ASIAN Geographic on assignment 2008 exhibition
In 2008, ASIAN Geographic went on a search for Singapore’s next big photojournalist. Open to all full-time secondary and tertiary students in Singapore, the On Assignment Photojournalism Competition 2008 received an overwhelming response from students who were eager to express their thoughts and feelings on the competition’s three topics, which explored Singapore’s biodiversity, its diverse culture as an island nation; and the issues that struck a chord in the hearts of Singaporeans.
One winner and two runners-up were selected from each category. Ten consolation prizes were also awarded to participants, as judged by our panel of editors. The winning entries were displayed at the Singapore Science Centre between 6 to 18 December 2008.
For 2009, the On Assignment Photojournalism Competition is looking further ashore and is now open to all full-time students in Asia. #

South of east
ASIAN Geographic Field Editor and multi-award winning travel photojournalist, Lester V. Ledesma, will present timeless glimpses of Asia in a stunning collection of limited edition photographs at his first one-man photo show in Singapore. Taken over a span of five years, through Ledesma's countless journeys to South and Southeast Asia, the photographs on display are testaments to both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our region. The exhibition is entitled 'South of East: The Travel Photography of Lester Ledesma', and it will be presented at the Art Space of the Royal Plaza on Scotts, between 15 January to 9 February 2009. #

Singapore’s island of trash makes way for eco-park
A quarter of Pulau Semakau, Singapore's dumping ground for waste, will be converted into an Eco-park. The National Environment Agency (NEA)
of Singapore is seeking ideas to turn an offshore island eight kilometres south of Singapore into a test-bed for renewable and clean energy technologies. RSP Architects and Jurong Consultants have been appointed by NEA to provide consultancy services for this Eco-Park, which is slated to take effect by the first quarter of 2009. Not only will this provide a unique offshore eco-facility, the park will also hold recreational and educational activities for the public.
In operation since 1999, the Semakau landfill receives about 1,400 tonnes of incineration ash and 600 tonnes of non-incinerable waste each day. Mr Lee Yuan Hee, CEO of the NEA, believes that venturing into new areas of technologies will let Singapore gain a competitive edge in the development of clean and green technologies. #

"We envisage that the test-bedding systems would be able to generate enough energy and water to make Semakau a self-sustaining eco island."

- Mr Lee Yuan Hee, CEO of the The National Environment Agency of Singapore

The Algiers 1st International Meeting on Literary Translation
The Algiers 1st International Meeting on Literary Translation was held from the 2nd to 5th December 2008 in the capital of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Organised by the Algerian Ministry of Culture with the cooperation of the Higher Arab Institute for Translation, PEN International and the Algerian PEN Centre, the event revolved around the theme of ‘Translating and Living Together', and sought to address the fundamental issues of translating literature, translation and globalisation, and teaching literary translation.

The meeting brought together almost 100 translators, writers, publishers and literary critics from Europe, Africa, South and North America and Asia including ASIAN Geographic's publisher, John Thet, who was among the few distinguished individuals in Asia to be invited to attend the symbolic event; with the united goal of bridging literary, cultural and communication divides.

Algeria is the largest country of the Mediterranean Sea and the second largest on the African Continent in terms of land area. While Arabic is the country’s official language, French is also widely used in the media and commerce, along with local dialects. In her opening speech, Mrs Khalida Toumi, Algeria’s Minister of Culture, spoke of how the translation of poems and history could act as a bridge to peace in the future.
On the first day of the event, key speakers addressed the topic of translating Algerian literature into Arabic, English and other European languages, and how translation services were not readily available in the country. This created an information and communication void, where people couldn’t appreciate the culture and history of other countries. They highlighted the fact that throughout human history, there wasn’t a period when only a single language was spoken or used, so the ability to translate texts to other languages was paramount in building bridges between languages, ideas and people. Later in the session, participants discussed the relationship and challenges between authors, texts and translators; and the creative process behind translation.

On day two, talks revolved around the topics of literary translation and globalisation, and publishing and promoting Algerian literature through translation. Mr Jean Guiloineau, a literary translator of around 150 novels (a large number of which are South-African), explained the role of a literary translator, and shared his experiences of translating literature from minority languages. Participants from Mali and Uganda, Burma and UK also contributed their experiences of translating literature from their own languages, and Dr Ma Thida, PEN Freedom to Write award winner and resident writer at Brown University, USA, stressed how the demand of literary translation in Burma had been changed from one period in time to another, and the factors that influenced it. The discussion was moderated by Mr Takeaki HORI, a writer, anthropologist and Executive Director of Japan International P.E.N, the worldwide association of writers that seeks to engage with, and empower societies and communities, across cultures and languages, through reading and writing.

Talks on the last day of the event concentrated on the topic of teaching literary translation; and to round up the event, the Algerian Ministry of Culture brought participants around to various key attractions within the country, including Tipaza, an ancient Roman military colony set beside the Mediterranean Sea, where participants could appreciate the beautiful nature and architecture of the Roman ruins; and Casbah, an old Ottoman city within Algiers that is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants revelled in the mystery of ancient Casbah, and the hussle and bussle of its crowded markets.

At the end of the three-day event, participants left with a renewed sense of admiration and respect for Algerian culture, and for the need of translation – not only for greater peace and understanding, but also for
the preservation of their own history and culture. #

4th Angkor photography festival
Between 23 to 28 November 2008, the temples of Angkor were a melting pot of famous and passionate photographers from around the world. The Angkor Photography Festival, which is into its fourth consecutive year, was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Angkor Photography Festival differentiates itself from other photography events with its strong educational and humanitarian goals, and this year’s festival saw a strong line up of programmes and workshops by renowned photographers who volunteered their time to tutor 30 young photographers from around the globe. Participants gained insight and knowledge on their craft, and picked up tips and valuable advice from the veteran photographers.
During the festival, the winner of the Stop TB Partnership’s 2008 Images to Stop Tuberculosis Award was also announced. Photojournalist Jean Chung from the Republic of Korea, best known for her moving photographs of the people in war-torn Afghanistan won the prestigious title. Internationally-renowned photographer Gary Knight, co-founder of VII Photo Agency and founder of the Angkor Photo Festival, presented the award during the festival. Chung will receive a grant of US$5,000 to produce a photo essay on tuberculosis in one or more of the 22 countries most heavily affected by the disease, and an additional US$5,000 in prize money.

The festival also organised photography workshops for the street children of Siem Reap as part of its outreach programme. Last year, a fundraising auction for the Anjali Children's Project was held during the festival. The prints were donated by renowned photographers from all over the world. For more information, visit www.photographyforchange.net #