Patriotic Content Must Get Creative to Reach Gen Z

Patriotic messages will struggle to reach Malaysia’s Gen Z unless creators present them in the language of social media, influencer Wan Nur Aqilah Shahirah Wan Lokman said.

The 27-year-old recommended short videos, humor, music and real-life experiences instead of conventional approaches. She said platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Threads give creators room to present patriotism through current trends.

“Content creators can build pride in the country by using casual language, short videos, humor, music and real-life experiences,” she told Utusan Malaysia. She offered patriotic-song transition videos as one example, saying they could attract attention and spark pride whenever viewers hear those songs.

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Content creators can build pride in the country by using casual language, short videos, humor, music and real-life experiences.

Wan Nur Aqilah said entertainment content remains more popular among Gen Z because it feels relaxed and spreads easily. Patriotic material can still find an audience, she said, when it connects with everyday life and uses creative presentation.

She identified local food, the cultures of Malaysia’s different communities, regional accents, interesting places and Malaysians’ success stories as themes likely to attract social-media users. She also said history could appeal to younger viewers through short videos, animation or storytelling that is simple and engaging.

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For Gen Z, the content closest to their hearts is culture, food and inspiring stories about Malaysians.