Malaysian photographers gear up for Jimei X Arles

The ‘Lighting Up 2024 Through The Lens’ photography contest has not only shone a spotlight on Malaysia’s rich photographic talent but has also propelled four exceptional photographers – Najmuddin Muif, John Sheng, Yih Chang, and Haris Kimie – onto the international stage. The quartet’s winning entries will take center stage at the prestigious Jimei X Arles International Photo Festival in Xiamen, Fujian, China, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

The ‘Lighting Up 2024 Through The Lens’ contest, held from December 28, 2023, to January 10, 2024, aimed to encapsulate the essence of the year through the lens of photography. The winners’ exceptional artworks not only captured the spirit of the times but also showcased the digital prowess of the vivo X100 series, a collaboration between vivo and ZEISS.

Global stage awaits

The Jimei X Arles International Photo Festival, often dubbed the “Oscars” of photography, is the world’s largest and most influential photography event. Since 2015, the Jimei·Arles Photography Season, co-directed by the French Arles Festival Director and Chinese artist Rong Rong, has gained a reputation for its high quality and international reach. This year, the festival will feature the works of these Malaysian photographers, providing a global platform for their artistry.

The vivo X100 series, with its advanced hardware and software, played a pivotal role in elevating the winning entries. Crafted in collaboration with ZEISS, the series features the ZEISS APO Floating Telephoto Camera and Floating Elements Design, ensuring precise and exceptional smartphone photography. The inclusion of Optical Precision Calibration and SLR-level image stabilization enhances close-up shots and excels in capturing breathtaking sunrise and sunset moments, as demonstrated in the winning entries.

Najmuddin Muif, John Sheng, Yih Chang, and Haris Kimie have not only showcased their digital expertise but have also highlighted the capabilities of the vivo X100 series in capturing the unique red-sun scenarios that set their entries apart in the contest.

This international recognition is a testament to Malaysia’s thriving photography scene and the global potential of its talented artists. As the winners prepare for the Jimei X Arles International Photo Festival, Malaysians eagerly anticipate the global acclaim that awaits these photographers and the continued success of the nation’s creative talents on the international stage.