LSA100: Human Edition’s Shi Han and J Xin shed light on Malaysia’s untold narratives

100 Malaysians, 100 Milestones – LSA100 this year highlights the city’s best guides, Shi Han and J Xin who are the brains behind Human Edition. Documenting daily stories and the latest happenings in Kuala Lumpur and beyond, Human Edition takes on a humanistic approach to content creating — bringing cultures, community and people together through storytelling. 

Shi Han and J Xin didn’t set out to be documentarians. With degrees in architecture and a promising start in Singapore’s competitive design scene, their path seemed clear-cut — until it wasn’t. In their mid-twenties, both found themselves at a crossroads, contemplating advanced degrees in architecture but questioning if their current trajectory truly fulfilled them. When a missed scholarship opportunity closed one door, another unexpectedly opened, leading them back to Malaysia with a fresh perspective, a sense of restlessness, and just enough savings to take a leap into the unknown.

What began as an idea for a photo book evolved into Human Edition, a platform dedicated to sharing the extraordinary lives of ordinary Malaysians. Inspired by the captivating people and unique spaces they encountered, Shi Han and J Xin set out to document the stories, struggles, and triumphs of locals, crafting visually rich narratives that resonate well beyond Malaysia’s borders. They’ve gone from being storytellers behind the lens to inspiring figures in their own right — embracing a journey that, much like the stories they capture, defies convention.

Their work is rooted in authenticity, and their architectural background shapes the way they frame each story. For Shi Han and J Xin, a person’s environment isn’t merely a backdrop but an integral part of who they are. By weaving the human experience with the spaces people inhabit, Human Edition has become a celebration of identity and the quiet beauty found in life’s everyday moments. Through their project, Shi Han and J Xin offer more than a glimpse into Malaysian life; they share a powerful message about listening to your instincts and following an unconventional path, even when the destination is unclear.

You both were part of something truly special with Human Edition, documenting the extraordinary stories of everyday Malaysians. What inspired you to create this platform?

SH: Our journey with Human Edition began as a completely different vision: a book. Both of us studied architecture together and then worked in Singapore for two years. After leaving our jobs there, we travelled to Langkawi for an art residency program with Bon Ton Resort. During those three transformative weeks, we were captivated by the place — the people, the culture, and the untold stories. While J returned to Kuala Lumpur afterwards, I stayed on as the creative manager at Bon Ton. That role introduced me to an incredible variety of people: local artists, architects, and community members who generously shared their life experiences with me. I also spent time exploring Langkawi’s hidden places, trying to understand its essence. In fact, I had created a research paper for Bon Ton that, in the end, they didn’t use. Rather than let it go to waste, I thought, why not make something of it myself?

That’s when the idea of a photo book first emerged. I convinced J to return to Langkawi, and we decided to give ourselves a year to bring this book to life. We even shipped our car over to dive in fully. Initially, we thought, “what’s the worst that could happen?”. Even if it didn’t pan out, it would still make for an amazing project in our portfolios.

After many conversations, though, we realised that books, especially in Malaysia, don’t always reach a broad audience. So, we decided to make videos from our interviews and post them on social media as a way to promote the ‘book’. We noticed a gap in Malaysia — very few documentaries focused on architecture in a way that everyday people could connect with. I had long wanted to create accessible, story-driven documentaries about architecture, so this felt like a natural fit. While there are some architecture-focused documentaries out there, most are technical and use jargon that’s difficult for non-architects to follow. We were inspired by a Chinese YouTube channel called 一条Yit (Yitiao), which features short documentaries about people’s lives, their stories, and the spaces they inhabit. We thought we could do something similar, sharing stories from people in Malaysia in an approachable way.

It took us six months just to find these stories, interview people, and edit the videos. When we finally posted our first video, the response was encouraging. But then our second video went viral, and our following grew from 200 to 10,000 in a week. What started as a simple experiment to promote a book transformed into something much bigger. We were deeply moved by the stories people shared with us, and seeing how these stories resonated with viewers fuelled our passion to keep going. Now, we hope that by sharing these narratives, we can inspire others just as much as we’ve been inspired ourselves.

After starting your career abroad in Singapore, both of you found yourselves at a crossroads — contemplating a Master’s in architecture but ultimately deciding to return to Malaysia. What was that pivotal moment like for both of you?

SH: After leaving our jobs in Singapore, we returned to Malaysia with a lot of uncertainty but also a sense of possibility. At the time, we were waiting to hear back on a scholarship to pursue our Master’s in China, and when we found out we hadn’t received it, it felt like a turning point. With the savings we’d built up from working in Singapore — and no tuition expenses to worry about — we suddenly had the time and resources to consider other paths.

At 25, we knew it was the right moment to take risks while we still had the freedom to do so. Looking back, it felt like everything aligned to point us in this new direction. We had always felt a bit lost in our conventional path, and when this unexpected opportunity presented itself, it was like a calling.

How has sharing these stories impacted the both of you personally?

SH & JX: Seeing people in their element has been incredibly inspiring. Every time we film, we’re genuinely moved by each person we meet. There’s always a powerful takeaway — whether it’s witnessing their resilience in the face of challenges or realising how a small gesture of support can mean the world to someone. This experience has deepened our appreciation for even the simplest things, and it’s made us profoundly grateful for the support we’ve received and the people who have helped us along the way.

J Xin, as the on-site director and cinematographer, you’re responsible for capturing the emotion and essence of the stories being told. How do you ensure that the visuals match the authenticity of the stories Shi Han is uncovering?

JX: Coming from an architectural background, I always approach filming from the perspective of human experience — how people interact with and are influenced by the spaces around them. I think about how someone enters a space, the feel and function of a living room, and the emotions a space can evoke. In our videos, I focus on the connection between each person and their environment. These two elements are constantly shaping one another, and the space often holds layers of the person’s story. By capturing the unique ‘human touch’ embedded in a space, we’re able to tell a more complete and authentic story.

You’ve documented the stories of others through Human Edition, but your own journey is incredibly inspiring. What lessons did you learn from stepping away from a path that didn’t feel right for you, and how do you hope others can find strength in their own uncertain moments through your story?

JX & SH: We’ve learned that it’s essential to trust your instincts and listen to what they’re telling you. If you feel lost, don’t be afraid to change direction, and when new challenges arise, face them as opportunities rather than setbacks. Had we stayed in Singapore or pursued our Master’s in China, we would never have discovered the potential of our project or the path it would lead us on. People may question your choices, but let that propel your determination to keep moving forward. We hope that by sharing our journey, others can find the courage to embrace their own uncertainties and take risks that feel true to them.

editor-in-chief & creative direction MARTIN TEO | interview MELISSA FOONG | editorial team MALLIE MARAN, PUTERI YASMIN SURAYA | photography EDMUND LEE (ONE3FOUR STUDIO) | assisted by ZANE | videography JIA JUN POR & STANLEY LOH | art director JOYCE LIM | makeup SHENG SAW | hairstyling EDVID KWA | grooming ERANTHE LOO | styled AZZA ARIF | jewellery TIFFANY & CO | wardrobe COACH, EL BY ELLIE LIM, MSGM

Check out LSA100 Class of 2024 HERE.