The BURO Impact Awards 2025 celebrates the dreamers—those who dared to envision something greater and transformed it into reality through passion and hard work. Day after day, they showed up for their vision, turning ideas into impact and possibility into progress. Through creativity, influence, and steadfast commitment, they've elevated communities, shifted industries, and blazed trails that inspire others to pursue their own passions with conviction. This year, we honour the dreamers who became doers—the creators, innovators and changemakers who prove that when you combine vision with dedication, dreams don't just come true: they change the world.

Nicole Chen has steadily shaped a digital presence that feels entirely her own, captivating audiences with a polished blend of beauty, lifestyle, and fashion content. Her creativity, humour, and visual finesse set her apart in an ever-crowded online landscape, allowing her to cultivate a fast-growing community. Whether she’s breaking down her favourite makeup routines, sharing candid snippets of daily life, or experimenting with fresh, playful concepts, Chen brings an energy that feels both current and deeply personal, inviting her audience into a world that is uniquely hers.

Today, she connects with more than 130K followers on Instagram and nearly 300K on TikTok—numbers that reflect her ability to consistently create content that resonates. Chen has become a standout voice in the social media sphere, celebrated for her authenticity, aesthetic sensibility, and talent for finding beauty in the ordinary while inspiring her community to embrace creativity in their own lives.

(ID) Nicole wears: Blazer, shirt, skirt, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Maje.
(IDENTITY) Nicole wears: Dress, Fetiche The Label . Shoes, MAGlifestyle. Rings and earrings, BEON Diamond.

Juno Ko’s career has been defined by quietly transformative work. While some artists gravitate towards canvas or clay, Ko’s preferred medium is hair. As a session stylist, his craft is typically seen strutting down the runway or splayed across the glossy pages of a magazine. With over 16 years of experience under his belt, he has made a name for himself as one of the industry’s most coveted talents—and a quick glance at his glowing portfolio reveals exactly why.

Though he operates primarily behind the camera, his striking editorial creations speak volumes, with his recent work garnering international acclaim. His masterful hands have graced the likes of local celebrities like Ameera Khan, Jane Chuck, and Anna Jobling, as well as household names such as Tilda Swinton and Henry Moodie. In short, his is a legacy written in sculpted locks and the unmistakable mark of a true craftsman.

(ID) Juno wears: Blazer, shirt, sweater vest, pants, and tie, all H&M . Shoes, Talent's own.
(IDENTITY) Juno wears: Jacket and pants, MSYD. Shirt, Behati. Collar, Friesenguys. Earrings and rings, BEON Diamond.

It is rare for an artist to discover their sound in the infancy of their career. In most cases, that sound isn’t so much discovered as it is developed, which means a slow and strenuous journey. A confluence of self-awareness, experimentation, and persistence is essential to make a career sing. But Aisha Retno is an exception that proves the rule. Within a short span of time—seven years to be exact—the 25-year-old has achieved said milestone, and then some.

Driven by her penchant for infusing modern melodies with traditional trimmings, the singer-songwriter wears her originality with confidence, winning over local audiences with her innovative approach to music-making. Her chart-topping singles and fan-filled showcases can attest to this. It is safe to say that the lethal combination of songwriting prowess, powerful vocals, and strong stage presence has made her a force to be reckoned with.

(ID) Aisha wears: Blazer, shirt, skirt, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Talent's own .
(IDENTITY) Aisha wears: Jacket, dress, and skirt, all Forget Me Nots . Shoes, MAGlifestyle. Rings, BEON Diamond.

Ananth Subramaniam is a Malaysian filmmaker whose work explores identity, heritage, and the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Originally trained in architecture, he brings a meticulous eye for structure and detail to his cinematic storytelling, constructing narratives that resonate on both an intimate and universal level. Earlier this year, his short film Bleat! won the Queer Palm for Best Short Film at the Cannes Film Festival—a triumph that cemented him as a formidable artist on the international stage. The film’s bold imagery and uncompromising honesty mark it as a standout work from a creator unafraid to venture where most dare not.

As audiences worldwide connect with his singular perspective, Subramaniam continues to probe themes of heritage, identity, and social nuance, establishing himself as one of Malaysia’s most exciting—and essential—cinematic voices. With each new project, he reaffirms his drive to craft films that are emotionally profound while illuminating overlooked stories.

(ID) Ananth wears: Blazer, shirt, pants, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Talent's own .
(IDENTITY) Ananth wears: Jacket, shirt, and pants, all Behati. Earring and rings, BEON Diamond.

Hariz’s journey into modelling reads like a quiet revelation. Fresh from his studies in America, he returned home to follow a conventional career path, only to find himself at a crossroads. On the cusp of leaving his job, he noticed an open call at The Models Lab KL—a small moment that would change everything. With striking, sculpted features and a magnetic presence, Hariz has a way of drawing the eye, whether on the runway or in front of the camera. He moves with a natural intensity that feels effortlessly editorial. He is not merely a model; he is a storyteller, translating vision into movement and mood with every pose.

From turning heads at KL Fashion Week to fronting high-fashion campaigns, Hariz has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting new faces reshaping the local fashion scene. His versatility has become his calling card, proving that true modelling prowess lies not just in aesthetics but in the ability to embody a vision with conviction and charisma.

(ID) Hariz wears: Blazer, shirt, vest, pants, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Talent's own.
(IDENTITY) Hariz wears: Jacket, Mon Avis . Shirt, pants, and corset, all Tangoo. Shoes, Talent's own. Earrings, necklace, and rings, BEON Diamond.

Hailing from Kota Kinabalu, Aaron Wei Hao Yong trained in fashion at ESMOD Kuala Lumpur after winning a scholarship in 2012. By 2016, he was selected to represent Malaysia in Harper’s Bazaar’s New Generation Designer Award. His early promise quickly caught the attention of industry stalwart and celebrated local designer, Moto Guo, who entrusted him with crafting a series of silhouettes for a collection that was shortlisted for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.

From there, Yong’s profile continued its steady ascent, with showcases in major fashion capitals such as Shanghai and Paris, alongside appearances at leading regional platforms like Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and Singapore Fashion Week. His design philosophy—where form faithfully follows function—draws from brutalist architecture, technical precision and a deep commitment to sustainability, resulting in garments that are as intellectually rigorous as they are visually arresting.

(ID) Aaron wears: Blazer, shirt, pants, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Talent's own .
(IDENTITY) Aaron wears: Blazer, Talent's own. Shirt and pants, both Weihaoyong Studios. Shoes, Sandro. Rings, BEON Diamond.

Heidy Quah stands among the most courageous figures in human rights advocacy today. After all, who is able to say that they took the government to court—and won? Leading with empathy, kindness, and sensitivity, Quah has been a fierce defender of refugee rights and marginalised communities for the past 14 years, and her efforts to be a voice for the voiceless has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, at just 23, she was the first Malaysian to receive the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award for her work under her organisation, Refuge for the Refugees.

But it was 2021 that would prove to be a watershed year for Quah. After her post on the deplorable conditions of Malaysian detention centres went viral, she was charged by the government on Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act. However, Quah would not be silenced and took the government to court over the basis of her charge. After a long and arduous legal battle, Quah achieved a landmark victory at the Court of Appeal in August 2025, citing her charge as unconstitutional. Quah’s triumph is a resounding affirmation of how one voice can shift an entire nation and what you can achieve when you dare to speak truth to power.

(ID) Heidy wears: Blazer, shirt, skirt, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, MAGlifestyle.
(IDENTITY) Heidy wears: Dress and collar, Friesenguys . Shoes, MAGlifestyle. Earrings, bracelets, and ring, BEON Diamond.

At the helm of Hide, one of the city’s most coveted destinations for refined seasonal dining, Ng Yi Shaun brings both technical mastery and creative flair to the table. His path to the kitchen was anything but conventional–after completing a law degree in the UK, he made the bold decision to set aside a legal career in pursuit of the one thing that truly brought him joy: cooking. That conviction led him to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, followed by stints in Michelin-starred kitchens including Le Bernardin (New York) and Kato (Los Angeles).

Playful yet polished, his cooking reveals a chef unafraid to explore the full spectrum of flavour, texture and temperature, delivering dishes that surprise and satisfy in equal measure. It is this finely-tuned balance of precision and imagination, informed by world-class training and an unwavering commitment to his craft, that not only make Hide essential dining, but positions Ng as one of the most compelling culinary voices in Kuala Lumpur today.

(ID) Shaun wears: Blazer, shirt, pants, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Talent's own.
(IDENTITY) Shaun wears: Jacket, shirt, and pants, all Behati . Rings and bracelets, BEON Diamond.

Operations manager at Backdoor Bodega, Penang-born Thanesh Joel channels both shatterproof energy and heartfelt intention into every drink he creates. Raised in Air Itam, he first honed his craft in the kitchen as a French cuisine chef. That early grounding in technique and discipline continues to shape his philosophy behind the bar today. Both showman and craftsman, Joel believes that exceptional cocktails are built not only on balance and precision but on storytelling, emotion, and the ability to create lasting memories.

His dedication has translated into remarkable achievements: last year he clinched the champion’s title at Rémy Martin’s Bartender Talent Academy Competition during the brand’s 300th anniversary celebration. More recently, he won the Malaysia Campari Red Hands Competition, earning him a spot at the APAC finals in Milan next January. Alongside these milestones, he has been instrumental in elevating Backdoor Bodega’s global presence—culminating in the bar winning the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.

(ID) Thanesh wears: Blazer, shirt, pants, and tie, all H&M. Shoes, Talent's own.
(IDENTITY) Thanesh wears: Jacket, shirt, and pants, all Behati. Collar, Friesenguys. Earrings and rings, BEON Diamond.