A Maitree Initiative
Using immersive technology to preserve Penang's unique tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Cahaya XR is a Maitree initiative providing a platform for original narratives and experiences from SE Asian communities to be created and shared using innovative XR storytelling. In the past few years the Cahaya team who are based in Penang, Malaysia, have been actively exploring how immersive technology can be used to preserve and celebrate Penang arts, culture, heritage and stories.
From virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to mixed reality experiences and mobile storytelling, Cahaya believes immersive storytelling and its intersection between the arts, culture, local stories and technology can be used to hold space for underrepresented voices and shape the future of inclusive dialogue and spaces in the metaverse.
Image by Moey Fuken
Outcomes
XR Labs and Mentorship Program: We run an annual mentorship and workshop program to support local communities and artists to produce new immersive XR stories and experiences sharing original voices and underrepresented narratives from our community. In 2022 Cahaya XR supported five artists from Penang to learn the foundations of XR storytelling and creation as a part of its annual mentorship program.
XR Exhibitions: From community events and festivals to arts collaborations, Cahaya XR has presented immersive work and play opportunities to more than 1000 members of the Malaysian community in its first year.
Immersive Story Projects and Collaborations: In partnership with local organisations and individuals we produce bold, informed and authentic immersive story experiences. From virtual reality theatre and documentary experiences, narrative augmented reality and spatial sound installations.
Services
Arts & Culture
Community & Creator Initiatives
Immersive Experience Design
Digital Placemaking
Digital Heritage Interpretation
Filming & Animation Production
Sectors
Arts & Culture
Community & Creator Initiatives
Immersive Experience Design
Digital Placemaking
Digital Heritage Interpretation
Filming & Animation Production
Cahaya’s Mission
Cahaya XR provides mentorship and production support to artists and storytellers from across SE Asia. In the future we aim to create access to funding and distribution pathways for creators from the region, progressively increase access to XR technology within the region as well as wider representation of SEA stories globally.
As a social impact organization, Cahaya XR strives to use immersive media and storytelling as tools to address real world challenges and drive social impact, in alignment with the UN sustainable development goals.
Image by Moey Fuken
Key activities in Cahaya XR's first year
-The First Edition of the Cahaya XR annual mentorship was held in 2022 in partnership with the Georgetown Festival. The mentorship saw three Penang artists, Kabilan, Ysabel Low and White Bones, mentored by three established XR creators from Malaysia and Australia. The artists held their first XR storytelling exhibition as a part of the festival and shared stories in virtual reality exploring memories of Penang’s old ferry service, what Penangites treasure about the island way of life and an augmented reality work bringing to life Baba Nonya language and imagery with contemporary design. To experience the works head to the exhibition’s online gallery (www.cahayaxrgallery.com)
-The Cahaya and Maitree team worked with Think City to 3D scan the recently restored Syed Al - Attas mansion in the heart of Georgetown. The scan produced a digital twin of the site and an online virtual tour so audiences can explore the building from anywhere in the world.
-Over its first year the Cahaya XR initiative has successfully run a series of XR storytelling workshops including teaching young people how to create their own Augmented Reality (AR) face filters and a professional series on XR Storytelling for Change as a part of George Town Festival 2022.
Images by Moey Fuken, Luvenia Kalia and Yi Kai Chew
