Kuala Lumpur, 9 March 2026 – Conceptualised by its long-time creative partner, THE SHOUT GROUP (FCB SHOUT), RHB’s 2026 Raya film titled ‘Ruang Harapan’ (Hope) goes beyond the usual festive tropes to tell a deeply moving story of compassion, courage and above all, the transformative power of education.
Inspired by the true story of Siti Rahayu Baharin, the founder of Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK), the film chronicles the humble beginnings of what would become a vital refuge for marginalised children in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 2015, BJCK began as a simple cart filled with books along the gritty back alleys of Chow Kit, an area once considered to be a red-light district and a haunt for vagrants. Today, BJCK stands as a thriving alternative learning centre that provides free education, a safe space and nutritious meals to underprivileged, homeless and often undocumented children, many of whom would otherwise have been left behind by the system.
‘Hope’ dramatises the founding years of BJCK, capturing the uncertainty, resistance and discrimination that Siti and her students endured in their early days. From scepticism and societal prejudice to logistical struggles and limited resources, the film reveals the emotional and social barriers that had to be overcome before BJCK could flourish into the bustling institution it is today. At its heart, the narrative reflects how one woman’s selfless decision to open her heart – and her knowledge – created opportunities for countless children to rewrite their futures. What began as a cart of books soon became an open door to dignity, hope and possibility.
Commenting on the campaign, Abdul Sani Abdul Murad, Group Chief Marketing Officer of RHB Bank, said, “Education and knowledge are among the few forces in this world that truly do not discriminate. 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. 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.”
Sharing the thinking behind the film, Tjer, Executive Creative Director of THE SHOUT GROUP, said, “Hari Raya open houses are beautiful because they symbolise generosity. 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.”
Launched on 4 March 2026, ‘Ruang Harapan’ marks another chapter in RHB’s commitment to telling authentic, purpose-driven festive stories rooted in real Malaysians and real progress. The film is now airing across all of RHB’s official social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X.
