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If you are unable to view the news releases or have images disabled, please click here. Floating Petals of Progress: An Award-Winning Tale of Art in Bloom Follow the journey of Korean photographer Gilyoung Pyo whose image, Floating Solar Plant and Smart Farm, illustrates the harmony between innovation and nature.   As dawn breaks over Hapcheon Dam reservoir, the sky stretches endlessly in soft blue hues and rolling green mountains rise like sentinels around the water. Their slopes cascade gracefully to meet the lake’s edge. The crisp morning air renews, while the trees stand still, their reflections shimmer gently on the lake. Amid this tranquil landscape, clusters of solar panels arranged to resemble plum blossoms float elegantly. The solar modules, aligned with geometric precision, glisten under the sunlight; their surfaces akin to petals kissed by dew. More than just a technological marvel, these panels symbolize a vision of balance—a future where innovation enhances nature’s design rather than overpower it. A self-taught artist with an extraordinary vision This breathtaking scene was captured by Gilyoung Pyo, a Korean office worker with an exceptional eye for beauty. Reflecting on his journey, Pyo realized how his passion for photography had evolved into a deeper understanding of how technological advancement can coexist with nature. Winning third prize felt surreal—a milestone that not only showcased his passion to an international audience but also gave him newfound confidence in his abilities. “This marks the start of my journey into international photography contests,” he said, his voice tinged with hope for the future. Looking back, Pyo said humbly, “I am just an ordinary office worker,” recalling how photography became his creative escape—a way to break free from the monotony of daily routines and connect with the world in meaningful ways. As a self-taught photographer, he cultivated his craft through online tutorials and weekend explorations, seeking scenes that resonated with his love for light and perspective. When he heard about the floating solar farm at Hapcheon Dam, he was immediately drawn to its story. The long journey from his home in Sejong became a small price to pay for the extraordinary sight that awaited him. “It felt like the floating petals had come to life, as if nature herself had embraced the design,” Pyo recalled, enchanted by how the solar panels’ floral arrangement blended seamlessly with their surroundings. Capturing this image demanded persistence and resilience. Pyo dedicated multiple weekends to revisiting the reservoir, carefully observing the ever-changing interplay of light, shadows, and reflections. “Photography is about understanding light,” he explained. “Capturing the plum blossom panels required patience, care and time—much like nurturing a flower to see it in full bloom.” The unpredictable weather and long hours of waiting tested his patience, but his determination to capture this photo never wavered. A garden of innovation and nature The floating solar farm at Hapcheon Dam also exemplifies the power of thoughtful technological solutions. Using the reservoir’s surface, the project generates renewable energy while conserving valuable land resources. These floating panels do more than generate energy—they reduce water loss by limiting evaporation and also restrict algae blooms. For Pyo, the solar farm symbolizes a deeper harmony between human ingenuity and the landscape. “The panels integrate with the water’s surface, symbolizing a coexistence that complements the surrounding environment,” he said. “They mirror the mountains, sky, and reservoir, creating a scene as balanced as a flower in full bloom.” His photograph captures this delicate harmony, reminding us that human ingenuity can coexist with nature to create solutions that are both functional and beautiful. Pyo hopes his work inspires others to envision a future where solutions do not uproot ecosystems but instead take root within them. “Innovation, when thoughtfully designed, can coexist harmoniously, adapting to natural spaces while enriching ecosystems and communities alike,” he shared. A call to cultivate sustainability The Hapcheon Dam solar farm exemplifies actionable solutions to the challenges of climate change. Capable of powering 20,000 homes, the solar farm demonstrates how innovation can address energy demands while protecting the planet. Through his work, Pyo hopes to encourage discussions around sustainable energy. “Images can make people pause, reflect, and take action,” he said. “They can show what is possible and inspire us to care.” Looking ahead to APEC 2025, which Korea will host, Pyo believes his work will inspire others to explore sustainability and participate in next year’s APEC Photo Contest. “It is amazing how a photograph can receive recognition on such a large stage,” he said. “I hope it encourages people to reflect on the paths we choose and the solutions we develop.” As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, Pyo’s Floating Solar Plant and Smart Farm offers a vision of balance—a future where technological advancement blooms as gently as petals on a quiet lake. Through his lens, Pyo asks: “How can we create a future where technology enhances, rather than disrupts, nature’s harmony?” Perhaps the answer lies in creating solutions rooted in nature’s rhythms, where innovation thrives in harmony with the environment. Photography and the Spirit of Community in Indigenous Philippines Filipino photographer and APEC Photo Contest second prize winner Jaime Singlador shares how his photography and outreach missions help him connect with people on a deeper level.   Born in the picturesque highlands and lush rolling hills east of Metropolitan Manila, Jaime Singlador or “James” is a Filipino civil engineer, mentor, and travel photographer. Singlador believes that his background in engineering helps him frame the world in a structured way, but it is through photography that he expresses his artistic side. Singlador has been a long-time hobbyist, winning multiple international and local photography competitions. This year, he earned the second spot in APEC’s annual photo contest—an event that the APEC Secretariat has been organizing since 2011. Each year, the APEC Photo Contest not only celebrates creativity in the region but also promotes awareness of the host economy’s priorities. Under Peru’s host year theme of “Empower. Include. Grow,” thousands of photographers submitted their artistic interpretations, and Singlador stood proudly among them. More than just capturing memories Singlador’s photography journey began in 2008 when he found solace in capturing memories of the people and places he encountered. “Back then I was still working for a bank. Taking photos during my free time helped me relieve my stress,” he shared. However, his appreciation of photography grew deeper when he met his mentor, Danilo Victoriano—a fellow APEC Photo Contest winner who claimed both the first prize and the popular choice award in 2019. Victoriano taught Singlador what he knows today. He explained that Victoriano was the one who invited him to join their community of photography enthusiasts in the Philippines, the SLR Camera Club. As a way of giving back, he now guides new photographers and helps them capture winning pieces. More than photography techniques, Singlador said that engaging meaningfully with communities was what he appreciates the most from his peers. “It’s not just winning but also giving,” he explained. He goes on to say that a percentage of their members’ awards from various contests get pooled. With that funding, their club organizes two to three outreach missions, like bringing groceries and school supplies or conducting medical missions in very remote areas. “Recently, we went to an Aeta community and brought them library materials and computers and helped them connect with the internet,” he shared, “and they were very happy!” Framing that winning piece Singlador and his peers venture to these far-flung locations, reachable only through difficult dirt trails, because they want to help. “Once, when we were going home, it started to rain,” he fondly remembered. “The locals helped us get through the mud, even digging around so that our vehicle could pass. They didn’t leave us until they knew we were safe.” Apart from their outreach missions, they also use photography to tell the stories of the Indigenous people they connect with. For instance, they are planning a photo exhibit featuring their impressions of the people of Cordillera—the highest mountain range in the Philippines. Nestled in these remote mountains are the Igorots who are a warm and hospitable community of farmers rich in cultural tradition. Their sustainable ways are an example of respecting life and land together, but they are often unseen by the masses because of their distance and isolation from cities. Singlador’s winning piece captures a part of their life story and brings that out into the open for everyone to appreciate. Characterized by its softness and warmth, his photograph contrasts the dusk creeping through the mountains against the Igorot people’s smiles and the bright glow of a solar-powered lamp. “This picture was a product of our outreach mission in Cordillera,” he recalled. “We were on our way back when I noticed that they [Igorots] were carrying a solar-powered lamp. I found that very interesting!” Singlador’s own life story serves as a powerful reminder that photography can and does go far beyond capturing images. It is a form of storytelling. And through his lens, he is echoing visually what the Igorot community is living day-by-day, a sustainable path respecting life and land together.   *** Out of a total of 1,800 photos from 17 different economies, the images submitted to the APEC Photo Contest illustrate the region’s journey toward sustainable and clean energy for a brighter and prosperous future. The entries reflect the public’s interpretation of the APEC Peru 2024 theme of “Empower. Include. Grow.” and the policy priorities focusing on trade and investment for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainable and resilient development.   News Releases • Features • Publications • Events • Photos • Videos