Bernama Pixman Wins Best ASEAN Tourism Photo Award At 34th ASEANTA Excellence Awards

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) photographer, Mohd Zulfadhli Zulkarn’ain, bagged the 34th ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Excellence Awards for Best ASEAN Tourism Photograph.

Mohd Zulfadhli, 32, who is a photographer from the Perak bureau said, he did not expect a picture showing a man pushing a cart filled with processed charcoal at one of the oldest charcoal factories in Malaysia, taken in Kuala Sepetang, Taiping, Perak, on Sept 30 last year, would receive recognition.

“This is the highest achievement in my career as it is my first international-level award that I have participated in. I did not expect to win, and surely this award will further encourage my participation at the international level.

“To all photographers out there, keep creating and don’t be afraid to submit entries like this, because it provides an advantage in your career,” he said after receiving the award at a hotel, here today. 

Mohd Zulfadhli also hopes the recognition received would continue to establish Bernama as a media agency recognised at the international level.

The award was presented by ASEANTA president Eddy Krismeidi and ASEANTA Excellence Awards chairman Oknha Chhay Sivlin.

Malaysia also won another five awards, namely Suka Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd for Best ASEAN Cruise Programme, Resorts World Genting (Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction), LOCCO (Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort), Sabah International Convention Centre (Best ASEAN Convention Centre) and Borneo Trails Tour and Travel Sdn Bhd for Best ASEAN Eco-Lodge Programme.

Meanwhile, Eddy in his speech said a total of 12 categories were contested which also included Best ASEAN Travel Article, Best ASEAN Airline Programme, Best ASEAN Marketing and Promotional Programme, Best ASEAN Hotel Package, Best ASEAN Tour Operator and Best ASEAN Sustainability Programme.

“These awards are not just about accolades; they are about honoring the spirit of innovation, the dedication to sustainability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that define ASEAN tourism. 

“The winners tonight have not only set new standards but have also inspired others to push boundaries and elevate our region to greater heights,” he said.

ASEANTA is a premier event that celebrates the finest achievements of the tourism industry in conjuction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 which takes place here from Jan 15-20 and aimed to promote regional tourism products, facilitate knowledge exchange, build valuable networking, and improve cooperation with leaders in the global tourism industry to increase the number of tourists visiting ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA