APU’s School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) lecturer Aie Ibrahim won a RM50,000 grant for his animated short video, ‘Malaysia Tapestry of Heritage’, created for the Heart of Malaysia programme; through a story of kindness, integrity and unity on Merdeka (Independence) Day.

Mr Mohamed Khairi Ibrahim, widely known as Aie Ibrahim, a lecturer from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), has won a prestigious RM50,000 grant for his short animation, ‘Permaidani Warisan Malaysia (Malaysia Tapestry of Heritage)’. 

The project took home the prize in the short animation category of the Heart of Malaysia: A National PSA Programme, a competition supported by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), RTIST, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Mr Aie’s 2-minute 50-second short animation offers a heartwarming glimpse into the true spirit of Merdeka (Independence) Day through a story of kindness, integrity and unity.

The animation centres on Uncle Muthu, a veteran soldier on his way to get breakfast.

Along the way, he encounters two boys, Manjit and Lim, singing a patriotic song with the wrong lyrics. 

Uncle Muthu gently corrects them, reminding them of the importance of respecting the national anthem. The boys, realising their mistake, sincerely apologise.

Later, at Mak Cik Wok’s Nasi Lemak Stall, Uncle Muthu discovers he has lost his wallet. 

Just as a kind young girl, Aisyah, offers to pay for his meal, Manjit and Lim arrive to return the wallet they found. 

Deeply moved, Uncle Muthu thanks them, recognising their honesty and sense of responsibility. 

In a final act of unity, Mak Cik Wok insists on treating everyone to a free meal in celebration of Merdeka Day.

Aie shared that the short animation was a two-month-long effort, from the initial storyboard to the final submission. 

“Through the simple acts of its characters — the honesty of the children and the compassion of the elders — ‘Permaidani Warisan Malaysia’ captures the enduring spirit of unity that defines our nation’s independence.

“Nasi lemak itself serves as a powerful symbol, with its variety of dishes representing the harmony of different races and religions sharing a single, national identity, just like the flavours on one plate,” he said.

For those interested in seeing this animation, you can watch it at HERE.