The Malaysia-based energy company Petronas has released a new film called “Stay” from Caleb Huang to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
“Stay” is set in Kuala Selangor, a relatively rural town in Malaysia. It portrays events during the 1980s, which was a time when many parents lodged their children with better-off relatives due to economic hardships. More specifically, it tells the story of how Xiao Bao unexpectedly ends up staying with relatives in the long term after visiting them for the Chinese New Year. The natural warmth and generosity of the period is reflected as his relatives welcome him into their family.
Despite his mother making the sacrifice so that her son can enjoy a better life, Xiao Bao is too young to understand the hardships of those times and begs for his mother to “Stay”. Years later, he finally understands the reasons for her decision, one that changed the course of his life.
Siti Azlina Abdul Latif, a senior relations and communications manager at Petronas, which also makes lubricant products like agricultural oil, spoke about the movie.
“Through this heartfelt story, we are reminded of the enduring values of empathy, compassion and mutual care, principles deeply embedded in Malaysia’s cultural fabric. “Stay” serves as a powerful reflection of how these values have shaped and sustained our communities across generations.”
She added that she hoped the film would inspire the Malaysian people to continue supporting each other in unity. The full video can be watched on YouTube.
