Let’s face it, Malaysian festive ads tend to be thought-provoking, brilliant, and most definitely bring out the waterworks at times!
We’re certain in the past years, you would have seen many visually appealing Chinese New Year advertisements.
Without further ado, we highlight this year’s Lunar New Year ads to get you in the festive spirit!
Warning: Grab that tissue box and some kueh kapit (love letters) to munch 
Happy Watching!
#RealityNotVirtual by TNB
This year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) film by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, titled ‘Reality Not Virtual’ sees millennial Bryan receiving a special package from his mother as he is unsure about going home to celebrate CNY. The VR headset in the package takes Bryan on a journey home through an emotional virtual reality simulation that is simultaneously humorous as he navigates and literally creates havoc around the office!
This ad makes us realise that celebrations are best experienced in real life, with the people who matter the most – family.
PETRONAS CNY 2020 –寶被 “Bao Bei”
Petronas features a heartwarming ad with ‘Our Unique Family’. ‘Bao Bei’ which loosely translates into ‘precious blanket’, symbolises both a fresh start and the beginning of a new realm of storytelling that showcases different type of fabrics with human voices to evoke the audiences’ emotions.
It goes to show that each person, be it a daughter, uncle or even grandfather are integral threads that are interwoven into a family. Likewise, each family member reflects the family as a whole – A piece of you. A piece of me. We bring joy to the family. Simply brilliant!
#AnnualRushRush by Perodua
Perodua gives you an insightful look at the people who keep traditions going, the unsung heroes who go the extra mile to make our celebrations more meaningful. The story is told from the point of view of an elderly lady, Auntie Sim, who leads us to believe she is a stickler for tradition and that her neighbours, the Wong family, are not taking the time to truly enjoy the togetherness, camaraderie and significance of the reunion dinner.
However, we later discover the reason for the Wongs’ mad rush to have their reunion dinner at a strange time, so early in the afternoon. The film ends on a sweet note, reminding us all to thank the people who go out of their way to keep traditions alive. After all, traditions are about togetherness and bringing joy to others.
MR.DIY – The Gifts Unnoticed 看不见的用心
What’s the story behind the man who won’t give and the girl who won’t give up? Whether it’s a big handout or a simple kind gesture, we all have something to give. This ad teaches us to celebrate the New Year by giving whatever we can, no matter the price – sometimes the greatest gift comes with the smallest price tag. Well done, Mr.DIY!
and finally, the writer’s personal favourite (drum roll, please….)
The First Nike CNY Ad 2020
‘Refusing’ money during Chinese New Year can be difficult. In this case, having a pair of good running shoes comes in handy. In this Nike ad, the little girl tries to reject her very persistent (and pushy) aunt. As she grows older, she comes up with a new trick to escape from her aunt. In no time, the aunt ups her game by going digital with virtual red packets. The chase doesn’t stop there as neither gives in easily.
The aunt always manages to keep up with the girl! As time passes, the little girl grows up and eventually has her own family. Finally, it’s her turn to give out ang pows but her aunt is ready for…yes, you guessed it right…another run, true to the tagline hold nothing back this new year.
This ad captures the Chinese custom which is, “If you give me the red packet after I have rejected it once, I must take it.”
If that’s not love, we don’t know what is! #truelove
Thanks to YouTuber @RayT, you can check out other CNY ads below:
Although these ads may be heartwarming while others humorous, they all share one thing in common – the joy of sharing and coming together as one. Every year, as festive seasons are upon us, we look forward to celebrations with family and friends and hope the next one will be even better.
From all of us at Good News Malaysia, Gong Xi Fa Cai and a Prosperous Year of the Rat 2020!
*Edited by Archana Patrick
*Featured image sourced from YouTube/Petronas
