Maybank Beautifully Sums It, “The Light Within Us Is Meant To Be Shared.”
Malaysia is a land of endless celebrations, a mosaic of cultures where each festival, be it Deepavali, Chinese New Year, or Hari Raya, brings communities together.
And with each celebration, there’s one tradition that has captured the nation’s heart for decades—festive commercials.
These films have become more than simple greetings; they are powerful storytelling vehicles that showcase the spirit of unity, empathy, and humanity.
This year, Maybank has raised the bar with a highly engaging and captivating Deepavali four-minute film that not only celebrates the triumph of light over darkness but also shines a spotlight on one man who has dedicated his life to being a guiding light for others.
Lighthouse on the Track: Coach Jeganathan’s Inspiring Legacy
The story at the heart of Maybank’s 2024 Deepavali ad is not just about Deepavali or even the symbolic victory of light over darkness—it’s about Coach R. Jeganathan, a quiet but relentless hero whose influence stretches far beyond the world of sports.
Known as “Jega the Lighthouse,” he has spent over 40 years as an athletic coach, guiding Malaysia’s athletes with disabilities to reach extraordinary heights.
His crowning achievement? Leading Paralympic champion Mohamad Ridzuan Puzi to a gold medal in the 100-meter sprint in 2016, an accomplishment that earned him the National Men’s Coach award.
Yet, despite his success, few Malaysians outside the athletic world know of his story.
In an emotionally charged film, viewers see a portrait of resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional support.
As he shares his journey, Coach Jega’s own words reveal the cost of his dedication—a price he paid willingly, even as it strained his relationship with his own family.
The Man Who Chose the Track Over Family
One of the ad’s most poignant moments comes when Coach Jega, with an air of quiet vulnerability, admits the toll his career took on his personal life.
“I’ve lost the love from my own kids… sometimes I cry to myself, ‘What the hell am I doing?” he reflects.
For Coach Jega, the decision to give his all to his athletes meant putting aside his role as a father.
“If he could, he’d live on the track!” one athlete says in the ad, capturing just how deeply he has embedded himself into his work.
His proteges, however, consider themselves his family.
They speak of his relentless spirit, his fierce coaching style, and his unwavering belief that they could achieve greatness.
The film seamlessly weaves in their reflections, painting a picture of a coach who, while tough and demanding, treats each of his athletes like his own children.
Through Coach Jega, Maybank’s Deepavali ad reminds us that heroes are often those who give without expectation, who live their lives in service to others, and who lead from behind the scenes.
A Near-Death Experience and the Drive to Keep Going
Another striking moment in the film is when Coach Jega recounts surviving a near-fatal accident.
He was in a coma for three months, and when he finally regained consciousness, it felt like divine intervention.
“That man up there… your time is not over, go there and keep on doing coaching,” he recounts, his voice tinged with gratitude and humour. For him, this second chance wasn’t just about recovery—it was a call to continue his mission.
Maybank’s ad uses this story to highlight the extraordinary resilience of a man who saw his life’s purpose as helping others find strength within themselves.
By telling his story, Maybank is not only honouring Coach Jega’s personal journey but also celebrating the spirit of Deepavali—the triumph of light over adversity, of purpose over circumstance.
A Beacon of Hope for Athletes and Malaysians Alike
In a moving finale, the film captures the gratitude of Coach Jega’s athletes as they thank him for his sacrifices.
This moment, simple yet profound, reveals the impact he has had on their lives.
For athletes like Ridzuan Puzi, Siti Noor Iasah, and Afiq Ali Hanafiah, Coach Jega was more than just a coach—he was a father figure, a relentless mentor, and a source of hope.
They acknowledge that without his guidance, their successes might never have come to light.
Through Maybank’s lens, Coach Jega becomes a symbol of hope and resilience for all Malaysians, especially during Deepavali, a time that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness.
The ad resonates with anyone who has ever been inspired by a mentor, anyone who has seen the power of belief transform lives, and anyone who understands the true meaning of giving.
The Impact of Festive Ads: Blending Tradition with Humanity
Maybank has long been known for its emotionally resonant festive ads, from this year’s Chinese New Year ad “Unspoken,” which highlighted the isolation felt by a deaf individual, to the Merdeka campaign, “Redefining Independence,” which explored the meaning of independence for visually impaired Malaysians.
These ads go beyond cultural celebration, blending tradition with social relevance and humanity.
“Jega the Lighthouse” is another gem in Maybank’s collection, reminding viewers that true impact comes from the light we share with others.
As the final narration in the ad says, “When we shine our light, darkness gives way to the hope of a brighter future. The more light we share with others, the brighter the world becomes for all of us.”
May this Deepavali be a time for all of us to celebrate those “lighthouses” in our lives—those mentors, guides, and unsung heroes who light the way in times of darkness.
Because, as Maybank so beautifully puts it, the light within us is meant to be shared.
