TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vietnamese actor Lien Binh Phat won Best Actor at the 60th Golden Bell Awards, becoming the first Vietnamese recipient of the honor, CNA reported on Oct. 18.

Lien won for his role in “The Outlaw Doctor,” where he played a physician who lacks a license after migrating and struggles with medical ideals and identity. He said the award was beyond his imagination and thanked Taiwan for its kindness and warmth.

Before acting, Lien worked as a tour guide but quit to pursue art. He gave himself two years to break into the industry, auditioning hundreds of times before landing his first leading role at 26 in “Song Lang,” a 2018 Vietnamese movie.

Lien said he never feared a late start. “What matters is how far you go,” he added, expressing gratitude for chances to act in Taiwan and his hope to film more projects here.

“The Outlaw Doctor,” produced by PTS, explores medical ethics, identity, and compassion through the story of a Vietnamese doctor who works in rural Taiwan. The drama depicts his struggle with cultural barriers and his search for belonging while helping patients beyond the limits of the healthcare system.

The series received multiple nominations at the 60th Golden Bell Awards, including Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. Praised for its realistic storytelling and emotional depth, it shed light on the lives of Southeast Asian workers in Taiwan.