Like most millennials my age, my first instance of Aedy Ashraf on TV was with Waktu Rehat—a local spin-off of the Disney Channel school sitcom As the Bell Rings. In the span of 7-minute episodes, I watched Aedy Ashraf shuffle-dance onto the screen as the wily Faiz, donning his signature red jacket, muttering “Waktu untuk ghaib!” (“Time to disappear!”) as soon as he sees the school prefect approaching. There was a charm to Faiz’s character—he was cool and laid-back, navigating school life with ease, especially in contrast with the high-strung Johan and the hopeless Romeo, Syed.
In hindsight, it probably had a lot to do with the way Aedy Ashraf portrayed him. He was barely 17 years old on the show; all he had was a fauxhawk and a few minutes of screen time to work with—maybe even just a handful of lines at most—yet it was memorable enough to leave a lasting impression. Aedy describes his creative process as “honest”, starting with understanding the character and channelling the emotions needed to deliver.
But Waktu Rehat was not Aedy’s debut; in fact, far from it. He had already appeared in various films and TV shows since the early 2000s, working with some of the biggest names in the industry as a child actor. “I grew up in this industry,” he says, adding that what he once considered “just work” became “something that I take seriously and continue to grow in”. In some ways, being on Waktu Rehat and later, the first run of the educational sitcom Oh My English!, paved the way for Aedy’s life in showbiz. Both the shows laid the groundwork for him to connect with his peers and build a relationship with his own audience. Since then, he has been constantly evolving in his roles—from romance to comedies and, most recently, action blockbusters and dramas such as I.D: Swipe, Steal, Love, Kahar: Kapla Council (a spin-off film of Projek: High Council) and Klepet late last year.
This year, Aedy branched out beyond acting, taking on his first role as producer on his latest film, Tarung: Unforgiven. He admits that it was tougher than he’d expected, but what he has learned throughout the process is finding balance. That sweet spot between juggling his acting with producing, he also applies it to the way he approaches his roles these days. “I always remind myself that I’m there to serve the story, but I also need to protect my own space,” he affirms. “It’s about balance.”
For our cover shoot, Aedy sports the PUMA Speedcat—a fitting pair of sneakers not just for his look today but also what it represents: a balance of focus and flow, something that plays a big part of Aedy’s creative process. In channeling his emotions to portray his characters, he puts the most trust in his own rhythm. The PUMA Speedcat is rooted in speed and precision, and staying instinctive about your surroundings.
Below, we speak with Aedy about his journey in acting as well as producing Tarung: Unforgiven, and also his thoughts on the PUMA Speedcat.
As this is our first feature with you, tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into the entertainment industry?
I started really young, so in a way, I grew up in this industry. What began as something I was exposed to early on slowly became something I chose for myself. Over time, it stopped being just work and became a form of expression. Something I take seriously and continue to grow in.
What is your creative process like?
I try to keep it honest. For me, it always starts with understanding who the character is, what they’re going through, and where they’re coming from emotionally. Once I find that truth, everything else builds from there. I don’t like to overcomplicate it, but I do take the time to really internalise.
What was the moment of ‘artistic breakthrough’ for you? When did you discover that this is the pathway that you want to embark on?
I think it wasn’t one big moment, but a series of experiences where I started to feel connected to the work. When I realised that I could move people, even in a small way, that’s when it became real for me. That’s when I knew this is something I wanted to keep doing.
Have you encountered difficulties playing certain characters so far? How do you juggle being ‘authentic’ and channeling the characters on screen?
Definitely. Some characters take more out of you than others, especially when they’re emotionally heavy. The challenge is to stay truthful without losing yourself in it. I always remind myself that I’m there to serve the story, but I also need to protect my own space. It’s about balance.
How would you say you have grown as an actor since you first started? What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in all this?
I’ve become more patient with myself and with the process. When I was younger, it was more instinct. Now, there’s more awareness and responsibility in how I approach roles. The biggest challenge is constantly evolving and not getting comfortable. You have to keep pushing.
Congratulations on Tarung: Unforgiven! Tell us about the process of making the movie. What was it like being your first film as a producer?
Thank you. Tarung: Unforgiven was a big journey for me. I knew it was going to be tough, but it was honestly tougher than I expected. Balancing being in front of the camera while also handling things behind the scenes. It pushed me in ways I wasn’t used to.
But through that process, I realised something important—if you want to create something meaningful, something that inspires or leaves an impact, it’s not going to be easy. It takes a lot out of you. But that’s also what makes it worth it.
What is your favourite part about being in showbiz? And your least favourite? Thoughts on creative expression in Malaysia?
My favourite part is storytelling. Being able to connect with people through what we create. The least favourite is probably the noise that comes with it, the distractions outside the work.
In Malaysia, I think we have a lot of potential. There’s so much talent here. What we need is more courage to take risks, to tell stories that are real and not hold back creatively.
What are your thoughts on the PUMA Speedcat? What do you love most about it?
I like that it’s simple but still has a strong identity. It’s clean, versatile, and easy to wear, but it still stands out in its own way. That balance is what makes it appealing.
How would you personally style the PUMA Speedcat with your daily outfits?
I’d keep it effortless, something clean and minimal. Probably a fitted tee, relaxed pants, maybe a light jacket. The Speedcat works best when you don’t overthink it. It complements the look without trying too hard.
What do you think the current generation is looking for in terms of aesthetics? What attracts them?
I think it’s authenticity. People are drawn to things that feel real and not forced. There’s a shift towards individuality. Less about following trends, more about expressing who you are in your own way.
How do you think the PUMA Speedcat collection complements current aesthetics? Who do you envision wearing it?
It fits naturally into that space. It’s understated but still has character. I see people who are confident in their own style wearing it. They’re not trying too hard, but they know what works for them. It’s everyday wear, but with intention.
What are some of your favourite PUMA pieces, and why?
The PUMA Speedcat is definitely one of them! I like it because of its versatility. It fits my personality. It’s simple, clean, and easy to style with almost anything, whether I’m keeping it casual or a bit more put together. At the same time, it’s really comfortable, which is important for me because I’m always on the move. It’s one of those pieces that just works without you having to think too much about it.
What’s next for you—both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I want to continue producing more meaningful films, stories that can really move people and leave an impact. I also hope to inspire young filmmakers out there to be brave enough to take on the challenge of creating more films in Malaysia. We have a very unique culture, with rich values that I think the world needs to see. Compared to our neighbouring countries, there’s something distinct about our identity, and I believe film is one of the best ways to share that with a wider audience.
On a personal level, I’m happy keeping things as they are. Staying grounded, focused, and continuing to grow at my own pace.
Find out more about AEDY ASHRAF in the latest issue of LSA Digital Cover Vol. 044 HERE.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
