MALAYSIA’s first AI-powered animated short film focusing on mental health awareness was launched today at Sentral College Penang, showcasing how technology can play a part in promoting mental wellbeing.
The film, titled ‘The Colour Thief,’ is a joint effort by Kode Digital Sdn Bhd, Befrienders Penang, and Sentral College Penang.
Madam Tan Lean Kee, the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and the chief guest at the launch, highlighted that the initiative is timely and important, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for mental and emotional well-being.
“In today’s fast-paced world, mental health challenges are growing, yet open discussions are still limited due to stigma and misunderstanding.
“This is why awareness, education, and compassion are essential and initiatives like the animated film are so vital.
“ ‘The Colour Thief’ is an innovative approach, to communicate complex emotions and difficult experiences in a manner that is accessible, engaging, and relatable.
“This (animation) is a medium that connects with people of all ages and backgrounds, and can inspire meaningful conversations in our homes, schools, and workplaces,” Tan said.
Tan who is also the patron of Befrienders sent a strong message in her speech, urging everyone to build a society where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
She also lauded Sentral College Penang for encouraging students to take an active role in social advocacy.
“This project shows how education can go beyond academics to develop socially responsible and empathetic future leaders.
“I also commend Kode Digitals for your creativity and technical expertise, and Befrienders Penang for your steadfast commitment to mental health support and suicide prevention,” Tan added.
Meanwhile, Sentral College Penang chief executive and principal Dr Chiang Geok Lian expressed hope that the series will raise awareness of the mental wellness challenges many Malaysians face daily.
Sharing the hard reality, Dr Chiang said that a truly healthy community is one where mental well-being is acknowledged, discussed, and supported. Yet for many, mental health remains a private struggle, often faced quietly and alone.
She is optimistic that the Healthcare Awareness Animated Series, ‘The Colour Thief’, can help build emotional resilience by sharing stories that people can relate to.
“Most importantly, we hope it encourages people to seek support and reminds them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“We chose animation because it feels safe, crosses language and cultural barriers, simplifies complex emotions, and creates space for conversations that might otherwise feel too difficult whether at home, at work, or among friends,” Dr Chiang said.
Dr Chiang also believes that if these stories were told in the right way, they could connect, comfort, and maybe even encourage someone to reach out when they need help.
Befrienders Penang chairman Saras Pillay stressed that it is okay not to be okay, that emotions are real, struggles are valid, and help is always available.
“Somebody out there needs to be heard, understood, and cared for. This animation gives a voice to those who cannot express their thoughts in words.
“Seeking support must be encouraged and normalised, as it is not a sign of weakness but of victory.
“It is the moment one turns towards healing instead of hiding, because no one can walk this path alone. Reaching out to Befrienders can be the first step towards healing.
“Befrienders offers confidential emotional support, as well as educational and community outreach programmes. The animation carries the message that every life matters and every voice deserves to be heard,” Saras added.
Kode Digitals Sdn Bhd Sales and Marketing Director Willy Tan shared that instead of viewing AI as a replacement for humans, we should embrace its creative use to improve processes and efficiency.
“Through this project, we demonstrated how AI can break new ground in creativity and enhance our work rather than replace it. I would like to stress that while AI has great potential to improve our work, it will not replace human creativity.
“I hope everyone here is inspired to find ways to use AI in all aspects of life, from work to play,” Willy Tan said.
Sunway Medical Centre Penang resident consultant psychiatrist Dr Poh Yih Chew said the short film is not merely an AI animation, but a powerful reflection of what many people quietly experience every day.
“As a psychiatrist, I see individuals like this daily. They go to work, they smile, and they fulfil their responsibilities. However inside, something has changed.
“There is less joy, less energy, and less motivation. Often, they cannot explain what is wrong. Like the character portrayed, they may not realise that something has gradually been taken away from them.
“This is one of the greatest challenges in mental health,you cannot seek help for something you do not recognise.
“That is why what we witnessed today is so powerful. Emotions that are difficult to describe in medical terms can be immediately understood through visuals, storytelling, and human connection,” he added.
Sentral College Penang’s Echo Media Club president, Foong Yu Ling, on behalf of the students, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the project, noting that they gained valuable and meaningful experience.
Foong also gave the overview of the project and Background of collaboration, project process, and students’ involvement.
The Colour Thief can be viewed on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/QSdTzyL8FH8?feature=shared.
Befrienders Penang can be contacted at 04-2910100 or on WhatsApp at 011‑5670 6261. To stay updated on their programmes, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzVLiu1Av/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud