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17 Must-Watch Hari Kebangsaan Ads That'll Make You Cry, Laugh & Feel Good All At Once

Our favourite has gotta be #6 lah.

Cover image via Media Prima Berhad (Provided to SAYS) , PayNet (YouTube) , Yoodo (YouTube)

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Editor's note: This list is in no particular order.

1. This comical video by Yoodo nudges us to remember that we should always put our differences aside and not judge each other

Category: Heartwarming | Funny | Dramatic

Amer Kamarudin is put on trial at a makeshift social court for ordering a food item that goes beyond the norm — roti canai cili sos. Throughout the video, the jury, judge, and prosecutor discuss whether Amer's action should be permitted, while also making snide and funny remarks about him. What will become of Amer? 

2. Perodua's short ad shows how it's not just one thing that makes us Malaysian, it is all the small habits and unique mannerisms that set us apart

Category: Feel-good | Touching

No matter where we are in the world, Malaysians can always recognise each other based on our typical habits, from how we use "the hand" to get attention at a restaurant or mamak stall to how we add local condiments to our meals. This short Perodua ad showcases all the little, unique things that make us Malaysian at heart.

3. In Axiata's ad, we learn that a single moment, no matter how insignificant it may be, can start a chain reaction that will change people's lives

Category: Touching | Inspiring

Hailing from Che Wong, an Orang Asli kampung, Intan is gifted a book on how to start a business. This ignites a fire within her as she puts what she learns into practice, allowing her to build a business that helps her community rise as one. This leads Intan to be recognised as a top graduate with a place in the Axiata University Leadership Development Programme.

4. Bring back all the childhood memories in F&N's Dulu, Kini, Selalu F&N

Category: History | Nolstagic

F&N has been part of every Malaysian's childhood. This short ad tells the story of how a boy's grandparents bonded over F&N drinks at the movies and kedai runcit during their childhood. 

5. RHB reminds us that no matter our background and race, we're always strongest when we unite

Category: Inspiring | Emotional

A group of primary school students have been tasked with a class art project — to paint a Hari Kebangsaan mural on one of the school walls. Two students, Nazri and Lee May, have been appointed as leaders for the art project, but are unhappy that they must work alongside each other. Will the duo allow their conflict get in the way of their art project? 

6. Watch how a Chinese city boy, who is hesitant about his move to Terengganu, winds up making lifelong friends and memories in this short PayNet film

Category: Friendship | Slice of Life | Feel-good

Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Frankie is upset that he needs to relocate to Terengganu because of his dad's new job. He remains pessimistic about his fresh start, that is, until his classmates, Ismail Derih, Ismail Badok, and Ismail Lepa, invite him for a day out on the beach. As Frankie adjusts to his new life in Terengganu, Ismail Derih loses his voice and has to back out from a traditional Malay poetry competition. What will Frankie do?

7. Celcom's short film lets you discover the meaning of Hari Kebangsaan through the lens of a young boy, who explores the city to record a documentary for his school project

Category: Slice of Life | Heartwarming

Tasked with explaining the meaning behind Hari Kebangsaan for his school project, a young boy sets out on his e-scooter to find the answers. Little did he realise that his day out in the city would be an eye-opening one. 

8. In this heartwarming ad, MBSB Bank conducts a social experiment to determine whether everyday Malaysians would be willing to lend a helping hand

Category: Heartwarming | Tear-jerking

Taking place at different locations throughout the day, the social experiment involves someone pretending to be a taxi driver. When onlookers and motorists see him pushing his taxi that has broken down along the road, will they stop to lend a hand?

9. This short film tells us that Malaysia's future is not about what the future generation makes, but who they make it for

Category: Emotional | Inspiring | Tear-jerking 

"If you were an inventor, what would you invent to progress Malaysia?" a teacher asks her students, giving them the task of coming up with their own inventions through drawings. As the students present their artwork, one particular student's drawing, which initially draws laughter and mockery, ends up becoming a valuable lesson for all of them.  

10. Catch Media Prima Berhad's trailer for 3 Sekawan, a short comedy film about three friends who turn a kampung upside down while celebrating Hari Kebangsaan

Category: Funny | Feel-good

3 Sekawan follows three childhood friends — Faiz, Ah Chong, and Danush — who gather at their kampung to celebrate Hari Kebangsaan. After hatching a mischievous plan that could mean freedom for everything, chaos soon descends on the kampung. Find out how the three friends try to fix everything before the big day rolls around.

Catch 3 Sekawan for free on TV3 at 9pm, NTV7 at 9.30am, TV9 at 10.30pm, or tonton on 31 August.

11. Samsung reminds us that Hari Kebangsaan isn't just about independence — it's to celebrate and cherish our nation's traditions too

Category: Heartwarming | Inspiring

Aware of the significance of the Jalur Gemilang during Hari Kebangsaan, a young girl heads out with her brother to buy the flag. However, no shops or vendors seem to be selling the national flag, from the kedai runcit and Muzium Negara to an old uncle who sells traditional toys on his humble motorcycle. Can she find the national flag in time for Hari Kebangsaan? 

12. In this Air Selangor ad, watch a group of children tell their comical and cute version of how Malaysia achieved its independence 65 years ago

Category: Funny | Cute | History | Dramatic

65 years have passed, and another new generation is introduced to the spirit of independence. Tasked with sharing Malaysia's journey of independence, a group of young children use their imagination to put a modern, creative, and funny spin on the history lesson.  

13. TM shines a light on an unsung Malaysian hero who fought for independence and played a pivotal part in inspiring Malaysians to band together

Categories: Inspiring | History | Feature

Puan Fadzillah Amin brings the story of her mother, Tan Sri Hajah Zainon Binti Sulaiman, who is also known as Ibu Zain, to life using the earliest form of storytelling animation: wayang kulit. The traditional puppet-shadow play, broadcasted with a 360° display, not only shows how Ibu Zain was vocal in her fight for independence, but also celebrates Malaysia's culture and heritage. 

14. CIMB teaches us never to give up and always push ourselves forward, no matter the challenges ahead

Category: Inspiring

It's incredible the things Malaysians can do when faced with adversity. This short and simple ad by CIMB shows how Malaysians can overcome tough times and situations, especially when they do it together. 

15. EcoWorld celebrates Malaysia's rich and cultural heritage by spotlighting talented Malaysians thriving in the local and international art scene

Categories: Arts | Feature

This year, EcoWorld's #AnakAnakMalaysia series shines a spotlight on #GENERASiSENSASi — a group of Malaysians making a difference in the local and international art scene with their craftsmanship. They do everything, from turning agricultural waste into uniquely handcrafted pieces, to propagating the art of origami in the local market.

Check out the three-episode series here.

16. This sentimental ad by Beras Era will make you cherish and appreciate your family, loved ones, and friends

Category: Emotional 

Having not seen each other for 20 years, Eric and his wife make a trip to his best friend Adli's home. Overwhelmed with emotions now that he's back in Malaysia, Eric recalls his childhood memories of Adli and Mak Cik Ruminah, a nasi lemak vendor who taught him what it means to be Malaysian. 

17. Dugro reminds us that children are the nation's future and tomorrow's citizens

Category: Feel-good 

This short ad explains that it's essential for our generation to nurture children by not only shaping their dreams and ambitions, but also instilling them with good values. 

Meanwhile, find out how much you know about our state flags:

In the spirit of Hari Kebangsaan, check out these remarkable Malaysians who served our country:

For more feel-good stories on SAYS:

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