If our memory serves us right, only Hari Raya Aidilfitri ads used to be the trend, but now it seems that ads are coming out for every festive season including Chinese New Year which is almost upon us again. If the strains of “Gong Xi, Gong Xi’ tunes everywhere (haven’t been enough to get you into the mood for the season, here are some entertaining and heartwarming ads to watch:

1. MR.DIY: 我爱你 Wo AI Ni

Have you ever suffered because of a strict relative? ‘Grandpa’ always pushes his family in everything until they feel physically and mentally exhausted, but he’s trying something new. Do you think he will be able to pull it off? This video tells us that it’s never too late to say “Wo ai ni” or “I love you” to your loved ones.



2. Etiqa: Further, Together

As four boys get together to practise for their Sports Day relay race, fights, failures, and friendships unfold. This is a short but sweet story about how sometimes, winning isn’t everything. Let us know if you shed a tear or two. The clip also stars model and fashion content creator Jack Gohr, who is a total babe!



3. Hong Leong Bank: Wealth of a Lasting Legacy

This ad steers away from the typical format, telling the true story behind Ipoh’s famous Sin Eng Hoe confectionery, known for its handmade kaya puffs. Through interviews with the owners, staff, and customers along with a retelling of their humble beginnings, we learn, “Making biscuits is just like doing business, we should always be honourable and never cut corners.”



4. Watsons:  Enter The Dragons 同心同喜，过靓年!

Watsons must have an amazing marketing budget because they pulled out all the stops for this ad, which feels more like a comedy Hong Kong movie. It has CGI, amazing costumes, a song and even an adorable cat! Plus, the star-studded cast includes Malaysian-born TVB actress Mimi Chu, Amber Chia, Mark O’Dea, and more! We love how there are anthropomorphic dragons to correspond to each character and they even used Cantonese, Hokkien, and Mandarin while speaking.



5. Yeos

Can every day be CNY reunion day? We feel the same way too! Check out this short but cute ad:



6. Astro’s MY FM 2024 Music Video

We love our CNY songs and this music video connects the festive spirit of all generations through elements of playfulness and humour. This song is sure to lift your spirits and is great to blast at full volume as you dance with your family and friends. It stars Ng Kar Yoon, Jiang Han, Emely Poon, and Vivienne Onn



7. Apple: Little Garlic

Yes, this short film is over 15 minutes, but it’s worth a watch, trust us. Shot by director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer), this tale is about a young girl who has a special shapeshifting ability, but all her doting grandfather wants her to be is herself. It is an extensive display of the iPhone Pro Max’s ability and its main cast also shines through their relatable performances .



8. Pizza Hut

Why does this driver’s daughter keep leaving her items behind in the car? Sometimes, all we want from loved ones is to spend their precious time with us.



9. Taylor’s University: Table Talk

As family members gather to prepare a reunion hot pot, they discuss their views on life. Although their choices may collide, what is important is not how we each see the world, but how we’ll always come home because of family ties and shared values.



10. Gamuda Land: What’s Wrong, Mr Ong Chai Ding (OCD)

This CNY, you might be obsessed about putting your home in order, but sometimes it’s not what’s in your house, but who’s in it. Watch this comedian Douglas Lim take on the role of Mr. OCD who struggles with the mess of the festivities.



Which ad was your fave? Let us know in the comments.

Image credit: Gamuda Land, Watsons Malaysia