What does “family” mean to you?
To some, the term “family” usually refers to biological family members such as a father, mother as well as siblings. But nowadays, the definition of “family” has grown to even include members outside of our immediate family. It is no longer defined by flesh and blood but it includes the people who we share a deep connection and a lifetime of memories with.
Thus, we’ve asked our fellow Malaysians to share some of the more unique definitions of what “family” means to them. Curious to know about the more unconventional concepts of “family”? Read on and see if you can relate to any of these heartwarming stories!
1. Loving someone deeply even though we’re not blood-related
“My Ma remarried when I was 15 and at first, I couldn’t accept my stepdad. I felt like I was cheating on my own father! But over time, I could see his sincere efforts in trying to love me. He paid for everything, cooked for me when Ma worked late, always picked me up from school on time and not once did he ever ask for anything in return.
When I went away to college, he told me, “you don’t need to call me Pa but I will always love you like my daughter.” It made me realise that, even though he’s not my biological father, he’s the best father I could ask for. Now that my Ma has passed away, I took it as my responsibility to take care of my Pa to repay him for everything that he has done for me.” – Shani, 24
2. Leaning on your loved ones through thick and thin
“Last year, I lost both my parents when I had just started my diploma. I was lost, confused and I felt like my world had stopped because I didn’t know who to turn to. My older sister is married with two kids so I thought she’d be too busy with her family to have any time for me.
I was so scared that I even looked for a part-time job so that I can afford my expenses. My sister found out and scolded me for being ridiculous! She said, “I promised Mama I’m going to take care of you as long as I breathe and that’s exactly what I will do!” Even though I’ve lost my parents, it has actually brought me closer to my sister and I’m so thankful to have her in my life. I might not be able to do much right now but once I start working, I promised myself to take care of her family just as she has taken care of me.” – Eva, 20
3. People who stood by me at my lowest point in life
“I lost my parents to a car accident when I was eight years old. I was too young to even process such a huge tragedy but my uncle was quick to take me in. He selflessly raised me just like his own even though he already has five children of his own.
Now that I’m older, I realised I basically owe my whole life to him. I’m just his nephew but he never let me feel left out and he provided for me. It pains me to see my ‘hero’ getting older and more fragile. But, it also motivates me to work harder so I can spend the rest of my life trying to repay my uncle’s good deeds by looking after him in his old age and providing everything that he needs, just as he did when I was younger.” – Afzal, 30
4. Where there is love, there is always family
“I was really lucky to grow up comfortably but it also came with a price; my parents were very hardworking people meaning they’d be away on weekdays working in KL while I’d be in Kedah with my Atuk and Nenek. My grandparents practically raised me during my childhood.
Even so, I’d never complain because my Atuk and Nenek raised me to become a fully functioning human being and I will forever be thankful for them. Now that I’m also working in KL, I’d go back to Kedah twice a month to check on them. I bring them to their checkups, I try to repair the broken things in their home, and I even pay for their bills. I don’t mind spending my whole paycheck on them because they deserve nothing less!” – Zaimi, 27
From these stories alone, it’s evident that all these families have one thing in common – their definition of “family” runs beyond blood! This just goes to show that our “chosen family” is just as important as our biological ones which is why we need to look out for all of our loved ones, regardless of our connections with them. Whether it be financial help, making sure they’re insured, or just being a listening ear, there’s plenty we can do to give back, and we don’t have to do it alone! ?
In fact, insurance providers like Prudential also share the belief that families can and do come in all shapes and sizes. This is why they have launched their new “Made For Every Family” campaign where they are extending the insurable interests beyond spouses, children and legal guardians. Wow!!!
Staying true to their role as Malaysians’ trusted life partner, Prudential makes protecting our families more convenient by extending their coverage to include extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, siblings, cousins and more!
By creating innovative solutions to close the protection gap among Malaysians and make it more accessible and inclusive to all types of families out there, many people will be able to benefit from Prudential’s initiative so everyone can protect all of their loved ones with all their means. Furthermore, this step will ease the process of assigning the absolute beneficiary which can ensure a hassle-free path for Malaysians to take care of their family members.
We definitely applaud Prudential’s efforts in taking that extra step to allow Malaysians to better protect their loved ones so that everyone can live with confidence! In fact, Prudential has also done a myriad of things to help Malaysians get the best of their lives by providing total pandemic protection, precision medicine coverage, auto annual limit increasing of medical coverage, and even assisting Malaysians to stay healthy with their Pulse app.
And now, Prudential is allowing Malaysians to share their very own definition of family by joining this special Famvatar Contest where Malaysians can stand a chance to win up to RM40,000 worth of prizes! Here’s how to join:
Step 1: Customise your family avatar using Prudential’s Famvatar platform. Submit your details to download the Bonus Stickers and be the first 100 users to win RM200 worth of Travel Vouchers. Make sure to customise each avatar to really match your family members!
Step 2: Download the Pulse by Prudential app. Head on to “My Communities” and join the “Live Happy” community. Post your bonus Famvatar stickers to the “Live Happy” community and include your answer of “What does family mean to you?” in the caption and include the hashtag “#MadeForEveryFamily” in your post title. The first 100 submissions in the Pulse app will win an additional RM100 worth of Travel Vouchers.
Step 3: Stand a chance to also win the Grand Prize* (Family Portrait Photography worth RM10,000) when you share your Famvatar Bonus Stickers on Prudential’s Facebook page (the comment section) and/or Instagram feed and include your answer to the question “What does family mean to you?” in the caption. Don’t forget to tag @prudentialmalaysia and include the hashtags #PRUFamvatarMY and #MadeForEveryFamily in your caption as well!
Once you’ve downloaded the stickers, you can share them on WhatsApp to use with your loved ones!
The Grand Prize winner will be determined based on the creativity of their post and caption so go all out, okay! And remember, for the Travel Vouchers, the fastest 100 submissions will automatically win so make sure to head to the website now!
If you have any questions about Prudential’s new extended family coverage, simply visit their website here.
