And to God I shall pray

(Kuala Lumpur, 2014)

Malaysian Muslims before Friday prayers at Masjid India

The cool taxi driver (Kuala Lumpur , 2013)

A sad moment. This photograph was taken in May last year, when me and my friend (Michael Raj) were photographing around Pavilion Shopping Mall, Kuala Lumpur.  

This taxi driver was waiting for passengers beside us and we were amused how he kept himself cool from the sun. After some small talk, he agreed to be photographed, under one condition - that he be photographed with his new sunnies! (That's an Oakley Holbrook, mind you) 

I later gave my card to him and he said his wife will email me to get the photo.

A few days ago I got an email from the wife. And when I asked how he was, his wife told me that the Uncle had passed away last year (in December) after suffering a heart attack while waiting for passengers. And she had been looking (and finally found) my card so that she could get this photograph for the family. 

The funny thing about this photograph was that I had already deleted all of the photos I took on that day, except this one. I guess I was waiting for the wife to email me. Just wished it was under different circumstances.

Rest in peace Uncle Thomas Chia. Keep rocking the sunnies in heaven.

Elyas.

TWP x DB (2013)

Hello all,

Was asked to photograph a newly built house in Malaysia. The brief given was for me to capture the interior architectural space. These photos (Unfortunately I am not able to show more, as I feel it is not right to do so) were taken along the course of two weeks, as the weather had been a real pain. 

Totally in love with the architect's (site here) work and am truly honoured to have been asked. 

Hope you like them!

Best wishes, 

E.

The Right To Brand by Yasmin Merican

The Right to Brand launch video

The Right to Brand is a newly launched branding book by Yasmin Merican, South East Asia's first female brand strategist. Now nicknamed "the black book of branding", it examines various case studies in Malaysia,  and how some brands evolve into the powerhouses that they are today (I shan't say more - just buy it!). A brilliantly crafted book that cannot be compared to the brilliance of its content. And coming from an advertising background, I honestly recommend this. I just wished I had this when I did my Masters. Hahaha.

Enough honest plugging - the reason for promoting this book is due to the fact that I had the honour of photographing the author's photograph (at the back of the cover) and subsequently event itself, and would like to share with you some of them. Truly honoured to have worked on this project. 

For more information regarding the book and author, please visit www.trax.com.my. Online purchases can be made via PayPal. If you are in Malaysia however, it is available in all good bookstores (MPH, Times, Borders and Kinokuniya)

See you next post!

Best, 

E.

Book photo of author. (2012)

 Promotional photograph for book. (Kuala Lumpur, 2013)

Photographs from the book launch at Sime Darby Convention Centre (Kuala Lumpur, 2013)

Datin Yasmin Merican, author of The Right to Brand.

The loyal sons of the city. (The Kuala Lumpur Ultras/Cityboys)

KLFA v Pos Malaysia (KLFA Stadium, 2013) Full time score: 0-3

Match day (KLFA Stadium, 2013)

 Always there. Week in, week out.

Some leave work early, and some cut class.

 Cheering their team on...

 ...to be heard...

 ...to be proud.

 Sometimes it doesn't always go to plan.

 But they still keep on going.

 Making use of whatever tools they have

 And making it their own.

 Rest assured, no matter what the result (we lost that day), the flag will still keep on flying.

 These are KL's finest - 

 The KL Ultras. (KLFA Stadium, 2013)

Extra (from the twp.ortraits series)

The returning city son. (Cheras, 2013)

The great City kit.

Am a big football fan. And the teams I will religiously support (although not as hardcore as some) are Malaysia, England, Manchester United and Kuala Lumpur - no matter what. (What was that bit about me not being as hardcore? Haha.). Anyway, was browsing through Facebook and found a page for the Kuala Lumpur Football Association. Imagine my delight when I found out that:

1) KL are in the Malaysia Cup 2011

2) Their kit is available for purchase. (YESSSSSSS!!!!)

(You have to forgive me, I'm overseas and there is not much news you can get online regarding Malaysian football, except the big matches). So here I was calling my mother (bless her), getting her to order the MC2011 kit for me, and when I received it, it certainly did not disappoint. Manufactured by Kika and sold by Kamal Sport, this deep electric blue kit really brought out the essence of KL (hey! We're different, yet stylish. Hahaha)

So, in honour of the team making it thus far in the competition (we haven't lost yet) and to a beautiful kit, here are some shots I took for a personal project of mine. Hope you like them. 

Oh, and Go Hawks. 

(PS - While I took these shots pro bono, it would be great if you could let me know where you use the images. And a word of thanks would be great :p)