PETRONAS captures the spirit of the festive season with heartfelt short film
THIS Lunar New Year, PETRONAS captures the essence of the festive season with a heartfelt short film that explores love, sacrifice, and the importance of authentic connections. Through this cinematic journey, PETRONAS reminds Malaysians of the enduring values that strengthen family ties and inspire unity, especially in the Year of the Snake.
Continuing its tradition of compelling festive storytelling, PETRONAS presents Stay, a new short film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Caleb Huang. The emotionally charged narrative follows Xiao Bao, a young boy whose life takes an unexpected turn during a Chinese New Year visit to his relatives. In an act of selfless love, Xiao Bao’s mother entrusts him to their care, believing they can offer him a better life.
The short film tells the poignant story of Xiao Bao, who visits his relatives for Chinese New Year but ends up staying with them long after the celebrations are over. In a heart-wrenching conversation, Xiao Bao’s mother makes the painful decision to leave him in their care, sacrificing her own desires for the hope that her son will lead a better life. Unaware of the weight of the decision, Xiao Bao cries for his mother, unable to understand why she must leave.
Xiao Bao’s journey reflects the struggles many faced in the 1980s, a time when economic hardship led parents to entrust their children to more financially stable relatives. This deeply emotional choice changes Xiao Bao’s life forever, and it takes him years to understand the true reason his mother made such a sacrifice.
Set against the nostalgic rural landscapes of Kuala Selangor, the short film transports viewers back to the 1980s, capturing the beauty of Malaysia’s countryside. It poignantly highlights the difficult decisions parents made during this time and the deep connections of kinship that helped families navigate these challenges.
PETRONAS senior general manager of strategic communications Siti Azlina Abdul Latif highlighted the film’s universal themes of empathy, compassion and mutual care. She said, “Through this heartfelt story, we are reminded of the enduring values of empathy, compassion, and mutual care, principles deeply embedded in Malaysia's cultural fabric. 'Stay' serves as a powerful reflection of how these values have shaped and sustained our communities across generations.
“PETRONAS hopes this film will inspire all Malaysians to continue fostering unity and support for one another, strengthening the bonds that define us as a nation. We hope this story inspires
Malaysians to continue uplifting and supporting one another,” said Siti Azlina at the launch of the webfilm that was attended by over 100 media practitioners from media houses.
She added that the luncheon also served as a special opportunity to express gratitude for the meaningful partnership built with the media over the years, emphasising the significance of the networking session and reflecting the company's unwavering commitment to appreciating the media's efforts and support.
“As storytellers and communicators, you have been essential in bringing PETRONAS’ journey to life for the past 50 years, helping us share our stories with the world,” she said in her welcoming speech.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, as well as representatives of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad and PETRONAS Gas Berhad Gentari. The main cast of Stay was present as well to meet and mingle with guests.
Premiering on PETRONAS’ official YouTube and Facebook pages, Stay is part of the company’s festive series under the theme “Beyond Those Doors”. By weaving personal sacrifice into a larger narrative of family and community, the film captures the essence of CNY as a time for reflection, reunion and renewed hope.
