The ASEAN Foundation and ASEAN-German Energy Programme (AGEP) announced the first ASEAN Photo Competition in 2021 focusing on the theme of “#ASEANYouth Shaping the Vision of Sustainable Energy as the New Normal.” AGEP is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gessellschaft für Internationale Zusammernabeit (GIZ) GmbH in close cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE).

In accordance with Phase 1 of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025, ASEAN sets an aspirational target of securing 23% of its primary energy from renewable sources by 2025 as energy demand in the region is expected to increase by 50%[1]. The increase of awareness and public support to the development of renewable energy sector in ASEAN is central in mitigating the challenges that the region face.

As part of ASEAN’s continuous initiative to drive an integrated, competitive, and resilient region through the utilization of renewable energy, we are calling all young and talented photographers aged 18 – 30 years old from 10 ASEAN Member States to submit a photo story on the theme of “#ASEANYouth Shaping the Vision of Sustainable Energy as the New Normal.” The photo competition, which is one of competition series under ASEAN Youth Energy Awards (AYEA 2021), aims to contribute to the awareness of the benefits of sustainable energy (solar, wind, hydro, tidal, and biofuel) paving the way for ASEAN’s cleaner and greener future.

Based on the photo story submissions, the 10 youth from 10 ASEAN Member States were selected to participate in a virtual visual storytelling workshop in mid 2021. The final photography projects from 10 finalists were ubmitted to a Technical Evaluation Committee and a total prize of 2,000 USD were awarded to the Top 3 Winners and the People’s Choice Award Winner.

After the workshop, each finalist were supervised by the trainer to finalise and submit their photo stories in English and local language. Click the link below to discover the photo story of the 10 finalists:

Brunei Darussalam 
"One Which Lights the Night" by Chrisdiana Samahli

Cambodia
"Planet Cambodia" by EAN Chanbormey

Indonesia
"Legacy of Dewi Sri" by Malida Magista

Lao PDR
"Sustainability for Our Lives" by Thipphasone SISAK

Malaysia
"The Princess" by Mohamad Zarif Rafian

Myanmar
"Cultivating the billion years old energy with not so decade old technology" by Khin Chaw Su Linn

The Philippines 
"Amihan's Haven" by April Jieren R. Muska

Singapore
"Singapore New Vision: City in a Garden" by David Adam James Lee

Thailand 
"Sun" by Chutikarn Monprasit

Viet Nam
"Greenting from Vietnam" by Vo Minh Thang