From figure skater to visual storyteller, Annice Lyn goes on a Porsche adventure across Malaysia

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, she 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 Peninsula Malaysia with the 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 - away from the hustle and bustle

Annice begins 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,” Annice reminisces.

Up, and slightly to the left from Kuala Lumpur – the 345 PS Cayenne is eagerly unleashed on winding, hilly roads until asphalt ends and the dirt begins. The unique Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) of the Cayenne cushions the bumps capably, regardless of terrain, until the car arrives at a unique tunnel-like entrance with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites.

This is Gua Kajang, near the UNESCO heritage site of Lenggong Valley – 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 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,” Annice remarks.

Fuelling up with local true stories

On the road again, a local vendor selling various knick-knacks flashes a bright and cheerful smile her way. Annice is instantly transported to her childhood days, rekindling memories when such vendors were a common sight across Malaysia.

She is 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 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.

“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.”

Breathing new life into old heritage sites

Back to the comfort driving mode in the Cayenne, on the return leg of the trip, Annice makes a detour to the city centre, Kuala Lumpur. These days, the capital of Malaysia is more well-known for its tall skyscrapers and teeming nightlife, but – if one bothers to look – there are plenty of historic sites to explore.

Located off Merdeka Square, Rumah Tangsi is a beautifully restored heritage mansion distinctively recognisable thanks to its colonial buttercream-coloured façade. Completed in 1905, which was once a townhouse for the renowned businessman Loke Chow Kit, 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 takes place 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.”

Creative arts and cultural hub by artists and designers

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 passion 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 is 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.” Follow Annice Lyn’s journey across Malaysia in the Porsche Cayenne on Porsche Malaysia’s Facebook, Instagram pages and website.