Friday, September 28, 2012

Launch of the PETRONAS Raya, Merdeka and Malaysia Day Campaign

Just a week before Raya celebrations, PETRONAS launched the Raya, Merdeka and Malaysia Day Campaign @Galeri Petronas.

This launched event was attended by members of media and guests.

Do you agree with this?

PETRONAS’ festive TV commercials have always celebrated Malaysia’s unique cultural heritage and the common values that unite and bring all Malaysians together -- told in a short, easily relatable yet meaningful story form.

Every every year during festive seasons, I’m looking forward to PETRONAS’ festive TV commercials. :)

Speech by Dato Mohammad Medan Abdullah, Senior General Manager, Group Corporate Affairs Division of PETRONAS during the Raya, Merdeka and Malaysia Day Campaign.

In his speech, he said “This festive season, we want to pay tribute to all who are out there serving our beloved nation – especially our own staff. Despite the challenges they face, they adapt quickly to the environment they are in and take everything in their stride. That’s the spirit that should be nurtured, admired, celebrated and emulated.

“As human beings, sometimes we do not realise the good thing that we have until it is taken away from us. In this instance, it’s only when we live in another country that we realise just how wonderful our own country is. It’s also about self-discovery, of realising what really matters in life, and about what we have and can offer to others.”

Presented to members of media and guests the

PETRONAS heart-warming advertisements during this festive season

Strangers

The film Strangers focuses on its main character Erman, a young PETRONAS engineer based in Central Asia.

His story begins when he is unable to return home to spend Hari Raya with his family, but his true journey begins when his path crosses that of a local boy, Jeyhun.

Not merely about exploration and adventure, the film is also about a journey of self-discovery.

Every step of the way brings Erman closer to realising his true potential, reimagining his energy to contribute to the world he lives in, and discovering his inner strength to make a difference to those around him.

More screen shots for the PETRONAS heart-warming short film……

Following its debut on PETRONAS’ YouTube page on 6th August, the web film received an overwhelming response from Malaysians across the globe, most notably from those who are away from home, who feel that there really is no place like home.

Among the comments received are:

“Every year during Ramadan or any festive celebrations, I always look forward to PETRONAS short films/TVCs. And this year, they make my heart smile again.”

“This is so beautiful. Two thumbs up and a high five.”

“Thanks, PETRONAS. This video makes us more appreciative of our country and taught us about the meaning of life.”

“Best Ramadan/Aidil Fitri short film/commercial of all time. Managed to make me smile, laugh and cry all at the same time. Truly beautiful!”

Another comment which succinctly encapsulates the sentiment of the viewers is: “Proud to be Malaysian.”

There is also a nice twist to the film is the interviews with real PETRONAS’ employees stationed overseas. Unscripted and spontaneous, the interviews reveal how being away from home strengthens their love and appreciation of Malaysia.

Dato Mohammad Medan Abdullah, Senior General Manager, Group Corporate Affairs Division of PETRONAS officiated the I Art You Malaysia Exhibition by painting a colourful I Art You Malaysia piece of art during the Raya, Merdeka and Malaysia Day Campaign.

Dato Mohammad Medan Abdullah, Senior General Manager, Group Corporate Affairs Division of PETRONAS with his painting.

In addition to the web film, PETRONAS has also lined up a series of other programmes to bring Malaysians from all walks of life together to celebrate the three occasions.

Among the activities include:

1.) I Art You Malaysia Exhibition

This programme brought together close to 240 schoolchildren from both Peninsular and East Malaysia who produced their personal impressions of what they love about Malaysia or things that are typically Malaysian. All artworks will be exhibited at the Galeri PETRONAS from 14 August to 30 September 2012.

240 pieces of art work of schoolchildren from both Peninsular and East Malaysia.

2.) Items

PETRONAS is also producing 100,000 hand flags that will be handed over to the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.
Non-woven bags will also be distributed among the masses to support their commitment to environmental stewardship including reducing carbon footprint and conducting business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
These non-woven bags will be distributed via PETRONAS service stations nationwide from 15 August to 16 September- with a minimum purchase of RM 30 from our station or Mesra Stores.
PETRONAS has also allocated 15,000 bags to be given away at selected toll plaza.

3.) Sentuhan Kasih Ramadan PETRONAS

This is one of PETRONAS’ signature CSR programme that aims to give back to the underprivileged members of the society and at the same time promote the spirit of giving and volunteerism among PETRONAS’ staff.

This year over 100 staff, PETRONAS Facebook fans and bloggers brought the festive joy to the Orang Asli settlement in Bukit Kala, Gombak. In a gotong-royong spirit, they cleaned the river along the Bukit Kala vicinity, refurbished three major bridges in the area, prepared a kenduri for close to 1,500 villagers and contributed food hampers to over 180 families. In turn, the Orang Asli villagers taught PETRONAS’ staff, Facebook fans and bloggers a thing or two on their culture. This included the demonstration of their traditional cooking method and sumpit blowing.