IF YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED in editorial or fashion photoshoots, you will likely be familiar with the name Chen Kim Mun, or at least his photography studio known as Hopscotch Photography. With 23 years of being in this metropolitan field, one would assume that this successful, stylish hunk feels contented. That is until the pandemic hit. Chen’s ever-blossoming career in photography soon became stagnant. It was during this period that he founded SAYO Cameron Highlands, a startup that supplies sweet Japanese cherry tomatoes.
Born and raised in the lush mountains of Cameron Highlands in Pahang, Chen grew up surrounded by farms and plantations. He then moved to the capital city in his early 20s to pursue his studies in One Academy – eventually settling for a career in editorial and fashion photography.
So when the pandemic put his beloved career on pause, the photographer began reflecting on his younger days in the chilly hills with his family, who were growers. He was never one to fancy the farming life and his hometown’s slow-paced culture. He even views the municipality to be overcrowded with tourists and developments. But as he grew older and wiser, Chen became more empathetic and gradually changed his perspective towards the slow and peaceful life.
The idea for SAYO didn’t spark overnight. Instead, it was a result of a casual conversation that he had with a friend of his during the pandemic. That friend would share the one type of tomato that she enjoyed consuming the most, which was none other than the Japanese cherry tomato.
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Augustman Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Augustman Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme
The Story Of Luxury
KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
A LEGACY IN TIME
This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.