It’s Eid today- the most pious day in the Islamic calendar for Muslims across the world. The day also serves as a poignant reminder of unity amidst diversity with diverse cultures intertwining under the huge umbrella of Islam. However, our biases and stereotypes often overshadow the real essence of this occasion. Thankfully, Southeast Asian brands have been at the forefront of breaking and resetting many of these biases with their amazing Eid 2024 ad campaigns.
So, here we are with 5 marvelous Southeast Asian Eid 2024 ads that served as catalysts for social change and fostered understanding and empathy.
1. Julie's Biscuits: A Raya A.I.dilfitri Ad
They say AI is only as good as humans. But guess what, AI is also just as biased and stereotyped as humans; this commercial by Julie’s Biscuits serves as a fine example of that.
The ad showcases a marketing team enlisting the help of AI to generate their Eid commercial. But none of their prompts seem to work, especially for the female characters and they keep on getting results different than their expectations every time. As it turns out, they get transported to the AI world.
The reason for the failings of the marketing team and inaccurate depictions of the female characters will make you think hard about how our society needs to move forward hereon.
2. Taylor’s University: Suami Mithali
If the previous advert got you thinking that the world is biased against women, this one will reveal how it hasn’t treated men too kindly either.
The ad showcases a couple hosting a few guests over Eid. While the couple is busy with the meal preparation, the guests begin discussing them and how the husband has quit his job and given up all his responsibilities as the man of the house. We later find out that he quit his job to be with their daughter because his wife got promoted and it would have been a shame for her to let go of such an opportunity.
You see, just because someone isn’t working out there for someone doesn’t mean that they aren’t working!
3. RHB Group: Lembaran Baharu
Stealing is a crime and the perpetrators should be treated as per the law of the land. But is it always so black and white? This RHB advert will make you rethink.
The ad showcases a lawyer coming across a woman who’s accused of stealing a pencil box from a supermarket. Upon questioning her, the lawyer finds out and informs the court that she stole the pencil box for her son who had stood first in his class in exams. Since she couldn’t afford to buy a pencil box, she resorted to stealing. As the lawyer says in the ad, the things that are small and insignificant to us mean the world to someone else.
Surely a 7-year jail sentence for merely rewarding your boy with a stolen pencil box because you couldn’t afford it is too harsh, right?
4. Etiqa: Niat
Eid is the time of the year when we present ourselves with the best gifts. But the essence of Eid is in embracing everyone with open arms and making the day inclusive for everyone. This Eid commercial by Etiqa drives home this message.
The commercial shows a young boy visiting the Etiqa store, laying his eyes on a headphone set. From running errands for his mother and mowing the lawn to washing his father’s car and cleaning his brother’s shoes, the young lad does all the household chores to arrange enough money to purchase the headphone set. When he has enough money, he purchases the headphone set and a pair of glasses.
But did he purchase these items for himself? Watch the ad to know why he went through all the trouble of completing the household chores!
5. Maxis: Makna Raya Si Menantu
This Maxis commercial summarizes the entire blog and everything that this is about. The ad revolves around a man who’s visiting his in-laws over Eid.
Naturally, he feels somewhat uneasy as he is out of his comfort zone. Like all of us, he is skeptical about trying out new things. But he soon eases into the surroundings and blends with everyone else. You see, when we accept something new with an open heart, we appreciate its meaning and the excitement remains the same too.
Wrapping Up
And that was a wrap of the best Southeast Asian Eid 2024 ads. The commercials discussed in this blog are more than just marketing campaigns and reflect the societal shifts toward inclusivity and understanding. From breaking stereotypes about gender roles to embracing new cultures, these ads have done a remarkable job of promoting empathy and acceptance across communities.
Clickinsights wishes you and your loved ones a blessed Eid filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!
We’ll be back with more Eid adverts for you. Till then, stay tuned!