Apple & National Geographic Recognises Malaysian Barista’s Talent For Photography
26-year-old Computational Mathematics graduate, Najmuddin Muif Zulkifli currently works as a barista at a cafe in Gong Badak, Terengganu. But this fellow Malaysian has something special going on for him.
The Terengganu local is shown to have creative talent in taking pictures and recording videos. Moreover, he’s also attracted the attention of many social media users because of it. Not only that, but he’s gotten both Apple and National Geographic to share his works through their websites.
Muif started developing his hobby of taking pictures in his school days. The barista also studied Mathematics at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, and now works as a barista. Moreover, Muif would take pictures as a hobby just for his own self-enjoyment without any serious intentions. Basically, he does it for fun.
Regarding his background, Muif grew up in Pahang before moving back to his hometown in Terengganu with his family last year. Since then, he fell in love with the state. He also stated how Terengganu had many natural attractions such as beaches, islands, as well as waterfalls. For Muif, it felt very fulfilling living in such a natural and beautiful state.
Lucikily enough, Muif was surrounded by friends who shared similar interests and were willing to travel around Terengganu to satisfy their shared passion. They would usually wake up as early as 3am to catch the sunrise and were willing to go hiking very early in the morning, indicating how persistent they were.
Naturally, as someone who loves taking photos of nature, Muif had to go through some challenges. For example, if the barista wanted to take photos underwater, he would have to risk it by diving.
The Terengganu local mentioned how happy he is whenever he receives positive reactions from netizens from his photos and videos on Instagram and TikTok. Thanks to their feedback, Muif expressed his gratitude towards the netizens who followed him on social media.
Additionally, he was shocked by how some people had no prior knowledge about the locations in Terengganu that were taken in his photos and videos. Through them, he’s able to share some knowledge about Malaysia and Terengganu to uninformed people who wish to know more.
Not only are Muif’s works well received among Malaysians, the barista has also garnered a large following from Thai and Canadian folks, who share a keen interest on the locations in his country and state. As a result, he feels a sense of pride just by introducing Terengganu to curious non-Malaysians.
More impressively, one of Muif’s works was chosen to be featured by Apple this year. The chosen work was a video Muif recorded in Bukit Marak which was then posted on the company’s Instagram page. That wasn’t the only accomplishment the 26-year-old achieved. In addition, Muif’s photo (taken in Langkawi) was also chosen and displayed by National Graphic on their website last year.
All the validation has only spurred Muif to up his game and we couldn’t be prouder of this Malaysian chap!
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