Photo of dolphin-shaped fishing net in Phu Yen wins $10,000 prize

Taken by Thai Viet Hoan during his working trip to the central province in May 2022, the shot titled "Dolphin in the Sea" helped him bring home a cash prize of US$10,000.

The fisherman was harvesting anchovies, considered a specialty of Vietnam's central coast and used to produce the quintessential Vietnamese condiment – fish sauce.

"Fishing net in the waters of Phu Yen creates a very interesting dolphin shape in the sea when the fisherman's small basket boat in red moves into the right position," he said.

Yen Islet, around 15 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa, the capital town of Phu Yen, is home to beautiful, fragile coral reefs that have been placed under strict government protection.

"The delicate wisps of the fishing net hang beautifully beneath the surface of the water like a giant sea creature," said Ruben Wu, a member of the judging panel and a visual artist and photographer.

This year's contest received thousands of entries from over 100 countries, each sharing their personal thoughts and stories with the world. There were four categories this year: Photography, Graphic Design, Film, and Animation.

The Asus ProArtist Awards 2023 are organized by Taiwanese multinational computer, phone hardware and electronics manufacturer Asus in alliance with creative industry leaders Pantone and Calibrite, in collaboration with renowned film and animation schools.