Malaysian influencer slammed for video promoting Singapore: 'Should promote Malaysia, bro'
A prominent Malaysian influencer has earned praise from Singaporeans for a one-minute clip promoting the city-state as a tourist destination — while drawing the ire of some of his compatriots who asked why he was not promoting his own country.
Kelantan-born Sofian Mohamad Sofian, better known as Sofyank, is one of Malaysia's top influencers and content creators, with more than a million Instagram followers. He won the Ultimate VFX Challenge in Los Angeles in 2023, a competition organised by American internet personality Zach King, and his work has often been compared with King's.
Sofyank's latest video, a collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), shows him visiting attractions such as Jewel Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay, as well as various eateries across the island.
It was shared on Instagram on Nov 29 and at press time, had garnered 21,963 reactions and 638 comments.
'What's wrong with you?'
Unsurprisingly, Singaporeans loved the clip.
"Thank you for showcasing the beautiful places in our country. I hope you continue to succeed," said one.
"As a singaporean [sic] from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this video to show singapore not [sic[ boring," said another.
However, netizens from Malaysia, already familiar with his prowess as a digital creator, were not as impressed. "Should promote Malaysia bro [sic]," said an Instagram user.
"After all this time [sic] he got awards here and there, didn't he bring the Malaysian name? What's wrong with you? What are you doing to make Malaysia proud? Weak," commented another.
Others recognised that it was a commercial collaboration, and felt Sofyank should have been offered a similar opportunity at home.
"He hasn't been acknowledged enough in Malaysia. Commercially.... @malaysia.truly.asia what are you guys doing?" asked an Instagram user.
"Don't be silly, why did Sofyank make the Singapore video? Does the Malaysian government want to hire him to make the video? No, right?" said another.
"The quality level is crazy. Proud of you bro. Keep it up!" said a Malaysian netizen.
Stomp has reached out to Sofyank and Tourism Malaysia for comment.
