13/07/2025
Hello Datuk Seri! "My name is Kanta Studio, I'm from Jeffrey Lim...." I think that was what i said, I was a little nervous.... Presenting my .studio grant project to Minister of Federal Territories, Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, PNB Director, and many other VIPs... forgot to say most of my lines... but i think it was quite an abstract idea of what a traditional silverprint photography studio is... "Oh macam zaman dulu, P. Ramlee, yang ada flash Asap tu" she said (Oh its like those days, P. Ramlee, with the flash and smoke). "Oh yeah serupa, yang asap tu" nodding my head in agreement (Oh Yeah, exactly, with the smoke) "tapi sekarang sudah ada karan" (but now we already have current /electric)... hahaha....
I applied for this grant about mid last year, this idea of a traditional photo studio is an eventuality I knew I had to pursue. Under the Kreatif KL initiative, of revitalising the city, focusing alot on its creative, cultural and heritage aspect, I was awarded this grant and amazing opportunity to startup this venture. I'm still halfway through my milestones... a few months behind schedule cause of many life's events. But soon I'll have an official launch with some amazing new initiatives I've been planning.
Thank you for the amazing support, the people of Malaysia. I think it would have been impossible on my own, or take a decade to reach where I am today. I would love to reciprocate in gratitude, by making the best portraits I can, and be as accessible as possible.
Only manage to make a couple of portraits, Aiman of Railway ! and Gan from TC. I'm real rusty with the box camera, spoilt by all the better gear I have now.
With support from Think City and the Kreatif KL / Warisan KL Grant program , .kl