Annice Lyn is a young Malaysian photographer with a career adorned with many national and international accolades.

The 31-year-old has taken photos at international events like the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, as well as for such prestigious publications as TIME magazine and National Geographic. 

Yet, amid the bright spotlight and international acclaim, she remains grounded – something she attributes to her parents, both of whom are social workers who raised her with strong Christian values.

Echoing the wisdom imparted to her during her upbringing, she said: “Don’t measure your worth by your achievements or possessions. While talent may be admired, it’s your character that truly matters.

“People can see your achievements, but God sees the heart. Character is what endures.”

Discovering her voice

Despite growing up with rather extroverted parents, Annice has always been quiet and introverted.

“In university and high school, I wouldn’t talk to people much and many have asked me, ‘Your parents are so outgoing, why are you so quiet?’” said Annice.

Then one day, Annice discovered her voice – through photography.

As she took photos at an old folks’ home and children’s home which her father had founded and ran as a pastor, she realised that she could “speak” through her photos.

Growing up, Annice learnt the value of kindness and sound character from her father.

The experience influenced her to pursue photography as a career.

“I felt like photography brought me out of my shell because I can use photography as a way to connect with people while being behind the camera,” she said. 

Annice discovered the power of images to tell a story, shape narratives, give a voice to the marginalised and move people to action. 

One of Annice’s photos featuring an indigenous woman.

“I can be very silent when taking photos, but the images and visuals speak volumes and, oftentimes, the sounds resonate beyond words,” Annice said.

A shift in priorities

Though she was quiet, Annice describes her younger self as “very kiasu and very driven”. While this led her to accomplish much in her career as an adult, it also caused her to seek validation from the wrong sources. 

Annice recounts struggling with low self-esteem and craving compliments and affirmation to boost her self worth.

Behind the lens at the World Athletics Championships Budapest in 2023.

When she decided to pursuit photography as a career, her primary motivation was to “climb the ladder” by securing the best assignments and producing exceptional photos. In retrospect, Annice said that her drive was very much focussed on chasing her own success instead of bringing God glory.

However, her faith journey took a gradual shift as she became more aware of God’s favour and grace in her career.

“I’m not sure when it happened, but it dawned on me that my creative abilities are not merely a means for my personal achievement, but for a bigger purpose to make a positive impact on the world and to align myself with God’s purposes,” she said.

Today, Annice prioritises God by seeking Him when she starts her day. 

“Before I go on any assignment, I would say a little prayer, ‘Lord help me to see things that nobody will see and help me to capture moments that will resonate with people.'”

She recounts a divine moment in the thick of the pandemic when uncertainty surrounded the nation. Annice went out to capture what was happening on the ground.

At the time of the fourth lockdown, desperate Malaysians who had lost their jobs and struggled to put food on the table started hoisting up white flags as a sign of desperation and a cry for help. 

The white flag movement touched the hearts of many citizens and started a chain of community efforts to help needy neighbours, Malaysians and non-Malaysians alike. 

While on assignment during Malaysia’s state of emergency, amid the white and black flag movement, Annice encountered an elderly man in a drain, draped in a tattered Malaysian flag.

“I felt drawn to take this photo and when I posted it, it immediately caught the attention of many Malaysians,” Annice said. 

The image that resonated with Malaysians in the thick of the pandemic.

The image encapsulated the current state of Malaysia then: An embattled nation, a hung Parliament, rising unemployment, income loss, hunger and poverty on the rise. Yet, the image was also able to communicate a sense of hope.

Annice said: “As a nation we clothed ourselves in tattered hope, knowing that we can either get through this by doing nothing or by seeing the opportunity in the crisis and making a difference. Our belief in a hope for change is all that keeps us standing and striving for our nation.”

Annice on assignment.

Just as writers can give voice to the marginalised, Annice believes that her photographs can shine a light on the struggles of the underserved.

“I hope my photos will spark conversations and raise society’s awareness about important issues in our country,” she said.

By working with local and international NGO, she makes it a point to capture the realities of those living in poverty, homelessness, statelessness and the struggles of indigenous communities.

She considers it a privilege to tell the stories of those who are enduring hardship.

“After all, it is in God’s compassion that they will find comfort, assistance, support and love,” she said.

Staying on the right track

As Annice’s career flourished and she received more international photo assignments, pride subtly crept into her heart. She vividly recalled an occasion when she was commissioned to shoot for TIME magazine.

Just before her work was published, she felt God reminding her to remain humble.

“He reminded me that the talents I have are from Him,” said Annice. 

As a photojournalist, Annice (pictured here on assignment) is stretched both mentally, physically and emotionally.

Acknowledging that photojournalism can be emotionally, mentally and physically challenging, Annice added that God has been the One helping her overcome these challenges, including verbal abuse, hurtful comments, anxiety attacks and a serious ankle injury.

During a bout of anxiety, Annice remembered God’s reassuring words to her: “If I called you to do this, I will also equip you to do it.”

It is these gentle whispers that have kept Annice on the right path.

Pausing to reset

After several years of operating at a fast pace, Annice realised she needed a break. She had been carrying a heavy emotional burden after witnessing the plight and suffering of the people she had been photographing.

One particularly poignant memory that stood out was the tragic landslide in Batang Kali in December 2022 which claimed over 30 lives.

Annice recalled her time at the disaster site where she experienced not only emotional but also physical exhaustion.

Batang Kali, December 2022. Photographing the catastrophic landslide that claimed 30 lives weighed heavily on Annice’s heart.

At the same time, Annice was struggling to maintain her personal relationships and friendships amid her busy schedule.

“I felt so drained, even to the point of burnout, and that’s when I knew I needed to re-evaluate my life priorities and seek God,” said Annice.

She explained: “Life is like a juggling act with different balls – family, God, dating, career, friends. These balls are not equal. Some are like ping pong balls, quick to bounce back if dropped, while others are like delicate glass balls – mishandle them and they shatter.”

Today, Annice is mindful to prioritise what is truly important.

“I realised that achieving personal goals would be incomplete without upholding my values and true priorities. I now allocate time for what truly matters: My health, my relationship with God and family, nurturing meaningful relationships and maintaining an accountable and robust support system to keep me grounded in both work and life.”

Annice is determined to keep, grow and treasure her relationships with her parents and siblings.

While she is grateful for the opportunities that have come her way, she’s also acutely aware that photography is more than just a career. It’s her calling in life.

As a steward of God’s gifts and talents, she desires to manage her platform and influence with integrity.

Pointing to Matthew 6:33, she said: “When I put God first, I’m also learning to trust Him with my life and my career. In this season of reset, God is reminding me that He must come first, and everything else will fall into place.”

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