Text by Corina Tan
Embarking on a journey across Malaysia, former national figure skater turned photojournalist and visual storyteller Annice Lyn, explores redeveloped heritage sites and immerses in local culture with the Porsche Cayenne, the first Porsche model to be assembled outside of continental Europe. Exploring obscure and beautiful landscapes to capture unfiltered and authentic depictions of people and places, Annice’s experience is depicted through her love for visual art.
Making a beeline out of the city to the north and slightly left from Kuala Lumpur, the 340hp-Cayenne is eagerly unleashed on winding, hilly roads until it asphalts ends and dirt begins. The Cayenne’s unique PASM-equipped suspension cushions the bumps capably, regardless of terrain, until the car arrives at a unique tunnel-like entrance with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites.
Gua Kajang, near the UNESCO heritage site of Lenggong Valley is an area of great archaeological significance that reveals traces of Malaysia’s ancient history. “Through projects that I’ve been a part of, I discovered 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,” Annice remarks.
In 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 offer Annice a chance to reflect on the philosophy of mindfulness and gratitude for the simpler pleasures in life.
In an idyllic setting that exudes kampung-chic, Annice meets the locals and listens to the stories surrounding their culture, and the importance of preserving traditions to last for generations to come.
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“The friendly locals welcomed me 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.”
On the return leg of the trip, Annice makes her way to Jalan Tangsi. Here lies Rumah Tangsi, a beautifully restored heritage mansion distinctively recognisable thanks to its colonial buttercream-coloured façade. Completed in 1905, it was once a townhouse for the renowned businessman Loke Chow Kit. It is now a contemporary hub for the arts.
Just ten minutes away, another reinvigorated building awaits: 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 happens within its walls, as creators from all over Malaysia display 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.”
The last stop on Annice’s journey is the refurbished Zhong Shan building – a testament to the country’s emerging arts scene. Built in the 1950s, the building is home to the likes of art collectives, letterpress printers, independent booksellers and underground musicians. The narrow corridors are peppered with deep conversations and unbridled passions for the various trades that are plied here.
She also explores a contemporary letterpress stationer – The Alphabet Press. Annice says, “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 makes her way back to the Cayenne, she closes with gratitude. “This place gives me a sense of belonging and a strong connection to it. I worked here for more than three years, and it feels like coming home.”
The Porsche Cayenne expresses a robust dynamism that puts it in a class of its own. Epitomising the concept of a sports car that can do it all, the Cayenne is equipped with premium specifications for performance and an elegant interior with unparalleled comfort, making it perfectly suited to every journey – from family road trips to solo adventures off the beaten path.
The Porsche Cayenne comes with an enhanced standard equipment range that takes your driving experience to the crossroads of design, comfort, and performance, with prices starting from RM575,000*.
Find out more about the Cayenne at your nearest Porsche Centre, at mycayenne.online, or visit www.porsche.com.my for more information.
*Annice Lyn is the first and only Malaysia female photographer whose work was accredited for the XXIII Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang in 2018. Her work was recently on the cover of TIME magazine’s April 2021 issue, and she was listed in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2021 for her advocacy in bridging the gender equality gap. Major global publications have featured Annice’s work including TIME, National Geographic, the New York Times, Prestige, and Tatler Asia.
