Cognita Asia Photography Challenge

Cognita Asia Photography Challenge

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Cognita Asia’s first photography competition has been a rare opportunity for our student photographers of all levels to focus on the theme ‘Sustainability - Our World’ and showcase some of their best work. Students also had to include a short piece of writing explaining their thinking when construct the picture and how it linked to the theme.

Our judge for the competition this year was photographer and Instagram influencer Jirasak Panpiansin (Joe), also known as @joez19. Joe became recognised within Thailand and globally for his beautiful iPhone photographs on Instagram. He has since grown his following to 420,000+ people and has had more than 60 of his photographs used in Apple advertisements.

Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners who have each won new canon cameras to further develop their skills and love of photography! Well done to all finalists who made it into this gallery! Inspiring work!

Sinchan_Sahoo- C8 C.jpg
Sinchan_Sahoo- C8 C.jpg

Sinchan Sahoo

CHIREC International

One needs to grow strong without notice and be prepared for each season. Stay strong through the cold spell of winter only to emerge renewed at the first sign of spring. Be grounded with our roots dug deep in the ground and grow tall, however, remain calm so that one can still hear the rustling of their own leaves!

Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Immerse in your unique natural beauty. Reflect . Plant a sapling . Encourage others to do so. Do not protect the environment. Create a world where the environment does not need protection.

1st

Sinchan Sahoo

CHIREC International

Sinchan_Sahoo- C8 C.jpg

Sinchan Sahoo

CHIREC International

One needs to grow strong without notice and be prepared for each season. Stay strong through the cold spell of winter only to emerge renewed at the first sign of spring. Be grounded with our roots dug deep in the ground and grow tall, however, remain calm so that one can still hear the rustling of their own leaves!

Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Immerse in your unique natural beauty. Reflect . Plant a sapling . Encourage others to do so. Do not protect the environment. Create a world where the environment does not need protection.

Society Suffocation

Alexander (Xan) Cleaver

St. Andrews S107

For my image, I decided to not photograph something sustainable, instead photograph the effects of what happens when we don't think in a sustainable way and why we, as a society need to combat this and change it before it's too late. This conveys a more powerful message and the use of the plastic can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, we as a society are still using and wasting far too much single-use plastic and we are metaphorically 'choking' in it, although in reality, many animals like whales and turtles are indeed choking on it. Secondly, it represents mass corporations and governments not acting upon the issues of single-use plastic and sustainability, whilst trying to 'silence' us. We as a global society need to combat this to create a sustainable, enjoyable and more plastic-conscious world for all life to thrive. If we don't  take urgent action to combat this, society may suffocate.

2nd

Alexander (Xan) Cleaver

St. Andrews S107

Society Suffocation

Alexander (Xan) Cleaver

St. Andrews S107

For my image, I decided to not photograph something sustainable, instead photograph the effects of what happens when we don't think in a sustainable way and why we, as a society need to combat this and change it before it's too late. This conveys a more powerful message and the use of the plastic can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, we as a society are still using and wasting far too much single-use plastic and we are metaphorically 'choking' in it, although in reality, many animals like whales and turtles are indeed choking on it. Secondly, it represents mass corporations and governments not acting upon the issues of single-use plastic and sustainability, whilst trying to 'silence' us. We as a global society need to combat this to create a sustainable, enjoyable and more plastic-conscious world for all life to thrive. If we don't  take urgent action to combat this, society may suffocate.
Andree_Yin.jpg
Andree_Yin.jpg

Gardens by the bay

Haining Yin

AIS

In Singapore, 50% of the area is covered by green plants. I can firmly say that we are living in an urban oasis. Every single corner in Singapore is showing its sustainability, especially Gardens by the bay. The one I captured is called the Supertree. Plants use the sun’s rays to produce energy and so do the supertrees. Supertrees do send gases away, acting as chimneys for the gardens by the bay energy centre. These gages contain carbon dioxide and water vapour after they have been cleaned by a filtration system in a biomass boiler that power the chillers to cool the air in the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Also, the biomass being burned in their energy centre consists largely of prunings from trees that continue growing to provide a future biofuel harvest, beautifying Singapore! Supertrees are an outstanding collab with nature and man-made.

3rd

Haining Yin

AIS

Andree_Yin.jpg

Gardens by the bay

Haining Yin

AIS

In Singapore, 50% of the area is covered by green plants. I can firmly say that we are living in an urban oasis. Every single corner in Singapore is showing its sustainability, especially Gardens by the bay. The one I captured is called the Supertree. Plants use the sun’s rays to produce energy and so do the supertrees. Supertrees do send gases away, acting as chimneys for the gardens by the bay energy centre. These gages contain carbon dioxide and water vapour after they have been cleaned by a filtration system in a biomass boiler that power the chillers to cool the air in the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Also, the biomass being burned in their energy centre consists largely of prunings from trees that continue growing to provide a future biofuel harvest, beautifying Singapore! Supertrees are an outstanding collab with nature and man-made.

Isabel Aldridge

AIS

This photograph was taken when I was in Cambodia this year. To me this photo represents the beauty in our world but this photograph is also tinged with sadness. The emptiness of the photo and the haze of the light reminded me of the impact humanity has on our environment. Yet the light that is captured gives us hope. 

Isabel Aldridge

AIS

This photograph was taken when I was in Cambodia this year. To me this photo represents the beauty in our world but this photograph is also tinged...

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Isabel Aldridge

AIS

This photograph was taken when I was in Cambodia this year. To me this photo represents the beauty in our world but this photograph is also tinged with sadness. The emptiness of the photo and the haze of the light reminded me of the impact humanity has on our environment. Yet the light that is captured gives us hope. 

Hayley Morrisey

AIS

In this image, I have demonstrated the beauty and yet simplicity of nature. Although the image is not complex it really shows a different perspective of nature that sometimes you wouldn’t notice. This photograph reflects and celebrates the importance of looking after our beautiful world.

Hayley Morrisey

AIS

In this image, I have demonstrated the beauty and yet simplicity of nature. Although the image is not complex it really shows a different...

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Hayley Morrisey

AIS

In this image, I have demonstrated the beauty and yet simplicity of nature. Although the image is not complex it really shows a different perspective of nature that sometimes you wouldn’t notice. This photograph reflects and celebrates the importance of looking after our beautiful world.

Nikita Keys

AIS

The supertrees in Gardens By The Bay were created to illustrate a modern metropolis; the perfect environment; a dream Garden City. The trees demonstrate how the future should be - sustainable and environmentally conscious. The man-made trees are powered by solar energy, which provides lighting and water technology within the conservatories. In this age of climate change and declining resources, revolutionary ideas like the supertrees can influence how our future will turn out. I chose this photo as it closely exhibits the detail in the trees, and how beautiful they are.

“We are living on this planet as if we had another one to go to.”
– Terry Swearingen

Nikita Keys

AIS

The supertrees in Gardens By The Bay were created to illustrate a modern metropolis; the perfect environment; a dream Garden City. The trees...

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Nikita Keys

AIS

The supertrees in Gardens By The Bay were created to illustrate a modern metropolis; the perfect environment; a dream Garden City. The trees demonstrate how the future should be - sustainable and environmentally conscious. The man-made trees are powered by solar energy, which provides lighting and water technology within the conservatories. In this age of climate change and declining resources, revolutionary ideas like the supertrees can influence how our future will turn out. I chose this photo as it closely exhibits the detail in the trees, and how beautiful they are.

“We are living on this planet as if we had another one to go to.”
– Terry Swearingen

Sihaam Essop

AIS

Riding a bike is better than using a car because pollution is caused by fueled transport and it damages the environment. Nuha drank a Pepsi and knew that it wouldn’t be right to throw it away in the normal trash cans because the plastic bottle could end up in the sea,endangering all the animals in it and causing harm. She has decided to recycle her plastic Pepsi bottle,so that the plastic will be reused instead ofending up in the ocean. Recycling plays a big role in everyday life and everyone should do it daily. No one wants to put precious animals' lives at risk. Children should be taught from young about recycling, carbon footprint and we should also educate children to be more conscious about global sustainability. By doing these small things in life,you make the Earth a better place and environment to live in.

Sihaam Essop

AIS

Riding a bike is better than using a car because pollution is caused by fueled transport and it damages the environment. Nuha drank a Pepsi and...

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Sihaam Essop

AIS

Riding a bike is better than using a car because pollution is caused by fueled transport and it damages the environment. Nuha drank a Pepsi and knew that it wouldn’t be right to throw it away in the normal trash cans because the plastic bottle could end up in the sea,endangering all the animals in it and causing harm. She has decided to recycle her plastic Pepsi bottle,so that the plastic will be reused instead ofending up in the ocean. Recycling plays a big role in everyday life and everyone should do it daily. No one wants to put precious animals' lives at risk. Children should be taught from young about recycling, carbon footprint and we should also educate children to be more conscious about global sustainability. By doing these small things in life,you make the Earth a better place and environment to live in.

Aaliya

St. Andrews Sathorn

I chose this picture because it represents goal number 15 (life on land) and it also represents how plants need to grow. I love how I captured the sunlight in the photograph which looks beautiful with the dark tree. We need trees to produce oxygen and make homes for animals such as birds, bats, ducks and squirrels. I took this picture by laying down on my back and pointing the camera up. It is by chance I got the sunlight because I am not a skilled photographer yet as have only been doing it for a short time. We love the earth!

Aaliya

St. Andrews Sathorn

I chose this picture because it represents goal number 15 (life on land) and it also represents how plants need to grow. I love how I captured the...

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Aaliya

St. Andrews Sathorn

I chose this picture because it represents goal number 15 (life on land) and it also represents how plants need to grow. I love how I captured the sunlight in the photograph which looks beautiful with the dark tree. We need trees to produce oxygen and make homes for animals such as birds, bats, ducks and squirrels. I took this picture by laying down on my back and pointing the camera up. It is by chance I got the sunlight because I am not a skilled photographer yet as have only been doing it for a short time. We love the earth!

Hoyul

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn St Andrews, we learn about sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 15 (life on land) because this is about nature and we have to leave the trees alive in order to help with pollution and oxygen levels. I chose this picture because cities are taking over! People are cutting trees down which is having a negative effect on air quality. The earth is also getting dangerous because the environment is getting worse like cars going along, using oil and burning. This is bad news as almost everything will be factories, buildings and houses and we should plant more trees, plants and flowers. This will make the environment better and the earth safer.

Hoyul

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn St Andrews, we learn about sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 15 (life on land) because this is...

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Hoyul

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn St Andrews, we learn about sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 15 (life on land) because this is about nature and we have to leave the trees alive in order to help with pollution and oxygen levels. I chose this picture because cities are taking over! People are cutting trees down which is having a negative effect on air quality. The earth is also getting dangerous because the environment is getting worse like cars going along, using oil and burning. This is bad news as almost everything will be factories, buildings and houses and we should plant more trees, plants and flowers. This will make the environment better and the earth safer.

Arjun

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn, we learn about sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 14 (Life on Water) because the plastic bag is not sustainable and might end up in the water, taking up to a thousand years to decompose. The glass has a metal straw because it is better than plastic straws. The glass is also reusable so both of these represent goal 12. I chose this picture because I had a lot of ideas but liked this one best.

Arjun

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn, we learn about sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 12 (responsible consumption and production) and...

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Arjun

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn, we learn about sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 14 (Life on Water) because the plastic bag is not sustainable and might end up in the water, taking up to a thousand years to decompose. The glass has a metal straw because it is better than plastic straws. The glass is also reusable so both of these represent goal 12. I chose this picture because I had a lot of ideas but liked this one best.

Karson

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn, we learn about the sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 15 (Life on Land) because some people that build buildings cut down trees and that is bad for the earth. My favorite part of the picture is the building right in the middle because it is the biggest one in the picture and it is blue and white which are my favorite colours.

Karson

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn, we learn about the sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 15 (Life on Land) because some people that...

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Karson

St. Andrews Sathorn

At Sathorn, we learn about the sustainable development goals and I believe my picture relates to goal 15 (Life on Land) because some people that build buildings cut down trees and that is bad for the earth. My favorite part of the picture is the building right in the middle because it is the biggest one in the picture and it is blue and white which are my favorite colours.

Darcey

St. Andrews Sathorn

I chose this picture because I like goal 15 which is life on land. The picture represents this because it was the children in our school who planted these plants for others to enjoy as well as to help the plant. I love the earth. The bright sun shines on it and makes it glisten. The big tree in the back of the picture towers up, up and up and makes the plants looks small in comparison. I also chose this picture because of the colours of the plants which stand out against the dark soil.

Darcey

St. Andrews Sathorn

I chose this picture because I like goal 15 which is life on land. The picture represents this because it was the children in our school who...

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Darcey

St. Andrews Sathorn

I chose this picture because I like goal 15 which is life on land. The picture represents this because it was the children in our school who planted these plants for others to enjoy as well as to help the plant. I love the earth. The bright sun shines on it and makes it glisten. The big tree in the back of the picture towers up, up and up and makes the plants looks small in comparison. I also chose this picture because of the colours of the plants which stand out against the dark soil.

St. Andrews International School Sukhumvit

St. Andrews International School, Sukhumvit 107 is a world-class school for 2-18 year olds, focused on meeting your child's individual needs. Set within a vibrant and green suburban campus that is easily accessible from the city, with the schools entrance at the foot of the Bearing BTS station. Our school community is diverse in nature with students, parents and teachers coming from over 40 different nationalities. St. Andrews International Schools in Thailand are part of Cognita, a global school network of over 60 schools in seven countries. Providing excellent teaching and supporting every child to achieve their potential are the cornerstones of a Cognita education.

Where to find us

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Our location

Sukhumvit Campus
St. Andrews International School Sukhumvit 107 Road, Bangna, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2393 3883
E: sukhumvit@standrews-schools.com
Nearest BTS Station: Bearing