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Visual effects (VFX) creator and influencer Mohamad Sofian Abdullah, better known on as Sofyank, went viral once again recently after he released a new video showcasing his creative talent.

The video was produced in collaboration with e-hailing and delivery service platform Grab to promote its curated in-app food guide and discovery feature, Grab 5-Star Eats.

Grab’s collaboration with Sofyank and his team is in support of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.

Created in Sofyank’s signature VFX style, with smooth and creative transitions that will make most content creators green with envy, the video showcases Malaysia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, modern urbanscapes, and natural wonders.

Part of the video highlights the Grab app’s feature to point users to the highest rated eateries all around the country.

“If you want to experience the beauty of the world, there’s no need to look far, Malaysia has many amazing destinations!

“When you’re exploring Malaysia, surely you’ll want to travel with satisfaction. With Grab 5-Star Eats, it’s easier to go around and look for the best food. To make things even better, Visit Malaysia Travel Pass 2026 is available to help travellers save more throughout their entire trip,” said the post caption.

@sofyank96 Malaysia ada apa eh? Kalau nak merasai keindahan flora dan kecantikan bumi, tak perlu cari tempat yang jauh, Malaysia pun banyak tempat-tempat menarik! Bila dah datang nak explore Malaysia, mestilah nak jalan puas-puas. Dengan Grab 5-Star Eats, lebih mudah nak bergerak ke sana sini dan cari makanan best. Lagi best, ada Visit Malaysia Travel Pass 2026 untuk bantu pelancong jimat lebih sepanjang trip 💚 #GrabBersamaMalaysia #visitmalaysia2026 ♬ original sound – Sofyank96

The video received high praise from Malaysians, with many saying that this is how the country’s tourism should be promoted.

“Hello Ministry of Tourism, this is how you promote Malaysia!” one TikTok user commented.

“This is far better than Tourism Malaysia’s video,” another user said, referring to the agency’s recently released promotional video of Citrawarna.

READ MORE: “Why Not Promote Malaysia?” Local Content Creator Gets Slammed For Making Singapore Tourism Video

Tourism Malaysia’s AI Citrawarna promotional video receives heavy criticism

While Grab’s video earned praises, the tourism ministry’s video to promote the upcoming Citrawarna 2026 — a major event that highlights Malaysia’s culture through traditional music, dance, storytelling, and food, received major backlash.

Although the video’s content aligns with the Citrawarna theme, many criticised the ministry for producing it using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

“The sheer lack of knowledge in promoting our Malaysian culture using AI is astounding. Don’t tell me years of archival footage of sights and sounds of the nation is not available to produce a stunning image of Malaysia? Using AI just goes to show that culture, history and humanity is not recognized.

“We have countless talented individuals in Malaysia to produce something absolutely unique but none of them are being utilized. Just look at @sofyank96 work. He alone with a team of talented can portray Malaysia, hiring a team of experienced players from the creative industry would have made this video better rather than using prompts for some AI slop.

“We are better than this, use our talents before the country loses out to other SEA countries,” said local standup comedian Prakash Daniel in the comments section.

Another Instagram user commented: “It’s ironic how you guys used AI to create something that is so human. Culture is meant to be shown through the history, art, food and everything else made by HUMANS. Stop using AI for every single thing please.”

Many also highlighted that Sofyank’s video with Grab should be the benchmark for the ministry to follow, while others voiced out concerns about the government’s preference towards using AI instead of hiring local talents to produce promotional material for Malaysia’s tourism industry.

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A post shared by Tourism Malaysia (@malaysia.truly.asia)

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