The inaugural “Heartstrings of Singapore” Photography Competition Award Ceremony was successfully held on 5th January 2018, announcing its 24 winners. It was an opportunity for the public to discover the Chinese cultural heritage of Singapore through the eyes of the participants and their phenomenal photography skills.
Distinguished guests of the Award Ceremony
The “Heartstrings of Singapore” Photography Competition is a joint initiative by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) , co-organised by three clan bodies – Sam Kiang Huay Kwan, Singapore Amoy Association and Singapore Lam Ann Association, as well as supported by the Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS) and National Integration Council (NIC). Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Baey Yam Keng graced the award ceremony as the Guest-of-Honour.
Arrival of Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Mr Baey Yam Keng with Mr Chua Thian Poh, President of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and Chairman of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng Chairman of SFCCA Social Affairs committee
The Award Ceremony commenced with the welcome speech by Chairman of “Heartstrings of Singapore” Photography Competition, Chairman of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clans Associations Social Affairs Committee, Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng. He said that since the launch of the competition, the workshops conducted has also received an enthusiastic response. The competition received over 600 entry submissions from participants aged 14 to 81, and of various ethnic groups and nationalities. Despite the many differences, the diversity within the Singapore society serves as the social glue that binds different groups of people, further cementing and strengthening its social cohesion.
Photo of Chairman of SFCCA Social Affairs committee, Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng
After which, the Competition Consultant cum the representative of Judges, President of The Photographic Society of Singapore, Mr Goh Kim Hui delivered succinct feedbacks on the received entries. He said the inaugural “Heartstrings of Singapore” Photography Competition is categorized into three groups, namely “Singapore’s Chinese Culture”, “Singapore’s Multi Culture Diversity” and “Icons of Singapore: Orchid”. It aimed to encourage the public to capture the nuances of Singapore’s multicultural society through camera. He praised that the myriad of photos has fully captivated Singapore’s unique culture and fulfilled the competition’s purposes. The vivid imagination and exquisite artistry manifested were mesmerising.
Mr Goh Kim Hui
The session was followed by the presentation of plaque and Certificate of Appreciation from Secretary-General of SFCCA and Honorary Treasurer of SCCC Mr Patrick Lee to the co-organisers and judges in recognition of their contributions.
Mr Patrick Lee presenting plaque and Certificate of Appreciation to the co-organisers and judges
The ceremony proceeded to announce the merit prizes winners from the respective categories, with Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng as the award presenter.
Merit Prize winners of Singapore’s Chinese Culture Category
Merit Prize winners of Singapore’s Multi Cultural Diversity Category
Merit Prize winners of Icons of Singapore: Orchid Category
The award ceremony culminated in the announcement of the top 3 winners from each category, with the Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Baey Yam Keng as the prize presenter.
Under Singapore’s Chinese Culture Category, Mr Tay Kiam Huwe clinched 1st Prize, Mr See Chin Foo clinched 2nd prize and Mr Koh Leong Seng clinched 3rd prize.
Singapore’s Chinese Culture Category 2nd Prize winner – Mr See Chin Foo
Singapore’s Chinese Culture Category 3rd Prize winner – Mr Koh Leong Seng
Under Singapore’s Multi Culture Diversity Category, the winner of the 1st Prize is Mr Tan Hock Siong, the winner of the 2nd Prize is Ms Jez Shi Siew Luan and the winner of the 3rd Prize is Mr Peh Siong San.
Singapore’s Multi Culture Diversity Category 1st Prize winner – Mr Tan Hock Siong
Singapore’s Multi Culture Diversity Category 2nd Prize winner – Ms Jez Shi Siew Luan
Under Icons of Singapore: Orchid Category, Mr Wong Chek Poh clinched 1st Prize, Mr Chua Seng Yam clinched 2nd Prize and Ms Oh Bee Chin clinched 3rd Prize.
Icons of Singapore: Orchid Category 1st Prize winner – Mr Wong Chek Poh
Icons of Singapore: Orchid Category 2nd Prize winner – Mr Chua Seng Yam
Icons of Singapore: Orchid Category 3rd Prize winner – Ms Oh Bee Chin
Group photo of Parliamentary Secretary Mr Baey Yam Keng with all the prize winners
The Award Ceremony concluded successfully after the presentation of the top 3 prizes. After which, Parliamentary Secretary Mr Baey Yam Keng was accompanied by Mr Chua Thian Poh and Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng to view the awarded and nominated entries showcased at the exhibition area.
Parliamentary Secretary Mr Baey Yam Keng touring the exhibition
In addition, the competition held a two-day exhibition from 6th January to 7th January 2018 at the Central Public Library, basement 1 of National Library Building, featuring a total of 118 of the awarded and nominated entries. Spanning over 2 days, the event attracted a big crowd of visitors.
Overwhelming response from the public over 2 days of exhibition
