He shares the poor kid’s story

Dr Seuss Famously called adults “outdated children”, and Nelson Mandela said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” US President John Kennedy saw kids as “the living messages we send to a time we will not see”.

“I believe,” says Kiran Kreer, “that children are innocent and true, with a beautiful light in their souls.”

The Malaysian’s name doesn’t reverberate as strongly as the others, but the sentiment comes from the same place: a pure heart.

Having traversed Southeast Asia, the Ipoh-born documentary photographer and social activist is intimately clued in to the trials and tribulations of the underprivileged, especially children – who often become casualties of poverty, war, rights abuses and disasters.

Kreer’s calling came late. In fact, the 39-year-old completely broke the mould by trading his corporate day-job for a life lived out of a backpack and behind the lens, much to the disappointment of his parents. “I had my own company and a job in marketing and sales, but one day it occurred to me that I had lost sight of myself and my identity,” he says. Of all the causes Kreer could have possibly chosen to help instead, children living in poverty were what spoke loudest to him. “Knowing that millions of children live in poverty, hunger and in the dark with no proper homes has kept me going till today.” 

While many people can be accused of turning a blind eye to the injustice around us, Kreer hasn’t lost faith in humanity.

“I think every simple act of compassion makes life worth living and fighting for,” he says. “I hope my photographs will change people’s perspective on life and humanity. It would mean the world to me even if a single photograph or story makes an impact or inspires someone.”

Kreer is demoralised only by the lack of empathy he sometimes encounters. “Of course there’ve been times when I’ve felt helpless, mainly when it comes to raising funds. My best moments, though, are always when I get to complete a project.”

The road he travels is not lonely – countless humanitarians are dedicated to saving the human species – but that doesn’t diminish what makes Kreer special. He charts his course based on his instincts.

“I do what makes me happy first and I live one day at a time. I guess, photographically speaking, I’ve earned an identity from what I capture, and my storytelling and reflections of humanity define who I am.”

Having this “big picture” has rewarded him in the form of freedom of choice, a rare commodity for many people. He’s able to share stories of people in conflict locations and war zones, tales that are often kept under wraps, shackled by bureaucracy and politics.

“Also, I want to help open more minds, so they can see there is always a choice, and to tell them to never give up, because there are many ways of living life. We don’t have to be slaves to the system.”

Kreer delved into photography early in adulthood, giving up painting when he realised it wasn’t quite his calling. He honed his skills in the field, inspired by Brazilian social photographer Sebastiao Salgado.

Growing up in a tight-knit family in Ipoh, Kreer was always grounded. His dad was an insurance salesman. He credits the secure, blue-collar upbringing with being able to be his own man now.

“It was crucial. I’m very close to my parents and sisters – they’re the driving force behind what I’m doing now. Of course it wasn’t easy for them to accept the only son’s decision to give up everything and just leave.” Reservation turned to pride when his parents saw the praise he earned. “My dad rang me up to say how proud he was. He keeps a folder of all my media interviews and articles.”

Kreer has advice for anyone wanting to break free from the drudgery of mundane living. “Stop being materialistic. Forget your status and labels. Leave your comfort zone and venture into something unknown, and find your true self first. Stop making excuses for yourself.

“I hear so many of my friends say, ‘I wish I could do what you do.’ I say, ‘Go do it – don’t just wish it!’ Rest assured, the life that you’re looking for will gradually appear.”