On 15 February, Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke officiated the opening of “Steeped in Time: Old Tea Houses Through the Lens of Harry Woo” photography exhibition at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (WKSGM).

In his speech, YB Anthony Loke described Harry Woo’s photography as a window into history and culture, offering viewers a glimpse of the past while inspiring reflection on the present. He highlighted how Harry Woo’s work transports audiences to Sichuan’s old tea houses, capturing the region’s rich heritage and cultural charm. 

He emphasised that photography is not just a record of moments but a bridge that fosters understanding and harmony. In this spirit, he encouraged Malaysian photographers to document the nation’s cultural diversity, highlighting the role of exhibitions in deepening appreciation and promoting social cohesion.

SGM secretary-general Tan Leng emphasised the unifying power of culture and arts, stating that they transcend racial, religious and linguistic boundaries, fostering mutual understanding and respect, and ultimately becoming a force for peace. He reaffirmed that this belief is central to SGM’s long-standing commitment to peace, culture and education.

Artist Harry Woo shared that he had carefully selected a series of black-and-white photographs, captured since 2013, to showcase the unique character and human stories of Sichuan’s old tea houses. Through this exhibition, he hopes visitors can experience the essence of life in old tea houses and appreciate the cultural heritage.

After the opening ceremony, visitors explored the exhibition with keen interest, pausing to admire Harry Woo’s works and engaging in lively discussions about his photography.

Harry Woo began his photographic journey in 1980 after an encounter with artistic photography shifted his focus from mere documentation to artistic expression. Since 2001, he has served as the president of the Photographic Society of Malaysia, actively promoting photography culture both locally and internationally. His work has earned him numerous international accolades, including the prestigious title of Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society of the United Kingdom for his old tea house series.

The exhibition ran from 15 February to 16 March at WKSGM, with an artist tour held on 8 March.