The exhibition, titled ASEAN People and Countries, is organised by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN (1967-2017).

ASEAN People and Countries will display 230 works by 136 photographers from 10 ASEAN countries, 61 of whom are Vietnamese. Fifty photos have been taken in Viet Nam, while 180 others have been taken in the other nine ASEAN countries (20 photos each), all of which vividly and truthfully depict the country, people, culture, society, economy and exchange activities of the member nations.

According to Vi Kien Thanh, head of the culture ministry’s Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, the organising board received 10,127 works from both professional and amateur photographers.

“This is the photographic exhibition with the highest number of entries that has been held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam in recent years. The photographic event will enhance mutual understanding and relations among the countries, contributing to the building of a unified, active, developed, peaceful and prosperous ASEAN community.” he added.

The organising board also revealed ASEAN People and Countries has attracted the attention of many photographers within the region. Since the submitting and marking of the entries was conducted via the internet, many countries sent in a large number of entries by a number of participants.

The 10 most outstanding works by 10 photographers, who are also representatives of 10 ASEAN countries, will be awarded trophies titled “ASEAN photos - 2017” by the organising board.

The awarded photos present new angles of the beauty of the local culture and people, such as We Love Malaysia by Tan Ee Long from Malaysia, Kyite Htee Yoe-The Golden Rock Pagoda by Nyaung U Than Htay from Myanmar and Bac Son Valley by Vu Kim Khoa from Viet Nam.

The exhibition will continue until August 11.