Sang Kancil

Kancil (an adorable mouse-deer) is a prominent character in Malaysian folklore. The animal is imagined as a tiny, clever creature capable of finding its way in the vast jungles of Southeast Asia.

An inspiration to those who may feel small the name has also been adopted by a local manufacturer for a small city car which, undoubtedly, faced competition from larger international brands.

In this photograph, Kancil is a five-door hatchback, cruising the rural roads of Gua Musang, eclipsed by the immense limestone formations and oil palm plantations. Metaphorically speaking, it is in its element.