Unprecedented Programmatic Trailers Unveiled that Highlight Malaysia’s Unity and Multicultural Spirit While Showcasing Malaysian Values
Kuala Lumpur, 7 January 2025 – As Chinese New Year and Hari Raya coincide closely for the first time in 27 years, Astro Shaw, in collaboration with Etika Sdn. Bhd., proudly announces their upcoming film, Abah Saya, Uncle Mike. Inspired by a true story, the film celebrates Malaysia’s spirit of unity and cultural diversity, making it a meaningful addition to this rare festive alignment. This collaboration highlights our country’s beauty of shared traditions and the strength that comes from embracing multicultural differences and fostering family bonds.
Abah Saya, Uncle Mike tells the heartwarming true story of Michael Tong Wai Siong, affectionately known as Uncle Mike, a Chinese man who raised three adopted Malay sons while honouring their Muslim faith. His touching tale of love and selflessness captured the nation’s hearts, earning him the prestigious Maulidur Rasul Award 2024, presented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim. This unique alignment of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya adds even greater meaning to Uncle Mike’s story, creating an opportunity to celebrate shared values through authentic storytelling.
This initiative marks a groundbreaking partnership for Astro Shaw and Etika Sdn Bhd in a film. Programmatic trailers celebrating Chinese New Year and Hari Raya seamlessly extend the film’s narrative into the upcoming festive season, offering fresh perspectives on family, diversity, and the beauty of unity.
With Chinese New Year and Hari Raya celebrations occurring close together this year, and Ramadan beginning just two weeks after Chinese New Year, the programmatic trailers provide a fitting backdrop to highlight the film’s themes. Against the vibrant backdrop of these major holidays, the trailers focus on the shared spirit of unity and togetherness that unites Malaysians from all backgrounds. From children embracing Chinese New Year traditions to Uncle Mike celebrating Hari Raya as a non-Muslim father, the trailers offer an inclusive and meaningful perspective on Malaysia’s diverse festive celebrations.
The film features a multi-cultural cast, with Andy Teh starring as Uncle Mike. He is joined by Idan Aedan as the eldest son, Rafei; Nor Merah as the second son, Rasyid; and Umar Shakur, who recently won Best Child Actor at the 2024 Seri Angkasa Awards, as the youngest son, Rahman. Additional notable cast members include Chew Kin Wah, Mandy Chong, April Chan, and Pauline Tan. Abah Saya, Uncle Mike marks the feature film directorial debut of Ezrie Ghazali, known for his acclaimed work on Kiblat ke Syurga.
Executive Producer of Abah Saya, Uncle Mike and Head of Astro Shaw, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, commented, “Astro Shaw believes that Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity is its greatest strength. Through Uncle Mike’s inspiring story, we celebrate unity, acceptance, and the power of human connection. This project, in collaboration with Etika Sdn. Bhd. underscores our shared vision of creating impactful stories that resonate deeply with society”. She continued, “Uncle Mike’s selfless journey of raising three brothers from different backgrounds is heartwarming and deserves to be shared with all Malaysians. The fact that this story remained untold for 16 years makes it even more powerful. That is why we believe Abah Saya, Uncle Mike has the potential to inspire social change and foster greater understanding.”
The film will begin filming in January and is set for a theatrical release later this year. Raja Jastina adds, “Besides the main movie, we are thrilled to present programmatic trailers for the festive season. This initiative allows us to creatively explore Malaysia’s unity, starting with the Chinese New Year teaser video, ‘Cat Hei Lam Mun’, which incorporates the lunar festivities and 7UP’s brand essence. The next phase will feature a Hari Raya-themed trailer, extending our celebration of diversity and togetherness. We remain grateful to Etika Sdn. Bhd. for their commitment to supporting this collaboration towards creating impactful content that uplifts society.”
Programmatic Trailers to Launch Unique Celebrations with Storytelling and 7UP
The first of the festive trailers, which airs this Chinese New Year, sets the tone for a unique celebration experience in 2025. These festive-themed trailers not only showcase the cast of Abah Saya, Uncle Mike but also feature the real Uncle Mike and his sons. Fans can watch the Chinese New Year trailer on Astro Shaw and Etika’s YouTube channel starting from today.
Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing at Etika Sdn. Bhd., reflects, “As Etika, the leading beverage company in Malaysia, we have been a key part of festive celebrations for nearly half a century. Our products, such as 7UP and Mirinda, have long been favourites during occasions like Chinese New Year, Ramadan, and Hari Raya. Through this partnership with Astro Shaw, Abah Saya, Uncle Mike, we are able to highlight Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity. This film goes beyond being a movie—it’s a heartfelt story that embraces diversity through meaningful storytelling, set against the vibrant backdrop of Malaysia’s festivals.”
Sharing further, Amy explains, “This year, with the launch of Abah Saya, Uncle Mike in this year, we’re introducing the first-ever programmatic trailers during the festive season. These trailers offer fresh perspectives, sharing the family’s stories and experiences during Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Hari Raya respectively.”
The cinematic prelude, built on ‘Cat Hei’, symbolising seven happiness or joys in Chinese culture, signifies abundance, togetherness, intercultural understanding, and universal love, elements deeply aligned with 7UP. Amy adds, “Chinese New Year seamlessly transitions into Ramadan, providing an opportunity to blend storytelling with Malaysia’s diverse traditions. These trailers capture shared joy and harmony, fostering connections and lasting memories with family and loved ones. With 7UP by your side, we aim to create meaningful, uplifting experiences synonymous with celebrating unity and cultural celebration.”
7UP has always complemented the Malaysian festive experience with its refreshing lemon-lime taste, recognised under the Healthier Choice Logo regulations, containing less than 5g of sugar per 100ml. This zesty drink adds uplifting vibes to celebrating this creative expression, reiterating its role within social occasions by cementing itself as the go-to drink to round out any gathering – becoming the perfect partner for the next wave of social enjoyment!
Abah Saya, Uncle Mike the movie is slated for release in cinemas later this year and will be based on the moving portrayal of Rafei’s heartfelt journey. As the eldest of three orphaned siblings, Rafei, as he embarks on a path of self-discovery and hope, yearning for a brighter future. After finding a loving home with Uncle Mike, he remains determined to reunite with his two brothers.
Stay updated on the film through Astro Shaw’s Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X accounts. For more details on the programmatic trailers and 7UP’s Chinese New Year promotions, please visit their Facebook and Instagram platforms.
