Xia Nanyang - The Last Living Heritage

Malaysian Chinese represent the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia. They are also considered the second largest community of Overseas Chinese in the world after Thailand. For hundreds of years, millions of Malaysian Chinese have called Malaysia home since their ancestors sailed over and settled in this region.
From early 19th century to the 1930s, war and poverty struck across China. Tens and thousands of Chinese immigrants came to British-ruled Malaya in search of a better life. This history of Chinese migrating to Nanyang in the 1900’s plays a crucial part towards the formation of Malaysia.That part of history is known as Xia Nanyang.
“Xia Nanyang - The Last Living Heritage” is a documentary series of the last living immigrants from mainland China who had first arrived to Sarawak, Malaysia in the early 20th century. Many of these immigrants traveled weeks across the South China Sea by ship in the hopes of escaping a life of poverty. Their personal stories provide an insight into Malaysian Chinese cultures of origin as well as histories that are almost forgotten.
Knowing and understanding the roots of one’s culture becomes inherently important in the unity of a nation. Xia Nanyang not only serves as an archive or record, it also increases cross-cultural awareness and breathe new life into Sarawakian culture, thereby increasing legacy impact especially among the younger Malaysian Chinese generation.
The design template for this series resembles a record book, with the intent to plunge audiences right into the world of Xia Nanyang. As though going through the vintage diaries of the forefathers, photos are designed to look like they are taped to the diary; an added human touch with handwriting and symbols; vintage design motives and elements are put to play to create a sense of realism. Some of the things that were not captured on photographs are shown through illustrations and sketches. All the tiny details matter, not only for visual impact, but also as an evidence of the past.
Today, Malaysian Chinese hold on to their Malaysian identity whilst embracing their Chinese roots, culture, beliefs and traditions.