Sai On: To See and To Be Seen
Sai On: To See and To Be Seen
On the gallery wall of Raw Coffee Company, a quiet yet powerful story unfolds through a series of film photographs. Titled Surreal Lanka, this debut exhibition by Sai On, in collaboration with Onvision and Analog The Room, is not just a project - it’s a reflection of movement, memory, and creative honesty.
Shot during an unplanned trip to Sri Lanka, every frame carries a sense of presence. Nothing is forced. The moments were lived, not staged. The result is a visual experience that feels nostalgic, textured, and deeply personal.
But this exhibition is just one chapter of a longer journey - a journey that began in Myanmar, passed through many countries, and continues to evolve in Dubai.
From Myanmar to Many Worlds
Sai On is from Myanmar - a country where young people often face more challenges than choices. Yet even in those conditions, he carved his own path, finding inspiration in coffee and creativity.
He began learning about coffee at home, treating the ritual of brewing with quiet care. Alongside that, he developed a passion for media - especially photography and visual storytelling. These two passions ran side by side.
Before arriving in Dubai, he had already traveled to Japan, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia as part of the SSEAYP (Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program) - a cultural exchange initiative that opened new perspectives and allowed him to represent Myanmar on an international stage.
The Message That Shifted Everything
During a particularly difficult time back home - when conflict disrupted daily life and internet was hard to access - Sai discovered FLTR Magazine on Instagram (fltrmagazine.com). It showcased scenes from Dubai’s specialty coffee world. That’s how he came across Raw Coffee Company.
In 2021, he decided to reach out. Just a message, sent with little expectation.
To his surprise, Kim Thompson, the founder of Raw Coffee Company, replied. Her first question was:
“Do you have internet?”
By chance, Sai did. They managed a video call - and soon after, he was invited to Dubai to join Raw.
He started his journey at Raw as a junior barista and waiter, working closely with the team, learning from experienced professionals, and slowly stepping into more creative roles. His quiet focus, attention to detail, and artistic instinct didn’t go unnoticed.
Today, he works as Raw’s Visual Storyteller - shaping much of what the world sees through the brand’s social media and creative platforms.
Onvision -A Personal Space to Create
While growing in his role at Raw, Sai launched his personal creative brand, Onvision, built around a simple but powerful idea:
“To see and to be seen.”
It’s not about commercial photography or trends. His work focuses on stillness, honesty, and atmosphere. Sai’s images often carry a soft nostalgia - not designed to impress, but to invite reflection. He captures the feeling of places, not just their look.
Through Onvision, he continues to create photo series, films, and quiet stories - inspired by travel, nature, and human emotion.
Surreal Lanka - A New Chapter
Surreal Lanka is the result of a spontaneous trip to Sri Lanka, shot entirely on film. With no fixed plan, he moved through spaces with an open eye. The exhibition captures that spirit - unpolished, honest, and full of depth.
It’s his first solo exhibition, but not the beginning of his work. It feels more like a moment where many parts of his journey meet - Myanmar, travel, coffee, creativity - all coming into quiet focus.
A Journey Still in Motion
Sai On isn’t the kind of storyteller who demands attention. His work isn’t loud - but it lingers. Whether through a photograph, a reel, or a quiet exhibition, he lets you feel something.
From Myanmar’s uncertainty to cultural programs across Asia, from his first message to Raw in 2021 to leading their creative voice today - Sai’s story is one of quiet resilience and clear vision.
His journey isn’t over. It’s still unfolding.
With care. With intention.
To see, and to be seen.