RHB Bank features selfless local hero in tear-jerking CNY film

RHB Bank is looking to redefine the true meaning of wealth in its latest inspirational film released on 15 January for Chinese New Year (CNY). 

In collaboration with its creative agency FCB Shout, the five-minute film titled "Wealth" tells the true story of Tan Swee Ban, founder of Peace & Harmony Home a not-for-profit nursing centre in Penang that looks after the sick and neglected elderly. 

Told from the perspective of Tan's mother, the film explores the conflicted emotions of a parent who had to witness and support her son sacrifice his career, house, time and health in order to serve those in need. 

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The film shows Tan attempting to juggle various aspects of his life, seemingly portraying him as "irresponsible". However, Tan's mother then dives deeper into her son's life, showing viewers how Tan has attempted to care for everyone around him while trying to keep his life afloat. 

The film shows Tan's sacrifices to transform his house into the non-for-profit nursing home, highlighting his mother's efforts in supporting his dream.

In a scary twist, Tan suddenly collapses at work, seemingly due to the stress, and has to undergo heart surgery. Thankfully, Tan recovers from the incident, and the film ends with a clip of the real Tan and his mother celebrating his hard work. 

Abdul Sani Abdul Murad, chief marketing officer at RHB Group said, "We often associate a person’s legacy with the material wealth that they leave behind, but Mr. Tan’s remarkable story completely flips this notion. He demonstrated that true wealth is measured by one’s actions, which ultimately become their lasting legacy". 

He added, "As Chinese New Year is a celebration that is closely tied to the concept of prosperity, his story feels especially meaningful. Mr. Tan’s selflessness serves as a timely reminder to value not just what we see, but what we feel in our hearts – because that is the kind of wealth that endures for a lifetime. To me, this is the essence of true progress". 

In tandem, Wang Ie Tjer, executive creative director at FCB Shout said, “When we discovered Mr. Tan's story, we were immediately moved by the journey of his greatest supporter – his mother. Supporting her son as he chose to sacrifice almost everything in his life to selflessly serve others would be challenging for any parent. And yet, despite being sent to a nursing home by her own son – a scenario that many parents would consider their greatest nightmare – it actually became her source of pride". 

He added, "This poignant conflict of emotions is what makes the story so powerful, and I’d like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our production partners at D Moving Pictures and GT Records for capturing it so beautifully.”

In conversations with A+M, Tjer said the CNY period was the perfect occasion for RHB Bank to reframe the narrative around what wealth can truly be. 

"While the pursuit of prosperity often takes centre stage, it’s easy to overlook the deeper, more human values that define these celebrations. So, when we discovered this remarkable true story of kindness, selflessness, and what it means to create a real legacy that is measured beyond just material wealth, we knew it was a story that would truly be fitting for this festive season," he said.

Tjer told A+M that since the launch of the film, RHB Bank has sent volunteers to visit Tan's nursing centre and made contributions to support his efforts. 

In a statement, FCB Shout noted in the four days since its launch, the film has received positive reviews, along with over 7,200,000 views and over 24,000 likes across all social channels, becoming RHB Bank’s best preforming CNY film on YouTube.

RHB Bank isn't the only Malaysian brand to be tugging at heartstrings this CNY. Earlier this month, Malaysian home improvement retailer MR D.I.Y. Group launched a humorous yet heartwarming Chinese New Year web film along with the debut of a dance-themed music video. 

Titled 'The Family Trial', the eight-minute-long film features Hong Kong star Benz Hui and follows a father and son caught in a comedic feud over their Chinese New Year plans.

However, the son soon discovers his father’s secret health issue. The story then takes an emotional turn, ending in a heartwarming reunion dinner that highlights the unbreakable bonds of family.

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