This marks the second consecutive appearance for both Jobling and Meerqeen, who shared the screen in TV3’s 2022 drama series “Melur Untuk Firdaus”. Notably, they outshone several Hollywood stars in the rankings.
Jobling, 23, claimed the 66th position, surpassing “Barbie” star Margot Robbie, who took the 90th spot on the 100 Most Beautiful Faces list. Jobling’s ranking has seen an improvement from her previous placement at no. 84.
Meerqeen, meanwhile, reached the 62nd spot on the 100 Most Handsome Faces list, outdoing notable figures such as footballer David Beckham and BTS’s Jin. He previously secured the 55th position.
TC Candler is an independent website and online community that publishes film reviews, top 10 lists, and entertainment opinion pieces. Its 100 Most Beautiful/Handsome Faces lists have been published since 1990.
As Jobling and Meerqeen continue to gain international recognition, those unfamiliar with the pair might be wondering: “Who ARE these people?” FMT Lifestyle finds out.
Anna Jobling
Born to a British father and Malay mother, Jobling started her career at a very young age with a shaky stint in commercials before shifting her focus to being an athlete. In her early teen years, she was a state swimmer for Selangor.
Having re-entered the entertainment world when she was 15 and training as a model, Jobling had her first taste of stardom when she clinched fourth place in Astro Ria’s 2018/2019 beauty pageant “Dewi Remaja”.
But she soon turned from pageant princess to fiery temptress when she landed the lead role in “Melur Untuk Firdaus”, which made her a national household name among the Malay-entertainment demographic and an overnight sensation.
Her body of work demonstrates how she is able to shift seamlessly from genre to genre – from the bubbly charm of a sitcom to the steely resolve of a thriller. She has also appeared in popular drama series such as “Keluarga Baha Don”, “Shah Alam 40000”, and “Malaysian Ghost Stories”.
Beyond the screen, Jobling provides a voice for young women, speaking out against stereotypes and embracing individuality. When contacted by FMT Lifestyle, she said: “I feel honoured to be the only Malaysian woman among all the beautiful women on the list. However, beauty is very subjective and everyone is beautiful in their own way.
“I believe my efforts to improve my career is my most important role. So I’m going to continue to work hard so that people can recognise Anna Jobling for the quality of her work.”
Meerqeen
Meerqeen’s path to stardom has striking similarities to Jobling’s: this rugby fan had his first taste of stardom when he came in third in Astro Ria’s 2019/2022 “Hero Remaja” beauty pageant.
But one can say being a celebrity was always in his blood – he is, after all, the nephew of ’90s singer-actor Safura Yaacob.
From a reality-TV newcomer to national heartthrob, this 22-year-old has captivated fans by rocking magazine covers and stealing the show as the lovestruck bad boy in “Melur Untuk Firdaus”.
Meerqeen – who names veteran Malaysian actor Bront Palarae as his idol – has also shown his versatility as an actor, from his comedic timing in “Angkara Cinta” to the gritty intensity of his debut film “Kelaster”.
Last year, he took home the Popular TV Actor award at the 35th Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian. He also released a single in 2021, “Menunggu”.
Meerqeen admitted that appearing on the list felt “surreal”, like he was being pranked. “I did a bit of a ‘woohoo!”‘when I first heard it, but after a bit of time to process, my goodness!” he told FMT Lifestyle.
“Truly, to those who were involved with the list, I want to say that I am enormously flattered, and it’s very kind of you to have included me.
“I was told once that beauty, either given or earned, is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. I’ll take the list as confirmation of responsibility to strive for the greater level in my career, befitting the privilege I’ve been given. Basically, I’ll work harder!”
Follow Anna Jobling and Meerqeen on Instagram.