IMI Student Wins vivo Photography Award with Work Blending Thai Heritage and Technology
Congratulations to Mr. Tonnam Vongsam-Ang, a student from the International Media Innovation (IMI) program, who created a smartphone photography masterpiece and won the vivo Academy: Capture the Future competition, receiving a prize of 50,000 baht and selection as a vivo Content Creator.
His winning work "Stream of Culture" is a photograph taken with the vivo V50 smartphone, beautifully capturing the riverside lifestyle along the Chao Phraya River. The inspiration came from Tonnam's morning desire to document the stories of life along the Chao Phraya River and canals that connect like lifeblood nourishing the people. During his journey, he discovered a riverside spot with the Phra Phuttha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkhon statue, and on the opposite bank, an elderly man preparing a coffin. When a boat entered the frame with hands raised in prayer to the Buddha statue with deep faith, Tonnam captured this moment of connection between life and religion.
This competition involved rigorous selection, with 5 other IMI students reaching the finals: Mo Htet Aung, Pham Phuong Anh, Christopher Sarmiento, Lin Htet Aung, and Nathat Saeng-Chuto. In the final round, students received skill development from experienced judges including K. Surachai Saengsuwan, an internationally renowned fashion photographer, Ajarn Uracha Chakrachapol, ZEISS Ambassador and ZEISS lens representative, K. Oat Pramote, host of "Kode Cool" program and K. Waanchai Akira, host of "Asa Pa Pai Long" program.
The vivo Academy: Capture the Future project results from collaboration between vivo, UNESCO, and the Faculty of Journalism, Thammasat University to support smartphone photography, which is becoming an essential skill for modern content creators.
