​Source : Press Release 1984Megapixels

Photos : Md Nasrullah - JMM

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Friday, 7 February 2025  - A historic photographic masterpiece capturing the spirit of Brunei and its people in unprecedented detail was unveiled today at the Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja. The BN40 Gigapixel Photography Exhibition, spearheaded by Bruneian entrepreneur Keeran Janin, showcases the world's largest choreographed group photo-a 19.84-gigapixel image that is 8,000% more detailed than a photo taken with the latest iPhone 16 Pro.

The event's Guest of Honor, Dr. Siti Norkhalbi, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, officiated the opening ceremony, marking the beginning of a two-month public exhibition that runs until March 7, 2025.

A World Record in Photography, A Historic Tribute to Brunei

Shot over 25 days in Bandar Seri Begawan, the BN40 Gigapixel project features thousands of people representing Brunei's diverse culture, heritage, and progress. It captures 88 unique scenes depicting Bruneian life in 2024, including:

This meticulously planned and executed image is not only a tribute to Brunei's 40 years of independence but also a timeless visual archive for future generations allowing people in 40, 80, or hundreds of years from now to step back in time, and witness Brunei as it was in 2024.

Conceptualized by Keeran Janin, founder of Avantist Watches and Dart, this ambitious project was brought to life with the expertise of an international and local team, including award-winning Canadian photographer Chris Collacott.

"This project was a massive undertaking, entirely privately funded by corporate sponsors as a gift to the people of Brunei. Our goal was to create something that would live on for generations, an unparalleled snapshot of Brunei at this milestone moment," said Keeran Janin

While the photoshoot itself took 25 days, the post-production process spanned nearly a year, requiring an elite team of visual effects (VFX) experts from the film industry to stitch together more than 7,000 individual images, handling terabytes of data to create a seamless 19.84-hillion-pixel image.

Visitors will be able to spend hours exploring the photo, discovering new details and personal stories with every visit. In fact, multiple visits are recommended, as even the most observant viewers will find new elements hidden within the vast, intricate image.

Beyond the broathtaking scale of the 20-meter-wide by 7-meter-high image, visitors can also participate in an interactive treasure hunt with exciting prizes, adding another dimension to the exhibition experience.

Belait Shipping, a Gold Sponsor, recognizes the historical significance of the project. Haji Awang Haji Ali, Chairman and CEO of Belait Shipping shared:

"BN40 represents an incredible and unique capture of Brunei's journey over the past 40 years under the leadership of His Majesty. This has not been done anywhere else. This is testimony to the ingenuity and creativity of Bruneians."

Mr. Ti Eng Hul, CEO of Balduri Bank, another Gold Sponsor also added:

"Our commitment to Brunei extends beyond financial empowerment we take pride in celebrating the nation's progress, heritage, and natural beauty. BN40 is a remarkable tribute to Brunei's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, capturing the essence of our country's development under the visionary leadership of His Majesty over the past 40 years. We are honoured to support an initiative that both showcases the nation's journey and inspires future generations."

Local and international media are invited to attend the launch event and cover this world-record-breaking exhibition. The BN40 Gigapixel Photography Exhibition will remain open to the public until March 7, 2025, at the Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja in Bandar Seri Begawan.

For further information, photo/vidco/media packs, media inquiries, or interview requests, please contact:

Nur Atiyyah: tia@1984megapixels.com/ +673 7303690

About BN40 Gigapixel Project

The BN40 Gigapixel Project is a world-first initiative that combines cutting-edge photography and cultural storytelling to create the largest staged group photo ever taken. Conceived by Keeran Janin, this project brings together Brunei's people, culture, and history in an ultra-high-resolution image, celebrating the nation's 40th year of independence.

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