IHH Healthcare, UiTM Amplify Youth Voices Through 'Merdeka Through Our Eyes'

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- IHH Healthcare Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) have collaborated for the first time on the 'Merdeka Through Our Eyes' initiative, giving university students an opportunity to express what independence means to their generation through original short films.

IHH Healthcare Malaysia said in a statement today that the initiative aims to empower young Malaysians to tell stories about the country through their own creative perspectives, in line with the company's commitment to communities over more than 50 years.

IHH Healthcare Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Kamal Amzan said the initiative was not intended to define what Merdeka meant to young people, but rather to give them the freedom to interpret it from their own perspectives.

"Their stories may be different from those of previous generations, and that is what makes this initiative meaningful. A nation remains relevant when every generation can see itself reflected in the story of the country's journey," he said in the same statement.

Dr Kamal said IHH Healthcare Malaysia's involvement also reflected the company's evolving role beyond healthcare, while remaining committed to the sector that forms the core of its operations.

"Our relationship with Malaysians does not begin and end at the hospital doors. We want to continue participating in conversations, collaborations and experiences that help build stronger communities," he said.

Developed jointly with UiTM's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the project involved students in the storytelling process from conceptualisation and filming to producing short films based on the theme, "What Merdeka Means to Our Generation".

Four works were shortlisted following an evaluation process - "Pitstop Malam Merdeka", "Satu Rasa", "Malaysia Memerhati" and "Juang" - each presenting different stories based on the students' observations and experiences.

Meanwhile, UiTM Negeri Sembilan Branch, Rembau Campus Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Siti Nasarah Ismail said the project enabled students to translate classroom theory into a creative project and bring their stories to the screen.

"This experience allows them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting while understanding the responsibility that comes with telling stories to a wider audience," she said.

Siti Nasarah said producing the films also challenged students to collaborate, make creative decisions and take responsibility for their work, while strengthening their communication and storytelling skills.

The four shortlisted short films will premiere on IHH Healthcare Malaysia's official YouTube channel today and will also be featured across the company's social media platforms.

The campaign will run until Malaysia Day on Sept 16, inviting Malaysians to reflect on the meaning of Merdeka through the perspectives of a new generation and the diverse stories, experiences and views that continue to shape the nation.

IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and China.

In Malaysia, IHH operates 18 hospitals with approximately 3,600 beds under brands including Gleneagles, Island Hospital, Pantai, Prince Court and Timberland Medical Centre.

The Merdeka Through Our Eyes can be watched on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfwcUoKfziiM&si=jjr6jCda-htN7H1n.

-- BERNAMA