Describing herself as a documentary photographer, Sze Ning enjoys documenting and being involved in activism advancing the causes of marginalised communities. She has worked with various organisations doing research, as a social entrepreneur, providing capacity building training for community-based groups, and doing documentation related to the indigenous (Orang Asli / Orang Asal). Some projects that she took part in recently include The National Inquiry on Indigenous Peoples Land Rights, a project of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM); Chiq Clicks, a photography blog for women; and many more. Sze Ning hopes to be able to contribute more to the existing body of research and documentation, particularly in the field of human rights.
2006: Tomoi
The ancient art of kickboxing, better known as muay Thai, is popularly practiced in Kelantan where the locals call it Tomoi. From the early 90s until 2006, it was banned by the state government on the grounds of it being “un-Islamic”, earning it a reputation as an underground sport. However, advocates for the sport prevailed and in 2006 the ban was lifted with certain conditions: no more pre-fight rituals, no more public displays of tattoos, and different seating sections for men and women. Despite these restrictions, the sport continues to grow with at least one or two Tomoi tournaments held “officially” every month in Kelantan.
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