Cover Photojournalist Annice Lyn
Photojournalist Annice Lyn
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Stepping behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayenne, photojournalist Annice Lyn hits the road to explore the sights of Malaysia
Intrepid photojournalist Annice Lyn, who had been assigned to photograph the Winter and Summer Olympic Games, recently went on a road trip in a Porsche Cayenne to discover cultural and heritage sights in Perak and Kuala Lumpur.
Among the places she visited was the archaeological site of Lenggong Valley that is believed to have been inhabited for two million years, one of the longest records of early man in a single locality, and the oldest outside the African continent, according to Unesco. The area reveals cultural remains from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Metal ages. She also made a stop at the fishing village of Kuala Sepetang, which was fondly known as Port Weld, before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
In cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, Lyn chose to stick to cultural landmarks, including Rumah Tangsi, the former mansion of Loke Chow Kit, Sentul Depot which once operated as a large railway engineering workshops, and creative hub Zhongshan Building.
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Above Annice Lyn sets off on her road trip in the Porsche Cayenne
Annice Lyn sets off on her road trip in the Porsche Cayenne
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Lyn shares with Tatler her journey. The following Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Before your departure, what did you want to discover about Malaysia?
The initial idea was to rediscover my roots as a Malaysian and hopefully inspire other Malaysians out there to do the same. I embark on an adventure by taking the road less traveled to discover the hidden gems of Malaysia such as redeveloped heritage sites and immersing myself in local culture.
We often think the grass is greener on the other side. The truth is, the grass is greener where we choose to water it. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt through the global pandemic is appreciating what you have; in this case, the beauty of our country, Malaysia.
I wanted to capture authentic depictions of people and landscapes. Through this, I’m able to share my personal experiences that have opened my heart, broadened my mind, and filled my life with stories.
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You went to Lenggong Valley and Kuala Sepetang in Perak as well as some heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur. How did you choose where you wanted to go?
These are routes I had chanced upon on past assignments. I revisited restored old heritage sites to rekindle the fond memories, along with the extraordinary encounters of those who shared their life stories and experiences with me. One of the locations I hold dear in my heart is Zhongshan Building. It is where I felt most humbled and know that anything is possible through the communities that have been a colossal part of shaping me as a photojournalist.
Then there is Lenggong Valley, an area of great archaeological significance that reveals traces of Malaysia's ancient history. Little did we know that this is actually right in our own backyard!
Gua Kajang in Lenggong Valley
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What were some of your favourite moments?
Some of my favourite moments would be feeling the breeze while enjoying the scenic greenery, meeting the friendly locals and be welcomed by the communities. On the way to Kuala Sepetang, I came across a local vendor in Taiping, on my way to Kuala Sepetang. The way he welcomed me with his cheerful greeting and bright smile warmed my heart.
What did you learn about Malaysia?
I think the more I learn about Malaysia, the less I know. I believe that in every excursion, you learn something new. Traveling teaches you about your world, to learn and relearn. It allows you to be shaped, transformed by a place. It teaches you about yourself, your strength, your ability to think on your feet, compassion towards others, openness, your confidence, and your connections with what’s around you.
We often long to travel to exotic places in other corners of the world but there’s something about Malaysia that deserves a second look to uncover possibilities to explore, revealing roads and trails of our nation, and sharing with others to appreciate what’s around us, be it here in the peninsular or in East Malaysia.
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"The grass is greener where we choose to water it."
Above One of the best things about travel in getting to know the local community
One of the best things about travel in getting to know the local community
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How has this experience deepened your love for Malaysia?
As a photojournalist, I believe that imagery has a voice, with the ability to narrate the past and to construct the future that is visible to transform and empower the community and future generation. There’s a saying: “Great photography requires steadiness of hand and heart”.
There is no limit, hence I’d like to encourage everyone especially women photographers to break barriers and take on the exploration where you’ll find endless possibilities.
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Porsche
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
