This Harvest Festival season, Pepsi Malaysia is taking cultural celebrations to a whole new level with the launch of PEPSI FM, a first-of-its-kind unified radio experience connecting Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia through music, storytelling, and shared traditions.
Organised by Etika in collaboration with ERA Sabah, ERA Sarawak, Cats FM, and Kupi-Kupi FM, the special broadcast carried the theme “Dari Frekuensi ke Hati, Happy Gawai Kaamatan,” bringing together communities across East Malaysia in one shared festive experience.
PEPSI FM Connects Communities Through Culture and Music
For one special day, participating radio stations across Sabah and Sarawak transformed into PEPSI FM, creating a shared platform where music, stories, conversations, and cultural experiences flowed seamlessly across regions.
Listeners enjoyed a vibrant mix of local hits, East Malaysian favourites, and traditional-inspired Kaamatan and Gawai songs, accompanied by heartfelt dedications, cultural discussions, and community shoutouts that reflected the spirit of the Harvest Festival season.
The broadcast also highlighted the cultural richness and diversity of East Malaysia through specially curated segments exploring traditional harvest attire and heritage symbols. Audiences were introduced to meaningful cultural touchpoints including Unduk Ngadau and Kumang Gawai, two iconic celebrations closely associated with Kaamatan and Gawai traditions.
Celebrating Heritage Through Storytelling
One of the standout elements of PEPSI FM was its series of live interviews featuring artists, cultural advocates, and local personalities.
Among the featured guests was Alena Murang, who shared her efforts in preserving Bornean heritage through music performed in endangered Kenyah and Kelabit languages. She also discussed her mission to bring indigenous culture from Borneo to international audiences.
The broadcast further featured appearances by Pepsi anthem stars Mary Grace, Rezza Shah, Ramless Walter, and Dabra Sia, who shared behind-the-scenes stories about the making of Pepsi’s festive anthem and music video.
Through multilingual segments and local dialect features, the programme successfully created a shared on-air celebration that resonated deeply with listeners across East Malaysia.
Pepsi Continues Supporting East Malaysian Identity
According to Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing at Etika, Pepsi’s Harvest Festival campaigns have evolved into more than just festive promotions.
She explained that the celebrations now serve as a platform to celebrate identity, connection, and the unique stories that define Sabah and Sarawak.
This year’s introduction of PEPSI FM reflects Pepsi’s effort to make Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations more contemporary and accessible while preserving their cultural significance.
Amy also highlighted the return of Pepsi’s annual limited-edition Harvest Festival cans, designed exclusively for the Malaysian market.
What makes the cans particularly meaningful is that they were created by East Malaysians for East Malaysians, ensuring the designs genuinely reflect local heritage and traditions.
Limited-Edition Harvest Festival Cans Inspired by Borneo
The 2026 Pepsi Harvest cans were co-created with local artists Mohamad Faizullah Ermi bin Herman and Shirly Wong, alongside cultural storytellers Charles Mawan and Daphne Siaw.
Inspired by traditional Dayak and Murut motifs, the can designs transform an everyday beverage into a cultural keepsake celebrating unity, heritage, and the spirit of “home” across Borneo.
The limited-edition cans are now available in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Sabah and Sarawak, as well as nationwide through Etika’s online platforms.
“Dua Budaya, Satu Nadi” Mini-Drama Expands the Celebration
Complementing the PEPSI FM experience, Pepsi also launched a three-episode mini-drama series titled “Dua Budaya, Satu Nadi” (Two Cultures, One Pulse).
Premiering on TV Sabah official digital platforms, the series follows the story of Sunduan from Sabah and Dayu from Sarawak as they navigate cultural traditions, friendships, and shared experiences during the Harvest season.
The short-form series reflects the wider spirit of Kaamatan and Gawai by exploring how different cultures can come together through understanding, celebration, and connection.
On-Ground Activations Across Malaysia
Beyond radio and digital storytelling, Pepsi is also bringing the Harvest celebrations directly to communities through a series of on-ground activations across Malaysia.
The campaign includes appearances at key Kaamatan and Gawai events featuring interactive booths, festive activities, and exclusive merchandise such as limited-edition Pepsi Harvest canvas bags, hand fans, and Pepsi Zero Sugar LTO cans.
The celebrations began with the Jelajah Kaamatan Roadshow across Sabah, including stops in Papar, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Pitas, and Tambunan before concluding at KDCA Penampang on 30 and 31 May.
In Peninsular Malaysia, Pepsi is also participating in the Borneo Native Festival at Central Market, while Sarawak celebrations will continue throughout June in Kampung Ta’ee, Betong, and Kuching.
Festive Collaborations With Popular Food Brands
Pepsi is further extending the festive spirit through collaborations with popular restaurant brands including The Chicken Rice Shop, Domino’s Pizza, Uncle Bob, and Jollibee.
Customers who purchase selected meals with Pepsi beverages at participating outlets nationwide can redeem exclusive limited-edition Pepsi merchandise while stocks last.
Through PEPSI FM, cultural storytelling, music, and community experiences, Pepsi Malaysia continues to celebrate the vibrant traditions and shared identity of East Malaysia in a meaningful and modern way this Harvest Festival season.
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