Taylor’s University challenges conventional family dynamics in new film

With Hari Raya around the corner, Taylor’s University aims to challenge cultural expectations of a conventional family dynamic in its new family film that features a stay-at-home father and a working mother.

Titled "Suami Mithali" (Ideal Husband), the short film begins with the husband, Fazuan, preparing food in the kitchen while his wife, Lyla, serves food to their guests.

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However, when Lyla returns to the kitchen for more dishes, the guests begin to gossip about Fazuan’s role in the household and his employment status as Lyla is the breadwinner of the family.

“While other husbands are busy with the stock market, Fazuan is hanging out at the supermarkets,” said one guest.

The short film then sheds light on the challenges women face in balancing household responsibilities with professional ambitions as a flashback scene reveals that it was Fazuan’s choice to support his wife when she received a promotion.

Although Lyla hesitated to let Fazuan quit his job to accept the promotion, expressing concern about potential judgement, Fazuan told her that a husband’s responsibility to his wife goes beyond financial provision as he is also meant to support and lessen her burdens.

The film then snaps back to present time when their young daughter Aina hilariously responds back to the gossiping relatives that her dad does work. As the story unfolds, Fauzan steps in to explain that he operates a home-based sambal business while pursuing his goal of furthering his studies to allow Lyla to focus on her career.

“At its core, the film reveals a larger issue. In a society that is quick to judge, families face significant challenges in pursuing what is best for them. As outsiders looking in, the judgments often lack basis,” said a statement by Taylor’s University.

In fact, an Ipsos survey cited from business consulting and services agency LeadWomen, revealed that 22% of respondents in Malaysia believed that stay-at-home fathers were less manly, underscoring a stigma against men taking on traditional caregiving roles.

“We believe that as an education institution, our responsibility goes beyond imparting knowledge and skills. It is also about inspiring empathy and understanding in society,” said Ben Foo, Taylor’s Group chief marketing officer.

“Through our festive films, we address prevalent societal issues to empower everyone to make a positive difference in the world, not just for ourselves but for those around us,” he added.

Taylor’s University is no stranger to tackling poignant issues as it’s Deepavali festive film last year highlights how the Indian community in Malaysia still faces unique challenges in rental housing.

Titled “Not For Rent”, the film follows the narrative of an Indian father looking for a home to rent with his family. He faces multiple rejections, with agents telling him that their clients “prefer not to rent to Indians”.

He finally reaches out to a property agent, persuading her to give his family a chance. The film is a powerful portrayal of how empathy and an open mind can transform stereotypes and cultivate deeper mutual understandings.

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