Silver-award photo by THP FBF student

Captured through the lens of Lee Zhao Xuan’s camera was more than just Kuala Lumpur’s vibrancy – it was a story of a nation’s resilience. His work, titled Eternal Sentinels of the Golden Metropolis, features the Petronas Twin Towers glowing under the night sky, set against the gleaming golden steel rods that symbolise the country’s progress, identity, and dreams.

His photo won the Silver Award at the 2025 International Travel Photography Competition, organised by the International Children’s Culture and Art Development Association (ICCADA), Hong Kong, in January 2025. Themed Explore the Beauty of the World through Your Lens, the competition encouraged participants to take audiences on a visual journey of global exploration. It aimed to inspire others to discover the beauty of the world through photos that capture breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant city streets, or unique cultural moments.

Lee, who won in the Open Category, received a medal and a cash prize of HKD2,650. He said, “I feel truly delighted and honoured to have represented both Malaysia and UTAR in winning this prestigious award. I was genuinely surprised when I learnt that I had won the Silver Award. This achievement was not easy, as the competition attracted talented photographers from around the world. Still, I was determined to try, and I used it as an opportunity to expand my abilities. I believe this experience will contribute positively to my future career. I have also taken part in acting for drama and film productions in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, and I am confident that this award will further support my growth in the entertainment sector. Above all, I am deeply grateful to my parents for their unwavering support throughout my journey.”

He added, “Over the years, I have actively participated in creative and media-related competitions at UTAR, such as the UTAR TikTok Video Competition, where I won 1st Prize in 2022, as well as other filming and acting events organised by the university. These opportunities allowed me to develop valuable skills in filming, storytelling, and photography, which greatly contributed to the experience and confidence that helped me achieve this award. Therefore, I am truly grateful that UTAR has played a significant role in shaping and supporting my photography career.”

The award-winning photo was inspired by Kuala Lumpur’s transformation into a thriving global city where tradition meets modernity. He explained that the Petronas Twin Towers stand as one of Malaysia’s most iconic landmarks, inspiring him to highlight not just its architecture but also the story of the nations’ resilience.

The Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Entrepreneurship student also elucidated, “The photo also serves as an artistic representation for educational purposes in architecture, photography, and cultural studies. This entry enhances cultural identity and national pride, fostering appreciation for Malaysia’s landmarks. By inspiring sustainable urban appreciation, it encourages people to value architectural beauty while recognising the importance of preserving the environment and cultural heritage for future generations. Seeing the Petronas Twin Towers reminded me also of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it highlights the city as a model of modern urban development, cultural identity, and sustainable progress.”

The 2025 International Travel Photography Competition (ICCADA) is a prestigious international platform that promotes cultural exchange, creative expression, and global recognition. The competition attracted over 1,000 contestants from regions including Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States.