SALAM (exchanging greetings) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri is more than just a cherished tradition – it’s a gesture of love, respect and unity – bringing hearts closer in moments of joy and reflection.
In celebration of Hari Raya, Maybank’s ‘Projek Salam’ shares the extraordinary story of resilience through the eyes of Balqis, a young girl with a congenital limb difference, as she rediscovers the profound meaning of this tradition.
Nur Balqis Zharah, the eldest of three siblings, was born without a left hand. Despite this challenge, she has faced the world with remarkable strength and perseverance with support from her loving parents – Fauzi Fazil, a military serviceman and Suraya, a full-time homemaker.
Maybank in collaboration with the University of Malaya (UM) is honoured to provide her a prosthetic arm and be part of Balqis’ journey.
Together with UM Faculty of Engineering deputy dean Assoc Prof Nasrul Anuar Abd Razak, alongside researcher Mohd Tajularif Ibrahim, and their team of dedicated biomedical engineering students – this initiative became more than just innovation, it was a gift of possibility.
Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit head Dr Chern Phei Ming, further supported Balqis with muscle memory training, helping her adapt seamlessly to the prosthetic arm and gain confidence.
“This isn’t a story of overcoming adversity in the traditional sense. It’s a story about empathy, belonging and community.
“It’s about a little girl who just wants to take part in something everyone else takes for granted – and the people who showed up, quietly and wholeheartedly, to make that happen,” said Mojo Films film director Barney Chua.
Hari Raya this year is unlike any other for Balqis and her family – now marked by a long-awaited embrace, acceptance, and newfound hope, all captured in the simple yet profound act of Salam.
A simple tradition, often taken for granted, now resonates with deeper meaning – reminding us that unity, change, and progress go hand in hand.
Maybank Group executive vice president and head of Group Brand and Marketing Shazlina Mohd Suffian shared: “At Maybank, we see technology not just as a tool, but as a force for good – one that has the power to transform lives in meaningful ways.
“This year, our festive web film brings this to life through the story of a young girl receiving a prosthetic hand, made possible through the collective effort of a community.
“It’s a testament to how innovation, when driven by purpose, can break barriers and create new possibilities.
“As we continue to embrace technology in our journey, we remain committed to ensuring that progress is inclusive, impactful, and deeply human.”
