About Us
The Photographic Society of Malaysia — a non-profit society promoting the art of photography since 1956.
A society for the art of photography
The Photographic Society of Malaysia (PSM), established in 1956, is a non-governmental organisation aimed at helping people improve their photography. The Society has a long and illustrious history and counts many distinguished photographers among its members.
PSM membership is open to all and is recognised as the national body for photography in Malaysia by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). The Society is also a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA membership No. 082259), a worldwide interactive photographic organisation for clubs and individuals.
The Council of PSM is elected by vote among its members. The fifteen members who are elected serve on the Council for a two-year term and chart the direction, mission and vision of the Society. Members of Council are duty-bound to serve without fear or favour and with the utmost dedication.
PSM works to promote the arts and sciences of photography among the general public. It aims to inspire photography as an art form — and as members of PSM, you grow with us as photographers and discover the exciting and varied world of photography.
From 1956 to today
Formed in 1956 as "The Photographic Society of the Federation of Malaya," PSM has grown over more than six decades into Malaysia's national photographic body.
- 1956
The society is founded
Formed by a group of serious photography enthusiasts as "The Photographic Society of the Federation of Malaya." Mr. Yee Mun Poh became the first President, with Mr. Wan Ye Jing as Honorary Secretary. The first anniversary exhibition displayed 277 photographs by 46 members.
- 1963
First International Salon
Under the leadership of Mr. Wong Pak Kee, the society's first International Salon drew 509 photographers from 39 countries with 1,031 exhibits.
- 1965
3rd International Salon
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, officiated the opening of the 3rd International Salon.
- 1990
Distinctions recognised
The Society's Distinction awards were approved by Malaysia's Registrar of Societies, a programme initiated under the vision of former President Mr. Ng Chee Kong.
- 1996
A members' collection in print
The society published the "PSM Members Photo Collection," a coffee-table book of member photography.
- 2001
Strengthening international ties
Under the presidency of Mr. Harry Woo Hong Sang, PSM deepened its relationships with photographic societies in Thailand, Singapore, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
- 2004
New publications
The society released two photographic publications, "Images of Inspiration" and "Beyond Photography."
- 2009
Union of Lights
A collaborative exhibition created together with the Thai, Singaporean and Myanmar photographic societies.
- 2010
Going digital, and a permanent home
Online entry was introduced for the 29th Malaysia International Salon, and PSM acquired its permanent headquarters at Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, Kuala Lumpur.
Recognised at home and abroad
PSM is Malaysia's national photographic body and is affiliated with the major international photographic federations.
* Indicative figure for the prototype — exact membership to be confirmed by PSM.
Governance
PSM is a member-run society. The Council is elected by vote among the members and serves a two-year term, charting the direction, mission and vision of the Society and overseeing its working committees. The roster below is the Council for the 2015–2016 term.
Members of Council 2015–2016
Working committee
- Society Chairman
- Harry Woo
- Public Relations
- Harry Woo, Teh Eng Guan, Eng Chuen Fui, Cheong Weng Leong
- Welfare
- Teh Eng Guan
- Activities
- Soo Kien Ho, Ho Ah Mook, Cheong Weng Leong, Koh Wee Hai
- Exhibition
- Harry Woo (Acting Chairman)
- Distinctions Chairman
- Dr. Ng Chong Kin
- Event Photography
- Harry Woo, Koh Wee Hai, Cheong Weng Leong
- Newsletter
- Harry Woo, Steven Yee
- Photo Competitions
- Koh Wee Hai, Ho Ah Mook, Cheong Weng Leong, Soo Kien Ho, Goh Chor Tian
- Maintenance
- Cheong Weng Leong, Ho Ah Mook, Soo Kien Ho, Koh Wee Hai
- Auditor
- Lawrence Leong Yew Fatt, Kevin Wong
Get in touch
Questions about membership, our salons, competitions or distinctions? Send a message and the committee will get back to you.
Kuchai Entrepreneur's Park, 58200 Kuala Lumpur View on map