Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures. There really isn't any place more colorful than this. We grew up learning to respect another person's culture and beliefs, and how being kind should be one of the fundamentals of the human condition.

And just like a pot, brewing its ingredients and spices, Malaysia too, has its own unique unified culture. The latest Maxis ad for Merdeka points out how we treat everyone, including strangers, like family and it is all the feels. It reminds me of how uniquely great our upbringing was.

The ad succinctly describes how our culture looks and feels like to an outsider.

It may seem weird at every point too.

But it is not long before it catches and grows on them.

The ad reminds us that calling strangers names we associate with closeness can really create a bond, even if it was for a short moment.

It reminds us us that life shouldn't be so miserable, and that the simple things you say to others can really have an impact. In this case, a good one.

Watch the ad below: