From kopitiams to murals, Astro's docuseries captures what unites Malaysians

Astro Malaysia has teamed up with Naga DDB Tribal and Directors Think Tank to mark National and Malaysia Day with "Inilah KITA", a campaign that shines a light on the everyday connections that bind Malaysians together.

Rooted in true stories, the initiative explores moments of unity that exist in daily life, even in a climate where public discourse often focuses on differences.

Don't miss: Astro launches month-long celebratory campaign for Merdeka and Malaysia Day

The campaign is built around three short documentaries that uncover diverse tales from across the country. These stories are not about tolerance, but about the trust, friendships, and shared experiences that quietly shape the nation’s social fabric. “At a time where the loudest voices tend to emphasise our differences, 'Inilah KITA' turns the spotlight back on the quiet, powerful moments of connection,” said Shukri Saleh, brand director of Naga DDB Tribal.

One film, Famili Ikat Tepi (A bonded family), a nod to the Malaysian practice of tying takeaway drink bags on one side for easy carrying and straw-sipping, spotlights a century-old kopitiam in Tapah that has long been a cultural melting pot, serving generations of its multiracial community.

Tempat Letak Harmoni (The parking lot of harmony) takes viewers to Lutong, where a mosque and church share the same parking lot, a symbol of peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, Seni Kesahabatan brings together three artists from different backgrounds who collaborate on a mural without ever meeting in person, illustrating unity through art.

The first film Famili Ikat Tepi was released on 8 August, and has already garnered over 742,000 views. The next two films will be released soon. 

Central to the campaign is music. Each documentary is paired with an original song co-written by Rocketfuel Entertainment composers Sharul Kamal, Mohsein Kush and Daniel Sher, alongside Naga DDB Tribal and the communities featured.

The music, performed by singers Nadeera Zaini, Wani Kayrie, and ALPHA, was hosted by local entertainment personality Aril Pilus, who described the campaign as “a reminder that the connection we share is stronger than we think.”

Beyond its on-screen storytelling, Inilah KITA extends into public spaces. Animated digital storytelling is now displayed on Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Fahrenheit88’s digital screens, while the mural from Seni Kesahabatan is open for public viewing at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from 7 August.

Benjamin Woo, head of group marketing at Astro, said the project aligns with the brand’s role as a national entertainment provider. “Through everyday moments of connection. Whether it’s sharing a meal, enjoying common spaces, or collaborating creatively, we celebrate the experiences that bring Malaysians together,” he said.

According to Alvin Teoh, chief creative officer at Naga DDB Tribal, the campaign also counters the negativity seen online. “It’s easy to believe we’re constantly at each others’ throats, but face-to-face interactions tell a very different story,” he said.

With Inilah KITA, Astro Malaysia and its partners aim to inspire Malaysians to recognise the unity that exists in their own communities, proof that the nation’s shared moments are often hiding in plain sight.

Earlier this month, Astro announced that it is celebrating National and Malaysia Day this year with the launch of its "Inilah KITA, sehati bersama" ("This is us, with a united heart") campaign, running from 15 August to 16 September 2025. The month-long celebration highlights unity in diversity through curated programming, live events, music, and on-ground activations.

At the centre of the campaign is the KITA Channel (CH 100), a dedicated space for Malaysian-made content. From 15 August to 17 September, audiences can enjoy over 50 specially curated programs, including patriotic films, dramas, reality shows, documentaries, and concerts by homegrown artists such as Slam X Exist and Hael Husaini.

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