Watsons MY’s star-studded CNY film puts a fun twist on family reunions

Watsons Malaysia is kicking off the 2026 Chinese New Year season with its #HappyBeautifulYear campaign, centered on reunion, togetherness, and abundance. The campaign theme, "Watsons大团圆，过靓年" ('A grand reunion, a wonderful year'), aims to capture the joy of family gatherings and festive celebrations.

The campaign launches with a vibrant six-minute festive film directed by Sabrina Goh of Reservoir Production, which blends heartfelt moments with humour and lively chaos to reflect the true spirit of reunion.

Watsons Ambassador and social media influencer Phei Yong leads the cast, joined by Hong Kong actress Maria Cordero and local celebrity friends including Jinnyboy, celebrity model Amber Chia, Han Xiiao Aii, the Kuan siblings (Mskuan, Jestinna Kuan, Perry Kuan), Jobroseph, and Sai of Wabikong TV. 

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The Cantonese film opens on a family preparing for Chinese New Year, debating whether the matriarch’s younger sister will join the celebrations. A car soon pulls up, bringing the sister and her family. As the siblings reunite, the story seamlessly shifts into a traditional Cantonese-style musical, underscored by familiar instruments and melodies synonymous with classic Chinese New Year films.

Not long after, a playful clash unfolds between the two households. The families compete over whose dishes are best, who holds the most influence and who cuts the sharpest figure, trading cheeky banter in poetic, lyrical Cantonese. Comedic turns from Phei Yong, Jobroseph, Jinnyboy, and the Kuan Siblings are expected, but Amber Chia’s performance brought a refreshing twist to the film.

The rivalry pauses when a Watsons delivery rider arrives, bringing festive products for the women, while the men engage in a dance-off to prove their skills. The two matriarchs eventually step in, ending the feuds and reminding everyone of the true meaning of family. The film closes with both families singing the Watsons Chinese New Year song in harmony, cementing the spirit of togetherness.

Staying aligned with its purpose of “Look good, do good, feel great”, Watsons extended festive goodwill to the community, donating essential items to 16 welfare homes and spending time with the elderly at Yi Xing USJ Old Folks Home. The initiative reflects the brand’s focus on human connection as a meaningful gift during the season.

Alongside the campaign, Watsons is running promotions for shoppers, including 50% off and an instant RM18 discount on select cosmetics, bath, oral care, haircare, skincare, and health supplements with a minimum spend of RM18, valid until 2 March 2026. Happy Beautiful Gift Hampers are also up to 50% off.

Watsons Club members stand to win 1,288,888 points daily with RM50 purchases via VISA cards in-store or online, while Elite members receive double entries. Additional gifts for members with RM80 purchases include angpao packets ('red packets'), Happy Beautiful giant paperbags, Spring Festival tote bags, and induction hot pots, available while stocks last.

“Chinese New Year is a season that brings families together, and at Watsons, we are honoured to be part of our customers’ festive traditions each year. This season, our #HappyBeautifulYear2026 campaign is all about celebrating togetherness through our brand film, exciting promotions, festive gifts, and special member rewards,” said Caryn Loh, managing director of Watsons Malaysia and chief operating officer, health and beauty Asia, AS Watson Group.

Loh also noted that Chinese New Year is a time for gratitude and giving, and at Watsons, the festive season is most meaningful when care is extended to those who need it most. She said the initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to supporting communities and making a positive impact wherever possible.

In tandem, Danny Hoh, chief operating officer at Watsons Malaysia said, “Whether shopping in-store or online, our customers can look forward to great value, meaningful rewards, and a more enjoyable shopping experience this festive season. Through our #HappyBeautifulYear2026 campaign, we aim to make the celebrations more rewarding for our customers while continuing to deliver accessible health and beauty solutions for all."

The focus on reunion and celebration extends beyond Watsons, with other brands also leaning into Chinese New Year festivities. Earlier this week, MR D.I.Y. Malaysia launched a festive web film that swaps the traditional reunion dinner table for an ancient court inspired by the legendary Justice Pao. Titled 'The Family Trial 2: Storm of Reunion', the approximately 10-minute web film anchors the brand’s Chinese New Year campaign, blending humour, emotion and cultural nostalgia to explore themes of family, reconciliation and unspoken sacrifice.

The film stars award-winning Hong Kong TVB actor Kenneth Ma Kwok-ming, continuing the brand’s tradition of telling relatable, family-centric stories drawn from everyday Malaysian life. Set against the backdrop of a quirky ancient courtroom, the story opens with two brothers locked in a dramatic dispute, their grievances laid bare through witty exchanges and exaggerated accusations. 

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