Director Khakurel Wins Global Icon Award at International Excellence Awards 2025

Kathmandu — Celebrated Nepali film director Janak Raj Khakurel has been honored with the Global Icon Award at the prestigious International Excellence Awards (IEA) 2025, held on October 14, 2025, at Lincoln University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event, jointly organized by Uptimaze Global (Australia/Nepal) and Exito Events, Australia, celebrated global excellence, leadership, and innovation across 11 countries.

Khakurel, who has directed several acclaimed Nepali films including “The Marsha Art, Shangrasha,Ballu Bhai,Little Jindagi,Samjhidiya Pugchha,Khudkilo,Ram Jani,Desh Premi,The Pond, and “Achchhop,” was recognized for his outstanding contribution to Nepali cinema and his creative vision that promotes national identity through film. This award is a recognition of Nepali cinema’s growing influence in the international arena, said Khakurel. “It inspires me to continue telling stories that reflect the soul of Nepal.”

The grand ceremony was chaired by Ms. Anuza Acharya, Co-Founder and Director of Uptimaze Global, and attended by Dato (Amb) Dr. Mohd Yusoff A. Bakar, CEO of Lincoln University College, as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished awardees were Katniss Griffiths (USA), Tarique Choyon (Bangladesh), Dr. Arthur Amora Cruzada (Philippines), Aarohi Shrivastava (India), Rajat K. Shrestha (Nepal), James Lamont Dunn (USA), Felicia Kehli (UK/Algeria), Dr. Ramji Ram (Nepal), Dr. Shuvam Kumar Agrawal (Nepal), Laxman Pokharel (Nepal), Sajan Kaspal, Kamal Khanal, and Chandra Narayan Mandal from Nepal’s education sector.

“IEA is not just an award – it’s a platform that celebrates stories of resilience, creativity, and purpose,” said Mr. Saffrin Silwal, Founder & CEO of Uptimaze Global. “We are building a global community of achievers who believe in progress through purpose,” added  Ms. Acharya.

The International Excellence Awards 2025 recognized 22 global achievers from 11 countries for their excellence in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, social service, and the arts.