Phan Thanh Cuong's Visiting a Large-Scale Rice Field

Competing with 106 photographers from 14 cities and provinces in the region, Cuong won for his colour photograph, Tham Quan Canh Dong Mau Lon (Visiting a Large-Scale Rice Field Model), of farmers working on their fields in Bac Lieu, a coastal province of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region in the south. Cuong also brought home one of the contest's two second prizes for his work that features Bac Lieu's shrimp farmers during their daily work. His prizes totalled VND18 million (USD850) in cash.

Cuong, a member of the Bac Lieu Photography Club, said that his "images came from genuine emotions and captured real human beauty".

"Through my works, viewers can see my region's developments," he added.

The artist said he would continue to work with the camera, sending his photographs to local and international competitions. "I want to introduce my homeland and its people to the world."

The second prize was awarded to Huynh Ngot, a native of Tien Giang Province. His work features landscapes and tourist activities in his homeland.

The third prize was shared by Nguyen Hoang Minh of Ca Mau, Nguyen Bach Thao of Vinh Long, and Nhan Quoc Dung of Soc Trang.

The winners captured the beauty of the region and local people in daily life and work, according to the judges.

The competition received 1,163 coloured and black-and-white photos.

The event is part of the Exhibition-Fair of 10 Years of Achievements in Building and Developing the Mekong River Delta, in association with organising the 37th celebration of the Liberation Day (April 30, 1975).

The four-day fair will begin on April 27 and take place in the Nam Song Hau urban zone in Can Tho City. The event was organised by the Southwest Steering Committee, in co-operation with Can Tho City, central ministries and related agencies. It highlights economic, political, cultural and social activities in the region.