A Journey Through Conflict and Humanity
Growing up in Singapore, many of my peers dreamed of becoming doctors, lawyers, or bankers. I, however, was uncertain about my future, knowing only that those paths weren’t for me. Eventually, I discovered my passion for creativity and enrolled at Boys Town at the age of 14, pursuing a course in graphics, production, and photography.
Upon graduation, I quickly realized that the primary career path for photographers in Singapore was in the commercial sector. Although I dabbled in fashion photography, it was challenging to break free from that industry. Out of the 12 students in my course, I was the only one who committed to photography full-time. Many questioned my choice: “How will you make money as a photographer?” Yet, I believed it was essential to follow my heart to avoid future regrets.
After a few years in fashion and commercial photography, I grew dissatisfied. I felt I wasn’t reaching my full potential and wanted to explore the world beyond my comfort zone. My interest in humanity and the human experience led me to aspire to be a photojournalist, but there were no journalism schools in Singapore. Consequently, I resorted to self-teaching and self-funding my projects.
I began using my earnings from commercial work to finance my side projects in conflict photography throughout the region.
Beijing: A Turning Point in My Career My first major breakthrough occurred in Beijing during the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. I was in the city for a different assignment when I found myself amidst the protests. I captured a few photos before the military moved in, and chaos ensued. That experience solidified my commitment to this field. Witnessing such significant events drives home the importance of documentation; we must not allow history to repeat itself. I hope my photos serve as reminders of the past.
Despite my dedication, my conflict photography went largely unrecognized in Singapore. Editors consistently turned me down, insisting there was no appetite for confrontational photography. They preferred images of politicians at ribbon-cutting ceremonies. In my mid-twenties, I realized that proving myself in Singapore wasn’t the solution. Instead, I decided to take a leap of faith and moved to London, which eventually led me to Australia.
Iraq: Close Calls and Unforgettable Experiences Transitioning to a new country brings challenges, especially with language barriers. However, immersing myself in different cultures has been invaluable. It expanded my worldview and professionally transformed my career. I began covering significant global conflicts, which exposed me to heightened danger.
In Iraq, I encountered life-threatening situations twice. While traveling from Baghdad to Basra, our train halted unexpectedly. As villagers gathered around, I felt the tension rise. Suddenly, three men approached us with rocket-propelled grenades. Thankfully, my correspondent managed to defuse the situation before things escalated.
Later, while exploring a local market in Basra, I was approached by two men. One greeted me in Arabic, and after a brief conversation, I learned they were plotting against me. My correspondent urged me to leave immediately. If not for the soldiers on patrol, I may not have made it out safely.
Ukraine: Current Assignments Most recently, I’ve been working extensively in Ukraine. One day, while on the frontlines, we encountered intense conflict. As artillery fired around us, we took cover. The sound of a drone overhead sent us scrambling, and when the Russians opened fire, we ran for safety.
People often think I’m reckless for placing myself in such perilous situations, but facing these risks has deepened my appreciation for life. It may seem contradictory to put oneself in danger if you love life, but for me, it’s about living intentionally. Material wealth means little; what matters is my health and the ability to pursue my passion for photography.
Life on the Move I’ve settled in Paris, where the photography scene thrives. Although I’d love to be based in Singapore, the market here isn’t conducive for the type of photography I practice. Despite this, I frequently visit Singapore whenever I travel to Asia.
After years of documenting global conflicts, I still find joy in traveling. However, the constant movement creates a sense of displacement. I often wonder about my roots and where I belong, but I remind myself that feeling lost is a natural part of my journey.
I’m not slowing down anytime soon; my passion remains strong. I’m dedicated to capturing impactful images that resonate with people. I want to share the story of humanity through my lens, not just for myself but for those who cannot experience these conflicts firsthand. Photography and journalism are vital communication tools that provide insight into the realities of our world.
