In the Light of Journeys: Khong Miaw Leong’s Humanistic Photography Exhibition

Renowned Malaysian master photographer Khong Miaw Leong held a solo photography exhibition on August 14 under the theme “In the Light of Journeys: Human Stories of Malaysia,” portraying ordinary everyday life through his lens and narrating stories of “these people and those matters” from a unique perspective.

Returning to Southern University College after a hiatus of nine years, he brought over 60 distinctive black-and-white and color works. These pieces showcase the unique humanistic landscapes and diverse lifestyles across various parts of Malaysia, leading viewers to experience authentic and ordinary stories captured through his lens.

At the opening ceremony, Tan Chai Puan, Director of the Museum and Art Gallery at Southern University College, noted that Khong’s works are filled with a profound sense of “human warmth” (人间烟火气). By capturing alleyway delicacies and ordinary street scenes, the photos demonstrate the most authentic warmth of life within the city. He highlighted that, in contrast to the urban changes driven by rapid modernization, the role of photography in preserving local memories and cultural heritage has become increasingly vital. Through these precious documentary images, viewers can catch a glimpse of the overlooked daily life amidst Malaysia’s rapid urban transformation.

Dato’ Dr. Siow Kuang Ling mentioned in his speech that Khong has dedicated his life to documenting Malaysia’s multiculturalism, old neighborhoods, and the lifestyles of different ethnic groups. He stated that in the eyes of a photographer, light and shadow are not merely images, but “tools to rescue time.” As time slips away, documenting old street architecture, traditional trades, and humanistic memories through documentary techniques allows viewers to feel a rich sense of human touch and the soul of an era. He further emphasized that despite the continuous evolution of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the core values of photographic art，such as the mastery of light, aesthetic self-awareness, and humanistic care，remain irreplaceable.

Following the opening ceremony, a sharing session titled ” Chasing Shadows ” was held, moderated by Lah Wan Yee, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication Studies. The dialogue delved into Khong’s photography journey，past, present, and future，covering topics such as the source of light and shadow, the warmth of documenting an era, the stories behind the lens, perspectives on equipment, and the significance of artistic legacy.

Khong expressed his joy at returning to Southern University College for another solo exhibition. He shared with the students present that over his decades-long career; photography has been both a lifelong artistic vocation and the professional skill that supported his family. He emphasized that the mastery of light is the essence of photographic creation, and only by maintaining high sensitivity to light can one produce exceptional works. Furthermore, he expressed great gratification in being able to interact with the younger generation and share his life experiences, hoping that attendees would gain something valuable from the exhibition.

Attendees included Dato’ Dr. Siow Kuang Ling, the officiating guest; Tang King Huat, President of the Johor Photographic Society; Foo Suan Soo, representative of the Malaysian Chinese Cultural Society (Johor Branch); Wong Yit Gee, Vice President of Southern University College; and Lah Wan Yee, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication Studies, among others.

The exhibition runs until August 28 at the Museum and Art Gallery of Southern University College. It is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with free admission.

开幕礼上，南方大学学院文物与艺术馆馆长陈再藩介绍，孔万良的作品具有浓厚的人间烟火气，透过镜头捕捉的巷弄美食与平凡街景，展现了城市中最真实的生活温度。

他说，对比现代化发展下的都市变迁，“摄影”在保留地方记忆与文化底蕴上所扮演的角色更显重要，且透过这些珍贵的纪实影像，观者得以看见马来西亚城市在快速转型中被遗忘的日常。

拿督萧光麟医生致词时提及，孔万良一辈子致力于拍摄大马的多元文化、老旧街区与不同族群的生活。他说道，摄影人的眼中，光影不只是画面，更是“抢救时间的工具”，随着岁月流失，用纪实的手法将老街建筑、传统行业与人文记忆等定格，让观赏者能感受到浓厚的人情味与时代灵魂。

他强调，尽管科技与人工智能（AI）技术持续进化，但摄影艺术中对光线的运用与审美自觉和人文关怀，依然是不可取代的核心价值。

开幕仪式后，现场举办题为《随影同行》的访谈交流会，由新闻与传播学系主任林婉仪主持。

话题谈及孔万良在摄影历程过去、现在和未来话题：光影的源头、记录时代的温度、镜头背后的故事与器材观、传承与未来等对话。

能够再次回到南方大学学院举办个展，孔万良表达了喜悦之情。他坦言，在数十年的人生岁月中，摄影不仅是他终身追求的艺术志业，更是支撑家庭生计的专业技能。

他也向在场的学生强调，光的运用是摄影创作的核心精髓，唯有对光线保持高度敏锐，才能创作出优异的作品。此外，他对能与年轻世代交流并分享人生的珍贵经历感到十分欣慰，希望与会者在欣赏展览过程中有所收获。

出席者包括：柔佛摄影学会会长陈锦发、马来西亚华人文化协会柔佛州分会代表符传曙，以及南方大学学院副校长黄益启等。

展览将持续至8月28日(周一至五)在南方大学学院文物与艺术馆展出，开放时间为每日上午10时至下午4时，入场免费。