KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The 17th Epson International Pano Awards, recognized globally as the premier competition for panoramic photography, has officially unveiled its latest winners. Marking the third consecutive year of joint major sponsorship by Epson Southeast Asia and Epson Australia, the prestigious event continues to spotlight the remarkable growth, technical mastery, and artistic vision of creators across the region.

Taking home the top regional title as The Pano Awards Southeast Asia Open Photographer of the Year 2026 is Bangkok-based landscape and travel photographer Wutimet Bunyasirisith. His breathtaking winning entry, titled “The Emerald Arch Over Lofoten, Norway,” captures a rare, flawless full-arch aurora borealis gracefully framing a jagged mountain peak. The celestial phenomenon is impeccably mirrored in the freezing, glassy coastal waters below.

Reflecting on the grueling conditions of the shoot, Bunyasirisith shared how the immense scale of the Northern Lights forced him to stitch multiple frames together using an ultra-wide setup while wading through sub-zero seawater amid biting winds. The resulting image stands as a masterclass in patience, physical endurance, and spatial composition.

Alvin Tan, Managing Director of Epson Malaysia, praised the ongoing triumphs of regional talent, noting that Wutimet’s success reflects a powerful trend of Southeast Asian photographers venturing to distant global landscapes to capture world-class visuals. He reaffirmed Epson’s commitment to supporting the region’s best visual storytellers with advanced print solutions that preserve the depth, scale, and rich color accuracy of their work.

Competition Curator David Evans echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that executing a flawless full-arch composition in harsh, freezing environments demands a rare balance of artistic perspective and technical precision.

As joint major sponsors, Epson continues to champion visual artists worldwide by equipping them with cutting-edge imaging tools, including Epson SureColor professional photo printers designed for exceptional color fidelity and archival longevity. Photography enthusiasts can explore the complete gallery of winning entries online via the official Pano Awards gallery.