02/04/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | APR 2, 2026

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Jack of all trades

Bront (right) in a scene in Kong Tao .

o Bront Palarae talks about acting in Thai, Malaysian film industries as polyglot that gives him competitive edge S INCE venturing into the Indonesian and Thai film industries, Bront Palarae has continued to rise as an

language skills are a major asset, not just in acting but in any field. “Even if not every role requires intensive use of a foreign language, understanding it helps deliver a more convincing performance. It’s not just about communication, (knowing other languages) allows us to better understand others, their culture, work practices and perspectives,” he said. Bront, whose real name is Nasrul Suhaimin Saifuddin, said his experience in the horror film offered fresh insights, particularly in understanding how different societies perceive mystical elements. Bront, who won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 21st Baan Nang Klang Lakorn Awards in Thailand last year, said his approach focused more on understanding cultural perspectives rather than delving deeply into specific rituals. “The experience allowed me to see how stories and beliefs from different cultures are translated visually. “I was also excited to be part of a production that brings together actors from across Asia, including Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore. “A film that explores black “I’ve been running several production companies over the past three years. It’s time to give opportunities to younger talents and focus on growing the business,” she said. Philip Keung ‘apprentices’ in Thailand, witnesses bizarre potion incident Playing a shaman in the film, Keung not only had to deliver lines in Mandarin and Thai, but also travelled to Thailand with the crew to learn ritual gestures and chants from local masters. He admitted at the press conference that the director insisted he refrain from speaking Cantonese, which initially made him feel pressured. “I was very nervous at first, but once filming began, everything came naturally. It still feels quite surreal,” he said. One of his most unforgettable experiences involved a strange potion presented by a master during their visit. Despite warnings from crew members, Keung bravely held out his hand to receive it. The liquid caused

actor, cementing his presence on the international stage while remaining firmly established at home. The popular Malaysian actor’s ability to master multiple languages, including speaking Thai fluently, has given him a distinct competitive edge, making him more appealing to foreign productions and opening up wider acting opportunities across the border, reported Bernama. Bront recently drew attention for his role in the horror thriller Kong Tao , a Malaysian-Thai production. Since its theatrical release on March 19, the film, centred on black magic in Southeast Asia, has recorded box office earnings of RM2.2 million. Although he was not required to speak Thai in the movie, the 48-year-old actor said his command of the language, along with English, helped facilitate smoother communication on set. The cast of Kong Tao also included actors from Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. “In a multicultural and multilingual country like Malaysia,

Bront at a recent press conference for Kong Tao.

magic is particularly interesting because it draws from Malaysian culture and that of neighbouring countries,” he said, adding that the film also stars popular Hong Kong actor Philip Keung and Thai actress Kao Supassara. Bront also said he and his family celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Boston in the US, as he is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration course at the Asia School of Business. The actor, who is also a director, said studying abroad has not only expanded his knowledge but also broadened his perspective on the global creative industry.

Cast of Kong Tao give inside scoop, reminiscing moments on set THE cast of Malaysia–Thailand horror thriller Kong Tao , including local talents Bront Palarae, Yumi Wong, Eric Lay, Singapore actor Glenn Yong, Mayiduo as well as Hong Kong actor Philip Keung, recently shared their filming experiences of the movie and character challenges in a press conference: Yumi Wong may bid farewell to acting Wong, who plays YouTuber Wein, revealed Kong Tao might be her final film as she plans to focus on behind the-scenes production work.

From left: Mayiduo, Wong, Kao,

Keung, Yong, Lay and Bront at the Kong Tao press conference.

Eric Lay goes fully nude for first time, calls it ‘extremely stressful’ Lay, who recently gained popularity through his brother’s Chinese New Year vlog, plays a flirtatious and carefree YouTuber named Wei Kang in the film. He joked the character somewhat resembles his real personality. However, Lay revealed filming nude scenes for the first time in his career was far from easy. “I had to remove even my underwear. Standing completely naked in front of the director and cinematographer while being asked to pose left and right – and having guys look at my backside – it was really uncomfortable,” he laughed. Although he built trust with his co-star beforehand, Lay admitted he has no plans to take on similar scenes again. “Next time, I definitely want to keep my underwear on.”

mysterious mass-possession case involving students. Thai journalist Fon investigates the decades-old incident and crosses paths with four YouTubers who travelled to Thailand for paranormal content. After returning home, they begin experiencing terrifying supernatural events – with one of them dying under mysterious circumstances. Kong Tao is supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and National Film Development Corp, and distributed by Mega Films Distribution.

spell. Wherever she goes, I follow.” When asked if he was charmed by the Thai beauty in real life, Yong laughed and said the question felt like a “trap”, but added candidly, “She’s really beautiful – why not?” Horror thriller Directors Peiji Goh and Yong Choon Lin explained Kong Tao explores the rarely portrayed Southeast Asian black magic culture, aiming to deliver a deeply immersive horror experience that transcends borders. The story revolves around a

no reaction on his palm, but when it dripped onto the ground and his shoes, it appeared to corrode and melt the surface – an incident he still finds hard to explain. Glenn Yong says he was ‘under Kao’s love spell’ Yong, who portrays paranormal exploring YouTuber Chen Xin, also joked about his dynamic with Thai actress Kao Supassara Thanachat in the film. “Everyone else was cursed – I was the one who got hit by Kao’s love