In conjunction with Malaysia's 69th Merdeka celebration and Malaysia Day, IHH Healthcare Malaysia (IHH) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) have come together for the first time to launch a youth-led storytelling initiative called ‘Merdeka Through Our Eyes’, which gives students the opportunity to interpret what Merdeka means to their generation through original short films.
For more than 50 years, hospitals within IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s network have been part of Malaysia’s healthcare landscape, caring for generations of Malaysians and growing alongside the communities they serve.
Today, that relationship extends beyond what happens within hospital walls. From supporting public health and active living to working with partners across different parts of society, IHH Healthcare Malaysia continues to find ways to contribute to the communities around it.
‘Merdeka Through Our Eyes’ is one expression of that commitment. Developed with UiTM’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the initiative places young Malaysians at the centre of the Merdeka conversation, giving them the space to tell stories of Malaysia through their own experiences and creative lens.
IHH chief executive officer Dr Kamal Amzan said, “Our hospitals have been part of Malaysian life for more than five decades. We have seen generations come through our doors, families grow, communities change and the country itself evolve. That gives us a responsibility that goes beyond providing care when people are unwell. We also have a role to play in the health, confidence and future of the communities we are part of.
“What I like about ‘Merdeka Through Our Eyes’ is that we are not defining Merdeka for young Malaysians. We are giving them the space to define it for themselves. Their stories may be different from those of earlier generations, and that is exactly the point. A country stays relevant when every generation is able to see itself in its story.
“For IHH Healthcare Malaysia, this is also part of how we see our role evolving. Healthcare will always be at the heart of what we do, but our relationship with Malaysians does not begin and end at the hospital door. We want to be present in the conversations, partnerships and experiences that help build stronger communities.”
Over several weeks, students from UiTM's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies took their ideas from concept to screen, developing, filming and producing original short films inspired by the campaign theme, "What Merdeka Means to Our Generation”.
Following an evaluation process, four productions were shortlisted: Pitstop Malam Merdeka, Satu Rasa, Malaysia Memerhati and Juang. Each shortlisted film offers a distinct story shaped by the students’ observations and experiences, reflecting how a new generation sees Malaysia, its people and what Merdeka means today.
UiTM senior lecturer Dr Siti Nasarah Ismail of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Negeri Sembilan Branch, Rembau Campus, said, “‘Merdeka Through Our Eyes’ gave our students an opportunity to translate what they have learnt in the classroom into a real-world creative project, from developing an idea and shaping a narrative to bringing that story to life on screen. The experience allowed them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting while understanding the responsibilities that come with communicating stories to a wider audience.
“Working from concept to completion also challenged the students to collaborate, make creative decisions and take ownership of their work. These are valuable experiences that strengthen their communication and storytelling skills, while preparing them to approach future opportunities with greater confidence, responsibility and purpose,” she added.
The four shortlisted short films will premiere on IHH’s official YouTube channel on Aug 31 and will also be featured across its social media channels.
The campaign will run until Malaysia Day on Sept 16, inviting Malaysians to experience Merdeka through the eyes of a new generation and reflect on the different stories, experiences and perspectives that continue to shape the nation.
