The contest, which had been launched by VJA, drew the participation of 650 photos by journalists from ASEAN nations. The photos featured fine angles of view of journalists through their lens on people, unique lifestyles of each country, and the solidarity, friendship and cooperation among people in ASEAN.

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 The organizing panel presenting consolation prizes to journalists

The organizing panel awarded 10 photos, including one first prize, one-second prize, three third prizes and five consolation prizes. The photo  “Nong Khai Water Festival”, by Mongkolchai Panyatrakul from Thairath Newspaper under Confederation of Thai Journalists, won the first prize worth $US 1,000.

The VJA won the second prize for the “Le hoi dua bo bay nui” (Seven Mountain cows racing festival in Tinh Bien district, An Giang province, Vietnam) photo  by  Nguyen Huu Dinh from Kien Giang province’s Journalists Association; and 4 consolation prizes namely: “Buoi chieu hoang cung” (a peaceful afternoon at the Grand Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia)  by Vu Kim Son from the Vietnam News Agency, “Duong tu” (the oriented religious path of life)  by Nguyen Quang Tuan from the Vietnam Photography Magazine, “Chieu cao nguyen” (highland children leading their cattle to home in the Moc Chau Highland, Son La province, Vietnam)  by Pham Thanh from Hung Yen province’s Journalists Association, and “Dong bao Cham va du khach hanh huong ve Thap Po KLong Garai tai le hoi Kate 2016, Ninh Thuan” (the Cham people and tourists are on their religious journey to Po Klong Garai temple tower at the Kate festival 2016 in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam)  by Manh Linh from the Vietnam News Agency.

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Mr. Mauricio E. Victa from the National Press Club of Philippines won the third prize with the photo entitled “A good year” 

Speaking at the ceremony,  Thuan Huu, VJA’s President  and  CAJ’s President  for the term 2015 -2017, said  that the event  was held on the first anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN Community (November 22). The photos showed regional journalists’ abilities, professionalism, career passion and close connection with the people.  “This has contributed to promoting a united ASEAN Community,” he concluded.

The organizing panel ed 87 outstanding photos for display at the event. These photos praise beauties of land and people of ASEAN countries. This was also seen as an achievement of journalists in promoting connection and unity of the ASEAN Community.

Reported by Thuy Duong