KUALA LUMPUR: As the saying goes, a little act of kindness goes a long way.
This year, we witnessed how small gestures of kindness can shift perspectives or impact one’s life.
But what lies behind these gestures is a person or persons who willingly give without expectation.
These Good Samaritans are silent heroes and frontliners who continue to be agents of change despite being shrouded by the pandemic.
Their stories have inspired hope and encouraged Malaysians to fight against the deadly virus in solidarity.
To share these inspiring stories and honour everyday heroes who walk among us, master and lifestyle developer Sime Darby Property Berhad has embarked on its #BERSAMA 2.0 Spotlight on Heroes movement.
Sime Darby Property chief marketing and sales officer Gerard Yuen said the #BERSAMA 2.0 Spotlight on Heroes movement will bring inspiring stories to light via the Group’s co-creation platform, dtoideas.
“We believe that heroes come in all shapes and sizes – they don’t necessarily wear capes. Be it a family member, colleague or acquaintance, we all know a hero among us who would never hesitate to reach out and lend a hand in times of need.
“We want to celebrate these outstanding individuals who go that extra mile to improve the well-being of others, or those whose actions inspire us all.
“So we are inviting all Malaysians to shine a light on your heroes. Tell us about them and they could be in the running to experience a ‘Night to Remember’ on us!” he said.
Yuen shared that the movement came about after the successful Spotlight 8 Year 2020 – a 13-week online sales campaign that garnered RM1.5bil worth of sales which outperformed the 2019 campaign with RM1.1bil in sales.
“It is because of the success of Spotlight 8 Year 2020 that we can take our mind off sales for a while and look at ending the year in good spirit.
“What better way to do so than to reward deserving individuals who have made a difference in our lives during the pandemic, ” he said, adding that #BERSAMA 2.0 Spotlight on Heroes would be the final leg of the #BERSAMA movement.
According to Yuen, the #BERSAMA movement began with #BERSAMA Let's Say Terima Kasih when the pandemic peaked in April, whereby Malaysians nationwide shared their message of appreciation to the frontliners.
More than 800 submissions of thank you messages, handwritten notes and drawings were received in two weeks and many of the heartfelt work now grace the walls of Hospital Sungai Buloh as motivational posters to uplift the spirits of medical frontliners and staff.
Following the overwhelming response to the campaign, the movement continued with #BERSAMA Beraya Di Rumah in May – a virtual celebration filled with Raya-themed activities to uplift the community and bring people together virtually to add a little cheer to the new normal festive celebration.
Malaysians shared their favourite recipes through #iftarBERSAMA, made Raya greeting cards with #kadrayaBERSAMA, showed off their fashion style in an exciting #ootdrayaBERSAMA challenge, and took part in the #karaokeBERSAMA session.
When asked what the #BERSAMA 2.0 Spotlight on Heroes winners could look forward to, he said: "It’s a surprise, a very special one to spoil and reward our heroes. But I can tell you that it will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club Resort.
“Many Malaysians know of KLGCC as the premier, award-winning golf resort with TPC Kuala Lumpur as its centrepiece.
“But it is more than just the address and the golf. ‘Living at KLGCC’ includes unique lifestyle elements that residents and members can enjoy. We want to give the winners a chance to enjoy the KLGCC experience.
“We will be partnering with Auto Bavaria to pick up the winners from their homes in BMWs and have them chauffeured in style to KLGCC Resort for an amazing night out.”
The #BERSAMA 2.0: Spotlight on Heroes campaign will be celebrating 18 deserving heroes with Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican said the movement is the group’s acknowledgment of the people who have touched the hearts of the nation and spread positivity.
‘To us, these are the heroes who give us hope; and hope begets hope,’ said Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican.
“To us, these are the heroes who give us hope; and hope begets hope.
Ultimately, our wish is that their stories will uplift the hearts of all who read them, as there is no better way to end the year than with a little act of gratitude and positivity.
“I hope everyone will join us in this bid to make a difference and I wish everyone out there well. Stay strong and stay safe, ” said Azmir.
The public can now nominate their heroes until Dec 31. Go to https://bit.ly/BERSAMA2_Heroes
Next, click “submit” to nominate your hero and share the story. Once submitted, the story will be posted on the wall of heroes alongside other inspiring stories.
Your hero will be in the running to receive an experiential night by Sime Darby Property.
For more information, go to https://bit.ly/BERSAMA2_Heroes
