PHOTOJOURNALIST and former national figure skater Annice Lyn is no stranger to blazing her own trail.
From a young age, she honed her passion for figure skating into a professional career and afterward traded her skates for cameras, standing out as a sports documentary photographer and visual storyteller.
Now, the Forbes 30 Under 30 alumna traverses a new path with a fellow trailblazer — exploring obscure and beautiful landscapes across Peninsular Malaysia with the RM575,000 Cayenne, the first Porsche model to be assembled outside of continental Europe.
An ardent believer in the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words", Annice embarked on a nationwide journey through redeveloped heritage sites and immersed herself in local culture to capture unfiltered and authentic depictions of people and landscapes.
Unleashing possibilities
Annice began her journey by making a beeline out of the city.
"I still get excited every time I travel, even if it is now part of my work. Once hard concrete expanses give way to rolling forestry, I am filled with a sense of freedom and wonder — embracing me like an old friend," she said.
Up, and slightly to the left from Kuala Lumpur, the 340hp Cayenne was eagerly unleashed on winding, hilly roads until asphalt ended and the dirt began.
The unique Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) of the Cayenne cushioned the bumps capably, regardless of terrain, until the car arrived at a unique tunnel-like entrance with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites.
This was Gua Kajang, near the Unesco heritage site of Lenggong Valley, an area of great archaeological significance that revealed traces of Malaysia's ancient history.
"Through projects that I've been a part of, I discovered a hidden gem in Lenggong Valley. With so much history to uncover and so many possibilities to explore, it offers a surreal sense of escape into a different world," said Annice.
Fuelling up with local tales
On the road again, a local vendor selling various knick-knacks flashed a bright and cheerful smile her way. Annice was instantly transported to her childhood days, rekindling memories when such vendors were a common sight across Malaysia.
She was on her way to Kuala Sepetang, a picturesque fishing village formerly known as Port Weld, and the quiet roads punctuated by road signs and the occasional street-side store offered Annice a chance to reflect on the philosophy of mindfulness and gratitude for the simpler pleasures in life.
In an idyllic setting that exuded kampung-chic, Annice met the locals and listened to the stories surrounding their culture, and the importance of preserving traditions to last for generations to come.
"The friendly locals welcomed and invited me to learn the traditional art of mat weaving. It is such an intricate process, and the attention to detail is second to none. Handcrafted by the locals, each mat is unique and resembles the personalisation of the Cayenne: tailored to every individual."
New breath of life
Back to the comfort driving mode in the Cayenne, Annice made a detour to the Kuala Lumpur city centre on the return leg of the trip.
These days, the capital was more well-known for its skyscrapers and teeming nightlife but, if one bothered to look, there were plenty of historic sites to explore as well.
Located off Merdeka Square, Rumah Tangsi was a beautifully restored heritage mansion distinctively recognisable thanks to its colonial buttercream-coloured façade.
Completed in 1905, the once-townhouse for the renowned businessman Loke Chow Kit was now a contemporary hub for the arts.
Just 10 minutes away, another reinvigorated building awaited. The 112-year-old Sentul Depot was, for a time, one of the largest railway engineering workshops in the world, housing the most advanced locomotives and railway carriages.
Today, engineering of a different kind was taking place within its walls, as creators from all over Malaysia displayed their wares at weekend makers' markets.
"As a visual storyteller, I believe that photography is a tool that allows me to capture the present and preserve the past. I'm glad that these historical sites are given the appreciation they deserve, and the community is able to breathe new life and purpose into these century-old buildings."
Creative arts, cultural hub
The last stop on Annice's journey was the refurbished Zhong Shan building, which was a testament to the country's emerging arts scene.
Built in the 1950s, the building was home to the likes of art collectives, letterpress printers, independent booksellers and underground musicians.
The narrow corridors were peppered with deep conversations and unbridled passion for the various trades that are plied here.
Annice explored a contemporary letterpress stationer, the Alphabet Press.
"Although hand-applied printing is a traditional technique used centuries ago, the fine craftsmanship results in meticulous works that exude a sense of understated elegance. This is not unlike the intricate detail inside the Cayenne, where fine materials and exquisite craftsmanship is also on subtle display."
As Annice made her way back to the Cayenne, she was overcome with gratitude.
"This place gives me a sense of belonging and a strong connection to it. I have worked here for more than three years, and this feels like coming home.
"Rediscovering my roots as a Malaysian, this adventure with the Cayenne gave me a different point of view and I can't wait to share it."
