CelcomDigi and Grey Malaysia unveil a nationwide tribute to real Malaysian stories

CelcomDigi’s latest campaign for Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Malaysia, Dari Mata Kita, invites Malaysians to see the country through the eyes of its people. Created by Grey Malaysia and brought to life by Directors Think Tank, the film takes viewers on a journey across all 14 states, capturing raw, unscripted moments that reflect the everyday beauty and complexity of life in Malaysia.

What does it mean to really see Malaysia, beyond the staged smiles and well-worn symbols of unity? CelcomDigi, the nation’s widest and fastest network, set out to find the answer by shifting the focus to those often unseen: everyday Malaysians, in everyday moments.

In Dari Mata Kita, five directors from Directors Think Tank travelled the country with one mission — to document what connection looks and feels like when it’s rooted in empathy, understanding, and shared experience. The result is a campaign that feels less like an ad, and more like a reflection of who we are.

“This idea was born from a simple realisation – that we don’t truly know our own backyard as much as we should. In producing this campaign, every step was a journey of discovery for us, opening our eyes to the unseen depths of Malaysia. We hope it does the same for our audience – inviting everyone to see our home in a different light, and to feel a renewed sense of patriotism through that rediscovery,” said Jeremy Yeoh, Executive Creative Director of Grey Malaysia.

Narrated by Dato’ Ahmad Tarmimi Siregar, the launch film is a collection of stories that remind us of who we are when no one’s watching, the sights and sounds we may have overlooked, and the everyday beauty we often walk past without noticing.

“Dari Mata Kita is a journey seen through multiple lenses. We travelled to a variety of the furthest corners and most hidden pockets of Malaysia, meeting people whose everyday lives carry the heart of Merdeka. Along our journeys, we discovered stories and visited places we might otherwise never have experienced. In the spirit of Directors’ Think Tank – as a team of five film directors who represent the tapestry of Malaysian identities, we were able to truly embody the message of Dari Mata Kita. Each of us, together with different DOPs, curated and shared what felt special to us — unique, nuanced, and at times a reminder to us that there’s so much more to discover in our own backyards,” said Carolyn Chon, Film Director at Directors Think Tank.

In capturing these authentic and intimate scenes of daily life, the campaign invites Malaysians to pause, reflect, and reconnect – not just with the country, but with one another. Hari Kebangsaan is not only about history or the ceremony of freedom; it’s about the people who carry its spirit forward in their everyday.

“At CelcomDigi, we believe the celebrations of Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Malaysia are not only a time to reflect on our past. They are meaningful opportunities to reconnect with the people and places that shape who we are. Dari Mata Kita shows how powerful connection can be when it’s used to inspire Malaysians to rediscover the richness of our nation and to see each other in a new light, and feel more connected to fellow Malaysians, no matter where they are. We believe the spirit of Hari Kebangsaan lives on in the stories we share and the bonds we build,” said CelcomDigi’s Head of Brand and Marketing Services, Chan May Ling.

Dari Mata Kita is not based on a true story about Malaysia, it is a true story. It’s one that has always been written in the little moments, waiting for us to see.

With days leading up to Hari Malaysia, the campaign will continue to showcase more curated content and stories released along the way to keep the spirit alive.

Credits
Creative Agency: GREY Malaysia
Chief Executive Officer: Irene Wong
Chief Creative Officer: Graham Drew
Managing Director: Cindy Quek
Executive Creative Director: Jeremy Yeoh
Creative Director: Candice Chhoa
Client Service Director: Jennifer Liew
Group Brand Director: Nailul Ali
Associate Creative Director: Ashraf Sheh
Creative Group Head: Lysha Zulkifly
Senior Art Director: Poh Yeng Lim
Senior Brand Manager: Rebecca Alyssa
Senior Strategic Manager: Alyssa Teh
Copywriter: Hashim Samsudim
Designer: Zi Ling Yap
AV Producer: Suzy Chiang
FA Artist: Shuh Meng Lim
Digital Imaging Artist: Ronnei Foong Kang Kai
Creative Services Director: Wan Naim
Creative Services Executive: Qistina Yazid
Production: Directors Think Tank
Film Director: Carolyn Chon, Maurice Noone, Chevie Law, Zaim Rosli, Aiman Aliff
Executive Producer: Pat Singh
Producer: Gray Loi
Director of Photography: Arvin Tharann, Shahrul Che Hasan Fork, Hadi Abdul Rahman, Tim Chan, Syabil Rahmat
Production Team: Jamie Chua, Tek Nam, Intan Sham, Benedict Lazaroo, Shar Harn, Priya Shah, Icha Akid
Post Production: Tank3Asia
Executive Producer: Sivagamy Jeeva
Producer: Vanitha Rajadorai
Online Artist: Shaffiq Hanafiah
Colourist: Katelynn Tan
Motion Designer: Megan Simpson
Editor: Codain Khairul Anuar
Audio House: Tank Music Asia
Audio EP: Rodney Thomas
Producer: Cleo Pau, Clarence Paul
Engineer: Rodney Thomas
Music Production: Tank Music Asia