Petronas Hosts CNY Luncheon For Media, Launches Festive Web Film

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- More than 100 media practitioners from various agencies were celebrated today at a luncheon hosted by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities.

The Senior General Manager, Strategic Communications, Group Strategic Relations and Communications of Petronas, Siti Azlina Abd Latif, said the event served as a special opportunity to express gratitude for the meaningful partnership built with the media over the years.

She emphasised the significance of the networking session, reflecting the company's unwavering commitment to appreciating the media's efforts and support.

“As storytellers and communicators, you have been essential in bringing Petronas’ journey to life for the past 50 years, helping us share our stories with the world,” she said in her welcoming speech.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, as well as representatives of Petronas Dagangan Berhad, Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad and Petronas Gas Berhad Gentari.

At the event, the national oil company unveiled a captivating festive web film titled 'Stay', the first of its festive series under the theme Beyond Those Doors in celebration of Chinese New Year.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Caleb Huang, the web film tells the heartfelt story of a young boy, Xiao Bao, whose parents, facing economic hardships, entrust him to financially stable relatives in hopes of providing a better future, which highlights the poignant experiences of the 1980s. 

Siti Azlina said the story reminds viewers of the enduring values of empathy, compassion and mutual care, which are principles deeply embedded in Malaysia's cultural fabric. 

"Petronas hopes this film will inspire all Malaysians to continue fostering unity and support for one another, strengthening the bonds that define us as a nation," she said, adding that ‘Stay’ will start premiering today via Petronas' official YouTube and Facebook pages.

In addition to the web film preview, Petronas further spread festive cheer to the underprivileged through Yayasan Petronas' Uplifting Lives Festive (ULF) initiative. 

Under the programme, 2,100 families across 15 states will receive festive packs containing essential food items and specially sourced cookies from MEKAR Programme entrepreneurs, which were handed over to the Kuala Lumpur Social Welfare Department during the event.

Siti Azlina said that through this programme, the company strives to uplift communities across Malaysia by providing festive contributions to ease their burden, reflecting its commitment to sharing joy with all who celebrate.

-- BERNAMA