Capturing Malaysia’s Heritage with the Huawei Mate XT

In January 2025, I received an invitation that was equal parts intriguing and challenging. Huawei was preparing to launch its most innovative device yet: the Mate XT tri-fold smartphone in Malaysia, and they wanted to prove that it was more than just a technological flex.

They wanted to know: Could this folding device handle the demands of a documentary photographer? Could it capture the texture of ancient fabrics, the profound lines on an elder's face, and the vibrant soul of Malaysia’s diverse cultures?

They handed me the Mate XT and gave me a simple brief: Document the living heritage of Malaysia.

I usually rely on my heavy, professional camera gear (Hasselblad X1D2) to do this work. So, the idea of walking into a village with just a phone, albeit a tri-fold one, required a BIG leap of faith.

The Mission: A Portrait of a Multicultural Nation

My goal was to create a series of portraits that celebrated Malaysians in their authentic cultural attire, I looked out for people for whom these clothes were a second skin, a connection to their genuine ancestry.

The Mate XT proved to be a capable companion in the field. It allowed me to work quickly, unobtrusively, and to connect with my subjects without a massive lens in their face. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you, and if that camera unfolds into a professional creative tool, then we are entering a very exciting time for visual storytelling. But in all honesty, the Mate XT (from $3,660 USD/€3,499 euros) is the best phone camera I had ever shot with. I believe my photos are the best proof of this statement.

The final images were showcased at the Huawei Mate XT Global Launch in Kuala Lumpur on February 18, 2025.

A special thank you to Huawei Malaysia for this partnership and for recognizing the importance of documenting our shared cultural heritage. You can learn more about the Huawei Mate XT here.