RHB has released its 2026 Raya film, “Ruang Harapan,” conceptualized by its creative partner THE SHOUT GROUP (FCB SHOUT). The film tells the story of Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) founder Siti Rahayu Baharin and the early beginnings of the learning center in Kuala Lumpur.
Inspired by the story of Baharin, the film follows the beginnings of what later became a learning center for marginalized children. It focuses on compassion, courage, and above all, the transformative power of education. All of which started with an inspiration to help others and a cart full of books.
The area had previously been known as a red-light district and a place where vagrants gathered. BJCK started as an effort to reach children in the community through access to books and learning.
Today, BJCK operates as an alternative learning center that provides free education, a safe space, and meals to underprivileged, homeless, and often undocumented children, many of whom would otherwise have been left behind by the system.
“Ruang Harapan” depicts the early years of BJCK, showing the uncertainty, resistance, and discrimination faced by Siti and her students. The story presents challenges including skepticism, societal prejudice, logistical difficulties, and limited resources.
“Education and knowledge are among the few forces in this world that truly do not discriminate,” said Abdul Sani Abdul Murad, Group Chief Marketing Officer of RHB Bank.
“They do not ask where you come from, what you own or what documents you carry. They simply empower those who are given access to them. Cikgu Siti’s selfless act of opening her heart to children who were often unseen and unheard is the very definition of progress. She did not wait for permission to make a difference. Instead, she created her own platform to uplift others.
Murad added: “As a nation, we owe a great deal to individuals like her, because they are the backbone of our society. Their quiet courage strengthens the foundations upon which future generations will stand. Stories like hers encapsulate what RHB’s brand purpose of ‘Making Progress Happen For Everyone’ truly means… progress that is inclusive, compassionate and shared. As Malaysians gather with loved ones this Hari Raya, this story serves as a poignant reminder that the most meaningful open house is not defined by how wide we open our doors, but by how fully we open our hearts.”
“Hari Raya open houses are beautiful because they symbolise generosity,” said Tjer, Executive Creative Director of THE SHOUT GROUP.
“We open our doors and invite people to share what we have. But this story challenges us to go further. If we can open our homes during a festive season, can we also open our hearts to those who have been left behind? ‘Hope’ is built around BJCK’s own Raya open house, but its meaning goes far deeper than what the viewer sees.”
“It is ultimately a question to society: How open are we, really? Are we willing to make room for others in our spaces, in our systems and in our future? We are incredibly grateful to our production partners at D Moving Pictures, GT Records and Film Troop for going above and beyond to honour this true story with the sensitivity and respect it deserves.”
Learn more about BJCK: bukujalananchowkit.org
Credits
RHB Bank
Group Chief Marketing Officer: Abdul Sani Abdul Murad
Head, Group Brand Comms: Tunku Hazli Tunku Tolha
Manager, Group Brand Comms: Anwar Amin
THE SHOUT GROUP (FCB SHOUT)
Co-owners: Shaun Tay & Ong Shi Ping
Managing Director: Syahriza Badron
Executive Creative Director: Wang Ie Tjer
Creative Director: James Voon
Senior Brand Director: Timothy Teh
Copywriters: Katrina Azman & Zaffirah Zakuan
Senior Producer: Cheong Wai Leng
Production House: D Moving Pictures
Director: Dick Chua
Producer: Jocny Lai
Director Of Photography: Oscar Tong
Music, Sound Design & Composer: GT Records
Executive Producer: Ram Nabil Chia
Sound Engineer: Shaktyvel Neelamekan
Post House: Film Troop Post
Producer: Kai Sheng
Offline Editor: Vikster
Online Artist: Ler Lian Jing
Colorist: Beh Jing Qiang
