National Geographic has always been the gold standard when it comes to nature and wildlife photography and videography. Ever since I was a kid, National Graphic would be there, to entertain and educate a younger version of myself at how beautiful and mysterious our planet is.
A partnership between National Geographic and Xiaomi further cements the commitment that both brands have in preserving culture to the highest standards. And this is exactly what ‘Proactive Action’ is all about. Through their partnership, Xiaomi has gathered four visual storytellers from Southeast Asia to share their talent and passion as well as their stories with the help of the latest Xiaomi 12 series.
Proactive Action, which is produced by National Geographic Creative Works for Xiaomi, documents and raises awareness of causes that are close to the hearts of these storytellers. This in turn helps reach a wider audience by creating interest and helps with preservation efforts.
Get to know these incredible storytellers!
These celebrated storytellers from each country have their own unique stories to share with the rest of the world. We have Gab Mejia from the Philippines, Annice Lyn from Malaysia, Sirachai ‘Shin’ Arunrugstichai from Thailand and Linh Pham from Vietnam.
An exciting partnership and rare opportunity such as this, has excitement buzzing. KM Leong, General Manager for Southeast Asia of Xiaomi International shares his excitement with this statement: “We are excited to be collaborating with National Geographic Creative Works (who wouldn’t?!) on this campaign as we celebrate the people, lives and cultures in Southeast Asia. Dubbed as the premium flagship of Xiaomi, Xiaomi 12 Pro can beautifully capture the visual stories of each explorer that will be a part of this campaign with its pro-grade triple 50MP camera array, complemented with Xiaomi’s advanced AI algorithm. We look forward to seeing how the featured National Geographic Photographers will master every scene.”
The Xiaomi 12 Pro will be put to the test (that it can surely pass with flying colors for sure) with each photographer coming out with a series of photographs and a short video which will highlight each photographer’s chosen theme. This is what Proactive Action is all about.
Featured photographers will get to play around with the Xiaomi 12’s triple 50MP pro-grade camera lenses, as well as its ProFocus and Ultra Night Video. (Wow! Amazing features right there!) The Proactive Action campaign is not just all beautiful photos and videos as it also features various social, cultural, and environmental themes that are close to each of the featured explorer’s hearts.
Gab Mejia (Philippines)
Gab aims to highlight the importance of the preservation of culture and nature. This personal mission takes him to the north, to document the culture and surrounding nature of the mountain people of the Cordilleras. Which, in case you didn’t know is the highest mountain range in the Northern Philippines, just a bit of a tidbit of information for you right there.
Annice Lyn (Malaysia)
Malaysia’s ‘puppet shadow play’ is a long standing tradition and Annice documents the work of the Wayang Kulit masters who have kept the tradition alive. Capturing rare behind-the-scenes moments and the inner workings of the puppet shadow-play, Annice showcases the masters’ intricate craftsmanship, such as how the puppets are made, up to the captivating performances.
By showcasing their masterful skills, Annice hopes to bring a renewed love for the art. As well as sharing the social and cultural importance of families and communities coming together to celebrate this tradition. Which in turn will raise awareness for this art form and create a push to preserve it for future generations.
Sirachai ‘Shin’ Arunrugstichai (Thailand)
With the evident effects of climate change, the preservation of mangroves has become even more important. This is what Shin aims to achieve by exploring one of the largest remaining mangrove forests of eastern Thailand- Paradise Estuary.
Being able to capture the success of the conservation efforts will surely help with the recovery of this natural wonder. There is a rich and beautiful biodiversity here that Shin captures, as well as the intertwining relationships of the local community. Because, after all, who are we, if not a reflection of our surroundings? It’s also important to remind people that we can live in harmony with our environment, especially those who rely heavily on nature with their day-to-day existence.
Linh Pham (Vietnam)
A city rich in culture and tradition, Ho Chi Minh has its best kept secrets, and Linh will share these by exploring its hidden corners. Linh can easily look beyond the usual and common spots. An unnamed coffee shop under a bridge. A museum with specimens that are millions-of-years old are just some of the spots which Linh will explore and share with you. Linh aims to highlight the culture of Ho Chi Minh city and that includes featuring a quaint neighborhood that is bursting with Vietnamese and Chinese heritage. One of Linh’s stops is a peaceful fishing island. By showcasing these places Lihn hopes to get to share the city’s beauty and legacy to the world.
But wait there’s more!
Xiaomi also wants YOU! To explore and showcase the culture in your own hometown (or country) and this is through the Xiaomi Photography Academy: A Celebration of People, Life, and Culture across Southeast Asia which is basically a photography contest that invites users of Redmi or Xiaomi phones to bring their photography skills to the test. The contest runs from May 14 until June 22, 2022 and calls on budding photographers to share the beautiful and fascinating parts of their lives and culture. Those who will be participating are asked to take the best photos that represent the theme.
A Xiaomi Smart Package (Mi TV P1 55″, Mi Soundbar, Xiaomi Watch S1, Mi Standing Fan 2) is up for grabs for the Grand Prize Winner alongside being named as a Xiaomi Photography Ambassador. Four consolation prize winners will be named and will take home Xiaomi Buds 3.
Winners will be announced on June 17, 2022. For more information on the terms and conditions of the contest, stay tuned at Xiaomi Philippines social media pages. So what are you waiting for?! Grab your Xiaomi or Redmi phone and start taking photos!
For more information on the collaboration with National Geographic and Xiaomi 12 series, please stay tuned to the Xiaomi Philippines Facebook page.