Slowly But Surely
To me, starting small is often the key to reaching big milestones. Each small wins and even losses along the way felt like a stepping stone towards something greater. It was a reminder to keep pushing, to keep striving for excellence. Here are some of my most memorable moments along my journey!
YONGL ft Kinta Valley Watch : Eating The Hills
It all started back in April with my viral Facebook and Instagram post about the disappearing Ipoh's mountains catching the attention of Suma Orientalis gallery founder. To be honest, this opportunity to do a solo show here feels incredible after a decade of doing art without local galleries' recognition (other than the Nando's which I earned it) No shortcut! I'm truly thankful for the chance to showcase my artworks here and for Sophia's guidance. I'm also grateful to my team for handling our client projects while I travel back and forth to Perak in pursuit of the truth.
2023
Team Achievement
I gathered a group of talented individuals and formed a team in the midst of the pandemic. I guided and mentored them as they worked hard to hone their skills for various competitions. Despite the challenges, their hard work and dedication paid off and they emerged victorious. It was a rewarding experience to see these individuals come together and achieve success, and I'm proud to have been a part of their journey!
2023
Survived Pandemic & Lockdowns
The pandemic caught everyone off guard - no one saw it coming. As lockdowns disrupted everything, I found myself struggling to survive financially. But in the midst of this adversity, I decided to persevere and continued looking for new opportunities and projects. It wasn't easy, but with hard work and determination, I was able to make progress and begin to build something new.
2020-2022
London International Creative Competition Official Selection - Professional Category
I entered my collaboration project with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia into the competition and super thrilled to be selected as an official selection for the professional category. It was an honor to have the work recognized at an international level and to be counted among the other talented professionals in the competition.
2020
Fine Art Photography Awards 3rd Place - Photomanipulation Professional Category
Participating in an international professional competition for the first time, I entered the photo manipulation category and was thrilled to win third place with an artwork I created in Penang Island before the beginning of pandemic. The artwork featured a moon as a symbol of hope.
2019-2020
Adobe Design Achievement Awards Photography Top Talent
Winning this award was a life-changing experience, as it not only enabled me to travel to the United States for the first time in my life, but also secured my visa and first flight to Los Angeles, all sponsored by Adobe. The entire experience was surreal, and attending the conference taught me a lot of valuable skills and knowledge that changed my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have meet so many other talented professionals in my field. This award and the experience it brought will always hold a special place in my heart.
2019
Madrid Unleash Conference Guest Speaker
I had the opportunity to give my first-ever international speech in Madrid, with the aim of inspiring the youth there. This was also my first time traveling to Europe, and I was grateful that my journey to Madrid was sponsored by Pangea company. During the flight, I took the opportunity to practice my speech and to prepare for the big day. It was an incredible experience to be able to share my message with a global audience, and I hope to continue to inspire and motivate others through my work and speeches.
2018
Nando's Art Initiative Digital Art Solo Exhibition "Hope & Despair"
My first solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, titled "Hope & Despair," was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. Not only did I sell a few of my artworks, which gave me the financial boost I needed to kickstart my freelance journey, but I was also grateful for Nando's company for sponsoring the venue and helping with the setup. The exhibition was a reflection of my creative vision and my passion for art. The experience taught me the importance of taking risks and pursuing my dreams, and I'm grateful for the support and encouragement I received along the way.
2017
Multimedia University Graduate
I'm grateful that my entire university experience was sponsored by a scholarship, which allowed me to focus on my creative development without the burden of financial stress. I graduated from Multimedia University with a bachelor's degree in Animation & Visual Effects! While I was offered the opportunity to continue on to a master's degree and work as an assistant lecturer, I ultimately decided to strike out on my own!
2017
Made it to the cover of DigitalSLR Photography Magazine
My creative self-portrait photo was featured on the cover of DigitalSLR Photography magazine, despite having been shot many years earlier. Although it took some time for the photo to be discovered by the magazine, the recognition was no less sweet! The experience taught me the value of persistence and dedication, and that sometimes our efforts are rewarded in unexpected and meaningful ways.
2017
Malaysia Nottingham University Incitement Guest Speaker
I gave my first-ever speech at Nottingham University Malaysia Campus, and while it was nerve-wracking, I managed to deliver it smoothly and inspire the students there. It was a significant moment for me as I had to force myself out of my comfort zone to speak in front of a small audience. The experience taught me the importance of pushing through my fears and doubts to achieve my goals!
2016
Sony World Photography Awards Youth Photographer of The Year
My first-ever airplane flight was to London, United Kingdom to receive this award and it was sponsored by the World Photography Organisation. It was also my first time stepping into an airport alone and embarking on a solo journey to a destination so far from Malaysia. The experience was truly mind-opening, as I was able to explore new cultures, meet new people, and gain new perspectives on the world.
2015
Nando's Art Initiative Digital Art Grand Prize
After two attempts, I finally won the grand prize in the digital art category, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. As a result of my win, I was given the opportunity to do a solo exhibition, which is set to take place in two years' time. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the prize-giving ceremony due to a university exam, but I was still grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work.
2015
Tropfest South East Asia Film Festival Top 10 Finalist
I entered my first-ever short film into a regional competition, and I was thrilled to be shortlisted as one of the top 10 finalists. As one of the youngest finalists, I didn't win the competition, but the experience taught me a lot and allowed me to learn from other talented finalists from all around South East Asia in the industry.
2015
Nikon Photo Contest Generation N Award
My first-ever creative portrait shot, which I achieved with the help of my friends for university assignment, won the Generation N award, and as a prize, I received my first Nikon camera. However, instead of using the camera, I made the decision to sell it and use the money to purchase a motorcycle instead. While it may have been an unconventional choice, the experience taught me that sometimes taking risks and making bold choices can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
2014-2015
Vision Petron National Art Contest Student Category 3rd Prize
Being awarded third place in a student photography competition and having my photo exhibited in the National Art Gallery was a significant moment for me. It gave me the confidence and motivation to continue entering contests. The experience demonstrated that pursuing one's creative interests can also be profitable.
2014
DigitalSLR Camera Magazine Contest Monthly Winner
Before entering bigger contests, I started by participating in small magazine and newspaper contests. Winning one of these small magazine contests was significant as I was awarded a camera bag which I still use to this day. The camera bag serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication I have put into pursuing my passion for photography, and the value of taking small steps to achieve larger goals.
2014
The Star Education Fund Scholarship Award - MMU Cyberjaya
Receiving a scholarship from The Star Education Fund for my foundation & degree in Animation & Visual Effects was a crucial moment in my life. The scholarship allowed me to move to Cyberjaya, where I began my creative journey. I was able to concentrate on honing my creative skills without worrying about financial constraints. This experience taught me the importance of pursuing my passions and the value of financial stability and support in achieving my goals. The scholarship was a transformative experience that enabled me to focus on my education and develop my creative abilities!
2013
SPM Straight As
During my high school years, I wanted to pursue art but had to study science due to the system. My Form 3 teacher told me that drawing had no future, and I was devastated. However, I continued to follow what I'm good at and believed that it would lead me to great heights. When my parents couldn't afford to pay for my tertiary education, I forced myself to study hard to secure a scholarship. I believe that we have the power to control our own lives and choose the path we take.
2012
Dedicated to my mother & grandparents