Signed and sealed: Medan at the launch of the campaign recently.
PETRONAS’ debut web film is all set to tug the heartstrings.
Created in conjunction with Hari Raya, National Day and Malaysia Day, the short film is a story of determination, friendship across boarders, and a reflection of love and appreciation of Malaysia.
Entitled Strangers, the film follows the journey of a young Petronas engineer named Erman who is unable to return home to spend Hari Raya with his family when he is stationed in Central Asia.
Through a chance encounter and subsequent development of friendship with a local boy named Jeyhun, Erman’s eyes are opened to the luxuries he takes for granted at home, and slowly embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
He strives to make a difference to those around him professionally, but finds himself unexpectedly repaid through the extension of friendship from the locals that leaves a profound impact on him personally.
Adding a more personal touch to the film are interviews with real Petronas employees posted overseas, who candidly reveal their struggles and triumphs while being at a foreign place, revealing how being away from home helps them appreciate the lifestyle and culture that is truly unique to Malaysia.
At the launch of the Petronas Raya, Merdeka and Malaysia Day campaign recently, Petronas senior general manager of group corporate affairs division Datuk Medan Abdullah commented on the unscripted interviews, stating that “Viewers will witness real spontaneous responses and emotions of Petronas’ staff who miss their family and friends. It also conveys how their experience reinforces their sense of duty, pride and love for the nation.”
Taking a step away from their usual advertisements which air on traditional media platforms, Petronas launched the short film on YouTube, garnering an overwhelming response from Malaysians across the globe since its air on Aug 6.
Aside from the web film, Petronas has also lined up a series of other programmes in celebration of the festive season.
The ‘I Art You Malaysia’ exhibition features artwork done by close to 240 school children from both Peninsular and East Malaysia, capturing their personal impressions of what they love about Malaysia.
All artwork will be exhibited until Sept 30 at Galeri Petronas.
Besides that, Petronas is producing 100,000 hand flags that would be handed over to the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.
Non-woven bags will be distributed at Petronas service stations and Mesra Stores nationwide, with a minimum purchase of RM30 until Sept 16, and 15,000 bags will also be given away at selected toll plazas.
