This year’s Deepavali ads from Malaysian brands went beyond the usual themes of family togetherness and festive joy. While many brands captured the warmth of unity and resilience, one campaign stood out for its bold, socially conscious message—Taylor’s University took the opportunity to address cyberbullying, connecting it to Deepavali’s theme of light overcoming darkness. As we explore these impactful ads, let’s take a closer look at the themes they highlighted, the emotions they evoked, and how each ad left a unique impression on viewers.
Deepavali Ads No.1: Taylor’s University – “Sparks in the Dark”
Taylor’s University took a unique approach this Deepavali with a campaign that shocked and resonated with audiences, earning the highest engagement of 53,840 on social media and amassing 4,572,757 views on YouTube since its release on October 11, 2024. Their ad tackled the pressing issue of cyberbullying, connecting it to the festival’s theme of light triumphing over darkness. Through this bold message, Taylor’s reminded viewers of the importance of empathy and kindness in digital spaces, turning Deepavali into a call for social awareness and compassion.
Netizen Sentiment: Many viewers were moved by Taylor’s University’s courageous choice to address cyberbullying, a topic rarely seen in festive ads. Netizens praised the campaign for its relevance, with some sharing personal experiences of online negativity and applauding Taylor’s for using Deepavali as a platform to encourage kindness. For many, this ad highlighted that the light we celebrate during Deepavali can extend to addressing social issues, inspiring change and awareness.
Deepavali Ads No.2: Petronas – “Sinar Bersama”
Petronas brought audiences a heartwarming story of a young dancer and the power of family support, gathering 37,031 engagements on social media and reaching 3,826,434 views on YouTube since October 28, 2024. Their ad celebrated the journey of a child pursuing his dreams with the encouragement of loved ones, capturing the spirit of resilience. By focusing on the importance of family and perseverance, Petronas highlighted how the light of family support helps us rise above challenges, aligning beautifully with the theme of Deepavali.
Netizen Sentiment: Viewers connected deeply with the themes of family and resilience in Petronas’s ad. Many expressed nostalgia for their own family bonds, with some sharing personal stories of family support. Netizens appreciated how the ad beautifully depicted the role of family in achieving dreams, making it a perfect fit for Deepavali’s spirit of unity and encouragement, especially during Deepavali celebrations.
Deepavali Ads No.3:MR.DIY – “Petals of Memory”
MR.DIY’s Deepavali ad, titled “Petals of Memory,” resonated with viewers by taking a nostalgic approach that celebrated family ties. Garnering 19,378 engagements on social media and achieving 1,809,054 views on YouTube since October 7, 2024, the ad portrayed a family reunion and a grandmother’s cherished memories, reminding audiences of the importance of family connections. MR.DIY successfully captured the essence of Deepavali as a time for reflecting on and appreciating those we hold dear.
Netizen Sentiment: Many viewers were touched by MR.DIY’s nostalgic approach, with comments expressing appreciation for the focus on family memories. Some netizens shared their own experiences of gathering with loved ones during Deepavali festivities, describing the ad as a heartfelt reminder to cherish family connections. The ad’s theme of remembrance and family love resonated deeply, making it one of the season’s most memorable campaigns.
Deepavali Ads No.4: AmBank – “Light of Hope”
AmBank’s “Light of Hope” focused on community resilience and the power of friendship during difficult times, generating 7,526 engagements on social media and reaching 1,038,206 views on YouTube since October 23, 2024. This ad told the story of Raju, who finds strength through the support of his friends. AmBank emphasized that resilience and hope are strengthened by the bonds we build, making their message of community support a perfect fit for the festival of light and unity.
Netizen Sentiment: Viewers found AmBank’s focus on friendship and community resilience uplifting. Many netizens praised the ad for showing how support from friends can be a source of hope during tough times, reflecting the essence of Deepavali’s light and unity. Comments highlighted the ad’s positive impact, with some viewers expressing that the story reminded them of the importance of staying connected with those who lift us up.
Deepavali Ads No.5: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) – “Arulini, Shining Star”
Tenaga Nasional Berhad shared the inspiring story of a young girl, Arulini, whose resilience and family’s support helped her shine, receiving 4,556 engagements on social media and accumulating 32,829 views on YouTube since October 28, 2024. The ad celebrated the strength of family bonds in overcoming adversity, showing how loved ones can be a source of light in the darkest times. TNB’s ad embodied Deepavali’s message of hope, resilience, and support within a family.
Netizen Sentiment: Netizens responded positively to TNB’s story of Arulini, with many viewers feeling inspired by her journey. Comments praised the ad’s focus on resilience, describing it as a moving portrayal of how family can help us navigate challenges. Some viewers noted that the ad served as a powerful reminder that Deepavali’s light is not just about celebration but also about the strength that comes from family support.
Deepavali Ads No.6: Maybank – “The Lighthouse”
Maybank’s ad, “The Lighthouse,” honored the power of mentorship with the story of Coach Jega, a mentor for athletes with disabilities. This ad, which received 3,611 engagements on social media and gained 1,010,294 views on YouTube since October 28, 2024, drew a parallel between a lighthouse and a mentor—both serving as guiding lights. Maybank’s campaign reminded viewers that mentorship is essential to helping others navigate challenges and find their path, a message that aligns deeply with Deepavali’s theme of light and guidance.
Netizen Sentiment: Many netizens were moved by Maybank’s tribute to mentorship. Viewers shared stories of mentors who had positively impacted their lives, expressing gratitude for the ad’s focus on the importance of guidance and support. The metaphor of the lighthouse resonated with audiences, who praised the ad for highlighting how mentors can be a source of light in our darkest times.
Deepavali Ads Malaysia of Reflecting on Deepavali’s Lessons
This year’s Deepavali ads reminded us of the enduring lessons this festival brings: unity, resilience, kindness, and hope. Taylor’s University’s message on cyberbullying encouraged us to use external sites responsibly, while other brands celebrated family bonds, friendship, and mentorship, each delivering a message aligned with Deepavali’s essence. These ads, whether nostalgic or socially conscious, inspired viewers to celebrate the light we bring to others’ lives—through support, encouragement, or kindness—making Deepavali’s message of light more relevant than ever.
Reflecting on these stories reminds us that our everyday actions can bring light into others’ lives. This Deepavali, let’s continue celebrating these values, creating lasting memories with loved ones, and fostering kindness and understanding in all our interactions. As Curious Kumar explores ideas to celebrate this festival of lights in India and beyond, we are reminded that the spirit of Deepavali shines wherever unity, resilience, and compassion are present.
