It’s not everyday you hear of a Singaporean travelling through the depths of southern Africa for weeks on a canoe, especially not when he already has a full-time job. Foreign Policy Design Company co-founder Alwyn Chong did just that, and that too with just one camera battery. (It’s a long story, but it involves him forgetting to pack an extra, and getting sent the wrong model.) In June 2015, he completed a 15-day canoeing trip, covering a total of 400km, through the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Through Feb 5, he is showcasing his stunning black-and-white images from the trip at Odyssey: Picturing and imagining the Okavango Delta at the Leica Gallery at Raffles Hotel. Here, we speak to him about why he chose to visit the place, and the challenges and experiences he encountered on this trip.
How did you end up in Botswana?
My first experience in Africa was with [executive networking program] YPO South Africa back in 2008. One of the offsite activities was a week of mobile-tented safaris in Khwai, Botswana.
Why did you choose to photograph the Okavango Delta?
I have been visiting the Okavango Delta for the past six years. It’s a beautiful place that is ever-evolving. When we decided to do the trans-Okavango expedition, I thought it would be the best opportunity to share the beauty of this living habitat.
What were some of the challenges you faced while photographing there?
As we traveled by canoe, space was always an issue, so the amount of equipment I could take was limited. Shooting from within a canoe was always challenging due to movement and stability. So I stuck with one lens, a 35mm, and my Leica M246 4.
What were some of the most memorable experiences you had there?
It’s difficult to dissect and choose a certain section of the 15-day, 400km journey, as the parts make the whole. But the changing landscapes and vegetation as we went down the delta was very interesting. We were in the middle of a zebra stampede while sitting around the fireplace at night. We came across a full lion carcass, and a hollowed out hippo carcass. The company of my travel companions was also a core part of the journey, getting to know each other and going through the experiences together.
We don’t hear of too many Singaporeans travelling to African countries. Do you think we’re sheltered?
I don’t think it’s a matter of being sheltered, but we are comfortable heading to familiar and more popular places. Exploration isn’t part of our culture or DNA as Singaporeans, but I believe that is changing. People are more willing to step out of their comfort zones. I have spoken to many friends, always encouraging them to join me on my trips, safaris or expeditions, the common concerns I hear are, insects, level of comfort, dangers, et cetera. It is difficult sometimes to explain the benefits of trips like these, how it changes your view of the world, how disconnecting for periods can actually help you bond with people and actually return more refreshed and energized. The only thing to do is get up and go.
