My Rojak Soul: Mixed with Stories, Snapshots and Sedap-ness

Step into my world. I am Adrian Cheah – proudly Penangite, unapologetic foodie, graphic designer by profession, photographer by passion, and lifelong pursuer of all things beautiful. I follow my heart and live for stories waiting to be painted by light in a photograph, words on a page, or colours on a canvas. Life, to me, is like rojak—textured, colourful, spicy, joyful, and deeply satisfying. And I am here to savour it all and share the best bits with you.

I have always been drawn to the timeless moments that unfold quietly around us—a cheerful face bathed in morning light, a fiery wok crackling with aroma, or the gentle waves where Penang ebbs and flows between old rhythms and new beginnings. These are the stories I seek through my lens—rojak in their simplicity, layered in their evolution, and vibrant in their everyday magic.

One such creative adventure was designing "Just For The Love Of It – Penang’s Popular Music 1930s–1960s", a 240-page tribute by Paul Augustin and James Lochhead. After three years of interviewing hundreds of individuals, the authors launched the book in April 2015 at The Star Building. It explores how political events influenced the role of radio, cinema, and television in shaping Penang’s soundscape. Paul and James trusted my design instincts and gave me full creative freedom—each spread was a blank canvas for ideas to flourish. It was a joy to balance text, imagery, and nostalgia across the pages. A bonus CD features twenty-four memorable tracks that defined an era—a project born of pure passion.

Following the book’s publication, Paul, James and I collaborated to establish the Penang House of Music (PHoM) on the fourth floor of KOMTAR in George Town. This state government-initiated project quickly became a unique cultural destination, celebrating Penang’s rich musical heritage through its Gallery, Black Box and Resource Centre – one of the country’s largest repositories of music, culture and the arts. As the creative designer, I created an immersive and authentic experience, making it a deeply personal and rewarding extension of the book. Opened on 21 November 2016, PHoM rose to No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of top George Town attractions and was featured in CNN Asia Travel’s Top 25 Things to Do and Eat in Malaysia. Sadly, on 16 March 2024, after over seven impactful years, PHoM closed due to financial difficulties and lack of institutional support.

In 2022, I contributed a photo essay, “Remembering the Phoenix,” to "Sanctuary", the quarterly magazine by SetiaSky. Beyond my role as a writer-photographer, I also designed several issues of Sanctuary, lending a visual narrative to complement its thoughtful editorial tone.

Another labour of love is "Never Forgetting Balik Pulau", born from conversations with Josephine Choo, who grew up there. Beginning in 2006, we made countless visits, and I documented its evolution over fourteen years. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I finally brought it all together. Part memoir, part guide, the book features maps, personal anecdotes, and photographs from my archive. It captures a gem tucked behind the hills of Penang.

On 25 May 2024, Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak launched the book "Timeless Penang: Tradition in Transition" at his official residence, Anjung Seri Mutiara. The event was followed by a luncheon. It was an adventure designing this captivating book—comprising 11 chapters by 14 authors, academics, and field specialists, and featuring 326 illustrations, maps, charts, and tables. Compiled by Dato' Seri Dr Wazir Jahan Karim, the book was published by Entrepot Publishing Sdn Bhd, led by Marcus Langdon, who also assisted in the editorial process. I contributed several photographs from my archives and worked closely with Dr Wazir and Marcus to bring the book to life.

You will often find me zigzagging across the island on my motorcycle, in search of that perfect shot, something that might one day find its way into a coffee-table book, a magazine spread, an exhibition, or simply someone’s heart. My photographs have been published in The New York Times, TimeOut Penang, local papers, books, and exhibitions.

I am also a proud member of the Society of Photographers Penang, a community devoted to nurturing photography through exhibitions, workshops, contests, and field trips that inspire and sharpen our craft.

For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by the power of visual storytelling—how images and graphic design can breathe life into ideas. I graduated from the Malaysian Institute of Art, where I was honoured to receive the Top Student Award in Graphic Design, a proud milestone that laid the foundation for everything that followed. Today, I am the founder of ACEK Creative Solutions (formerly Neo Sentuhan), where I help clients shape their stories through design that is thoughtful, effective, and at times playfully unexpected. From books and marketing campaigns to event promotions and music festivals, I have had the privilege of designing for a wide range of causes and communities.

Design, photography and writing are only part of my story. At the heart of it all lies a deep belief in giving back. Over the years, I have collaborated with various organisations such as Asia Community Services, the Women’s Centre for Change, Charis Hospice, Association of Resource and Education for Autistic Children, Soroptimist International Club of Penang, and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding. Whether crafting fundraising materials, designing educational toolkits or amplifying awareness campaigns, each project has offered me the chance to contribute to something larger than myself, to lend my craft to causes that truly matter.

I had the joy of serving as a community member of the Little Penang Street Market for twelve vibrant years since July 2006. Held monthly on Upper Penang Road, this initiative by the Penang Arts Council blossomed into a beloved hub of creativity—featuring over seventy craft and food stalls, live performances, book readings, and art exhibitions, all celebrating the island’s creative spirit.

As a member of the State Chinese (Penang) Association, I am proud to play a role in preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of Chinese Peranakan culture. I actively participate in SCPA activities, from heritage processions and cultural celebrations to attending International Baba Nyonya conferences, all of which deepen my appreciation for this vibrant legacy.

The travel bug bit me early and never quite let go. I travel not just to see the world, but to understand it—to walk through stories that shaped civilisations and to feel the pulse of different cultures.

I have wandered through ancient temples in Bagan and Borobudur, bungee-jumped in Queenstown, skied in Korea, designed a travel book for Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, and stood in solemn silence before the haunting remnants of Dachau.

I have seen the lights of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, explored the bustling streets of Kyoto and Ho Chi Minh City, marvelled at the Grand Canyon and the Sistine Chapel, and traced the spiritual footsteps in Lourdes and Angkor Wat.

My journeys have taken me from the rugged coasts of Tasmania to the vibrant cities of Las Vegas and Bangkok, to the serene hills of Switzerland and Ireland. I collect moments that challenge, heal, and inspire. Travel, for me, is an endless unfolding — of the world and of myself.

My adventure has always been one of heart wide open and eyes forever curious. I see life as a vivid mosaic, each piece telling a story of passion, purpose, and presence, sometimes tinged with sadness and despair. I am Adrian Cheah, ever inspired by beauty, driven by wonder, and grounded in a deep love for life. Come walk with me through the stories I have shared, taste the sedap-ness, and rediscover the magic in life’s rojak.