The critically acclaimed film Abang Adik has made history as the first Chinese-language film to receive recognition from ASEAN Records, celebrating its global success in award circuits, festival nominations, and international screenings.
According to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), the film—directed and written by Jin Ong—has gained worldwide attention since 2023, securing 28 international awards and 69 nominations at prestigious film festivals.
"Since December 2023, Abang Adik has been screened in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Italy, Thailand, and China. In January 2025, director Jin Ong and the film’s creative team brought it to Japan, and now they have received yet another incredible honor," FINAS stated in a press release.
Beyond its critical acclaim, Abang Adik has also been a box office triumph, earning RM5.7 million in Malaysia, HKD2.8 million in Hong Kong, TWD100 million in Taiwan, and RMB3 million in China—solidifying its wide-reaching appeal.
The film’s journey to international recognition began in 2020 at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Project Promotion, where it won the FPP Visionary Award and the MirrorFiction Story Award, opening doors for its production.
It later made a strong impact at global film festivals, including the 37th Fribourg International Film Festival, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Award and the Audience Award. At the 25th Far East Film Festival, it achieved three major accolades: First Time Director, the Golden Mulberry Award, and the Black Dragon Award.
Speaking at a special appreciation event, director Jin Ong expressed his gratitude for the recognition, calling it a significant milestone for Abang Adik and a proud moment for the entire team, including the cast, crew, investors, and production team.
Producer Lee Sinje reflected on the film’s heartfelt storytelling, emphasizing its goal of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
"We started with a simple dream—to tell the stories of those often overlooked and create a Malaysian film that resonates with audiences worldwide. We never imagined this journey would touch so many hearts across different countries," she shared.
With its continued success and ASEAN Records recognition, Abang Adik stands as a testament to the power of Malaysian cinema on the global stage.
Source: Awani