dedication, but also leverage their influence, creativity, and vision to drive meaningful change that uplifts communities, reshapes industries, and inspires a more progressive future. Guided by our distinguished panel of judges—fashion designer Alia Bastamam, model and advocate Rubini Sambanthan, actress and philanthropist Siti Saleha, and culinary curator Trisha Toh—we honour the exceptional creators, innovators and changemakers who have defined the year through their relentless pursuit of an unflinching vision. These trailblazers embody the essence of progress, inspiring us to dream bigger and achieve greater, all while creating positive impact along the way.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
Trendsetter
Natalie Prabha is the epitome of a cool girl, the kind that effortlessly escapes the confines of the male gaze, embracing the perspective of the female eye—the antithesis of Gillian Flynn’s sardonic yet spot-on perception of a cool girl. Girls want to be her or be with her. She dresses to express rather than accentuate, she feeds on what nourishes the mind as well as the body, sidestepping the trap of false humility in the everyman archetype, and her politics extend far beyond performative wokeness.

The Sabah-born stunner, still in the infancy of her career, took no time to make an impression. Her unique look—blessed by her father’s Indian and mother’s Sino-Kadazan genes—led to her being scooped off the streets of Kuala Lumpur and onto the runway. No matter the role she plays she commands the catwalk and the camera with an undeniable power—a power rooted in self-ownership that advocates for authenticity, no matter what that might look like. Prabha is, in every sense of the word, a model citizen.
of the year
(ID) Natalie wears: Blazer, shirt, tie and skirt, all H&M. Shoes, Talent’s own. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
(IDENTITY) Natalie wears: Dress, Wei Hao Yong. Accessories, H&M Studio.
Natalie also wears: Top, innerwear, pants and heels, Dolce & Gabbana.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
BEAUTY CREATOR
Lucas Lau is no stranger to the scene. Having spent the last decade carving out his own unique niche within the local beauty space, Lau’s boundary-pushing makeup artistry and style has earned him a spot as one of the industry’s most respected creators. Drawing inspiration from anywhere and everywhere, Lau doesn’t box himself in—and it’s exactly what sets him apart from the crowd.

At the beginning, he was putting out content as a means of expressing himself. Today, with a platform of over 280,000 followers on Instagram and a hefty 770,000 on TikTok, Lau’s goals have evolved beyond himself. Now, it’s all about educating and entertaining his audience; connecting with them in the hopes that he may inspire the next generation of creatives.
of the year
(ID) Lucas wears: Blazer, shirt, vest, tie and pants, all H&M. Shoes and accessories, Talent’s own.
(IDENTITY) Lucas wears: Jacket and pants, Kit Woo. Accessories, Talent’s own.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
ARTIST
In an industry often dictated by fleeting trends, streaming numbers and attention-grabbing optics, Belle Sisoski is a special star in the making. At only 19 years old, the Sarawakian artist has what most burgeoning (and even seasoned) artists search for in their careers: a strong sense of purpose and identity.

A self-proclaimed tribal musical warrior, Sisoski quickly earned an audience of millions around the world for her unique blend of ethnic instrumental sounds and electronic dance music. “I want to create a legacy of reviving forgotten ethnic instruments and heirloom pieces,” she says resolutely. The result is a unique sound that harkens back to Sisoski’s own tribal roots and multi-instrumental talents. With the release of cinematic soundscapes such as "Mother’s Calling", "Stop Your Games" and "The Revival" this year, Sisoski is a songbird soaring high with wings spread wide and we can’t wait to see where her sonic mission takes her next.
of the year
(ID) Belle wears: Blazer, shirt and tie, all H&M. Pants and shoes, Talent’s own. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
(IDENTITY) Belle wears: Jacket and pants, Kit Woo. Shoes: Charles & Keith. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
MUSE
That happiness and/or success comes from following the heart is both trite and true—something that recipe developer and food writer, Loh Yi Jun, is all too familiar with. After graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering from one of the world’s most eminent universities, Jun carved time to explore his passion for food, working in kitchens in London, Paris and New York before returning to one of the greatest foodie cities in the world (and what most of us call home), Kuala Lumpur.

With a palate more curious than a cat and a charmingly enthusiastic delivery, his social media following grew rapidly over the Covid-19 pandemic, inspiring home cooks to experiment with flavours, techniques and cuisines that stretched beyond the ordinary. Through his writing, recipes, and creative projects, Jun celebrates the intersection of heritage and innovation in food, becoming the voice for elevating Malaysian food culture on a global stage.
of the year
(ID) Jun wears: Shirt, vest, pants and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Sandro.
(IDENTITY) Jun wears: Blazer, shirt, pants and shoes, all Sandro. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
MODEL
Suganya is the name on everyone’s lips this year and it’s easy to see why. In a landscape where Indian models are still a rare sight, she stands out with her striking features and undeniable confidence. In just three years, she’s turned dreams into reality—ruling the runways of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and earning a coveted Vogue Singapore cover. Her story is a testament to perseverance, bravely exchanging a future in Biomedical Science for a flourishing career in modelling.

Her formula for success? A relentless work ethic and a passion for excellence. "No matter how big or small the opportunity, always give 100%," she says, embodying this mantra in every photoshoot, every runway show, and every step she takes. Equally essential is her commitment to her own journey, without falling into the trap of comparison. “Everyone’s timeline is different. Focus on your growth and pace.” It’s this mindset that has elevated her career to remarkable heights, with each milestone unlocking new opportunities. The future is hers to claim, and she’s ready to seize it.
of the year
(ID) Suganya wears: Shirt, vest, skirt and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Sandro. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
(IDENTITY) Suganya wears: Dress, Wei Hao Yong.
Suganya also wears: Dress, Alia Bastamam.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
DESIGNER
Masyadi Mansoor’s journey into fashion began with a profound love for art and a deep desire to carry forward his mother’s legacy. A heartfelt conversation with her during a quiet moment at home pushed him to pursue fashion at university, setting him on a path that would ultimately reshape the streetwear scene. In 2022, MSYD was born—a brand built on a bold, unapologetic vision aimed at breaking the mould of classic streetwear.

“I want to be loud through my collection,” Masyadi declares, and his work speaks volumes—fusing street culture with high-end elements. His vision has come to life through exciting collaborations, including a partnership with Nike this year. His showcase at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2024 has been another milestone, significantly raising the brand’s visibility and connecting it with a broader audience. With eyes on the future, Masyadi envisions MSYD evolving into a household name—one that not only drives his success but also empowers the talent that helps bring his ideas to life.
of the year
(ID) Masyadi wears: Blazer, shirt and tie, all H&M. Trousers, shoes and cap, Talent’s own.
(IDENTITY) Masyadi wears: Jacket, MSYD.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
SUSTAINABILITY HERO
Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most exquisite coral reefs, and Alvin Chelliah is determined to keep it that way. His passion for diving is what first put him onto a career as a marine biologist, but volunteering with Reef Check Malaysia is what eventually drew him into the world of conservation. Now, as Chief Programme Officer at the organisation, he is laying out a hopeful blueprint for the future of Malaysia’s oceans.

Through the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG) and the community-based Cintai Tioman initiative, he has focused his efforts on training the next generation of the island’s youths in conservation techniques. "The local community in Tioman are the most important stakeholders when it comes to managing marine ecosystems because they have the most to gain or lose," Chelliah asserts. "Resort operators, dive operators, government staff and even NGOs have the option to pick-up and leave if conditions on the island become unfavorable—the islanders do not have that luxury." By working with the islanders, he's building local capacity to carry out the work for generations to come—and, in turn, building a lasting legacy.
of the year
(ID) Alvin wears: Blazer, shirt, pants and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Sandro. Accessories, Gung Jewellery.
(IDENTITY) Alvin wears: Jacket, shirt and pants, all Kit Woo. Shoes, Sandro.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
VOICE
A voice for the voiceless, Aileen Lee, better known as Aunty Aileen, is a beaming light in the local animal welfare community. She may be over sixty years old but the fire within her still burns bright when it comes to helping animals in need. As the lead of My Pets Haven, Aunty Aileen is at the forefront of its shelter and rescue services. Whether it's taking in stray cats or treating sickly dogs, she puts her very own wellbeing on the line to make sure these animals are taken care of. “I wish people would be more open to knowing that these stray dogs deserve a second chance at life,” expresses Aunty Aileen. “Don’t just look at them as dirty and a waste.”

From sun up to sun down, she puts herself to work cleaning crates, taking in abandoned animals, walking dogs, cooking dog and cat food, bringing animals to the vet when needed, washing up after potty times, and coordinating volunteers—that’s just scratching the surface. As a result of her physically laborious and time consuming schedule, the local hero barely has any time for herself to eat, sleep, or play. Yet, she continues to find the work she does fulfilling every single day.
of the year
(ID) Aunty Aileen wears: Blazer, shirt, skirt and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Charles & Keith.
(IDENTITY) Aunty Aileen wears: Jacket, shirt, and skirt, all Friesenguys. Shoes, Charles & Keith. Hat, H&M.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
CHEF
The local food landscape has been an ever-evolving wave and a big name in this year’s currents has been none other than Aaron Khor, BURO’s Chef of the Year. As we know, dining experiences—and the industry as a whole—thrives on subjectivity. Yet, it is an objective fact that Khor has been a driving force of Malaysia’s culinary scene through his cooking, collaborations, and content. “Being able to nurture and grow with people from different walks of life in the restaurant is one of my favourite parts about being a chef,” beams Khor, who takes the culinary lead on the Fifty Tales team. “In my role, I get to learn from them and teach them new things at the same time.”

In the kitchen, Khor is a powerhouse by the stoves and on the pass. From Fifty Tales’ stagiaire programs to chef takeovers across the globe, Khor’s willingness to spread the joy of cooking goes beyond his own territory. Outside the kitchen, he continues to foster connections with fellow chefs, industry mates, customers, and even his social media followers. This year, Khor and his team have embraced their talents and have pushed the boundaries of Malaysian-Chinese cuisine, cementing their position in our local restaurant scene. When it comes to being a chef who truly harnesses the power of food in and out of his restaurant’s walls, Khor ticks all the right boxes.
of the year
(ID) Aaron wears: Blazer, shirt, pants, tie and accessories, all H&M. Shoes, Sandro.
(IDENTITY) Aaron wears: Shirt, Behati. Accessories, Stylist's own.
BURO IMPACT AWARDS 2024
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / JASON LIM
CREATIVE DIRECTION, STYLING & LAYOUT DESIGN / SARAH TAI
TEXT & INTERVIEWS / JASON LIM, REDZHANNA JAZMIN, NIKITA NAWAWI,
AMANDA FUNG, BENEDICT UNANG & MARISSA CHIN
ART DIRECTION ASSISTED BY / EVE LYN LAU
STYLING ASSISTED BY / JASON LIM & BENEDICT UNANG
PHOTOGRAPHY / CHAM ZIHAO | MÒ SHĒNG RÉN
ASSISTED BY / SAIFUL AZWAN
VIDEOGRAPHY / DENNIS KHO ASSISTED BY LEON WONG
MAKEUP / AYANG KAMELL & JOEY YAP FOR YSL BEAUTY
HAIR / BIBIAN LEONG & MAY WOO FOR SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL
Credits