A Malaysian film inspired by the country's football history is being used to strengthen cultural ties between Fiji and Malaysia, with TISA Insurance and the Malaysian High Commission hosting a Malaysian Film Night and Dialogue at the Novotel Hotel in Lami.
The event featured a screening of Ola Bola, a Malaysian film about football in the 1980s, and brought together members of the Malaysian community in Fiji, business representatives, government officials and friends of Malaysia.
TISA Insurance CEO David Chan says the movie highlights team spirit, people coming together to achieve a common goal, working well together and the spirit of unity.
Chan says these are values TISA Insurance is proud of, having served Fijians for close to 39 years through medical, home, business, term life and motor insurance.
He says the first-of-its-kind event provides an opportunity for people in Fiji to learn more about Malaysian culture and how football can bring people together.
Chan says insurance also plays a very important role in the community and society, as it brings peace of mind to people knowing that TISA Insurance and other insurance companies will be there to support them when they are needed most.
He has also thanked the Malaysian High Commission for working together with TISA Insurance to bring the movie to the people of Fiji.
Meanwhile, Charge d'Affaires of the Malaysian High Commission in Suva, Ahmad Faizal Hilmi says the programme, known in Malaysia as Program Diaspora Rakyat Malaysia, was organised by Chan to bring together Malaysians living in Fiji, particularly in Suva, with members of the business community, government representatives, colleagues and friends of Malaysia.
Hilmi says there are around 40 Malaysians living in Fiji, and the main goal of the event is to bridge cultural understanding between Malaysians and Fijians.
He says Ola Bola is inspired by true events surrounding the Malaysian football team's qualification for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
Hilmi, who assumed his role in Fiji in August, says Fiji has been very welcoming to him.
He also invited Fijians to spend their year-end holidays in Malaysia as part of the country's Visit Malaysia 2026 programme.
He says visitors can enjoy Malaysia's multicultural heritage, food and eco-tourism, as well as its many beautiful islands.
