KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Permodalan Nasional Berhad Merdeka Ventures (PNBMV) will be premiering their first ever short film 'Gapai' in conjunction with the Merdeka Month.
PNBMV which is the subsidiary of PNB, commissioned the three-minute short film honouring Malaysia’s founding father, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
During an early screening of Gapai, PNBMV chief executive officer Datuk Izwan Ibrahim said the film was inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman’s iconic raised-hand proclamation in 1957, a moment that echoes the spirit of Gapai — the gesture of reaching out.
Produced by local production house Twentyoneseventeen in collaboration with PNBMV’s local creative agency, M&C Saatchi Karsa Malaysia, Gapai takes viewers through the lives of everyday Malaysians, showcasing the enduring spirit of Merdeka today.
The story culminates at the Merdeka 118 precinct, which includes Menara Merdeka Maybank, the iconic Stadium Merdeka and the newly opened Merdeka Textile Museum, bringing together the nation’s rich history and aspirations for the future.
“What we are trying to do here, our mandate is to develop.
“We are developing a global precinct, anchored on Malaysian heritage and we are not just building commercial spaces, we are not just building malls or museum but we are preserving our history,” Izwan said.
As part of its Merdeka Month celebrations, the Merdeka 118 precinct is collaborating with local cultural and social enterprise LOCCO to present three days of Merdeka celebrations from Aug 29 to 31 at Stadium Merdeka and Merdeka Boulevard, the stretch connecting Menara Merdeka Maybank to Stadium Merdeka.
The programme is set to feature a community bazaar, heritage activities, a Merdeka flashmob and the WarisanKL Explorace, offering visitors an engaging experience across the precinct.
Visitors can also explore the latest attractions at the Merdeka 118 precinct, including Look at 118, a ground-level viewing deck offering a unique perspective of Malaysia’s tallest tower, and Makan Makan Peranakan by the Serai Group, set against the backdrop of the iconic tower.
The Merdeka Textile Museum (MTM), which showcases the rich heritage of Malay World textiles, will also be open throughout the Merdeka weekend. The museum is offering free admission from Aug 22 to Sept 30.
“The Merdeka 118 precinct stands on the very ground where Malaysia’s independence was declared, and we want every visit here to be a reminder of where we came from and how far we have come.”
“Gapai reflects the philosophy that guides everything we do—While we continue reaching for greater heights and aspire to build a world class precinct, we remain firmly rooted in the community that defines this place.
“We want the people, local businesses and the neighbourhood around us to thrive alongside the precinct,” Izwan said.
The Merdeka 118 precinct will also continue to welcome new attractions in the coming months, including the opening of 118 Mall and The View at 118, Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck.
Following its exclusive premiere, Gapai will be released on Aug 25 across Merdeka 118’s official social media channels.
