Jointly organised by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), and co-organised by Sam Kiang Huay Kwan, Singapore Amoy Association and Singapore Lam Ann Association, the 2nd “Heartstrings of Singapore” Photography Competition culminated in a virtual awards ceremony over Zoom on 27th September 2020. The competition is also supported by National Integration Council and Singapore Colour Photographic Association.
There are three categories in this edition of the photography competition, namely “Singapore’s Chinese Culture”, “Singapore’s Multicultural Diversity” and “Heartstrings Special Series – The Spirit of Singapore: Men at Work”. The organisers received a total of 885 submissions from participants of various ethnicities, nationalities and age groups. Through the participants’ lenses, we are able to see distinctive takes on what defines Singapore as well as its people – its local customs, multicultural heritage, nature scenic spots and more.
In his pre-recorded video address, SCCC Chairman and SFCCA Honorary President Mr Chua Thian Poh said he hoped that the submissions would inspire everyone to further explore their own culture, increase their sense of cultural identity, and cherish the racial harmony we enjoy in our homeland, Singapore.
Also delivering his pre-recorded address was SFCCA President Mr Tan Aik Hock who shared that the special category theme “The Spirit of Singapore: Men at Work” was introduced to tie in with Singapore’s Bicentennial in 2019, as well as to pay tribute to the many unsung heroes in the different industries behind Singapore’s progress. He mentioned that the theme could not be more apt, as there are many frontliners helping out in Singapore’s battle against COVID-19. In true #SGUnited spirit, these frontliners showed grit and courage in riding out the storm with the rest of Singapore.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry Ms Low Yen Ling was also invited to pre-record a video address. She said, “Singapore has experienced many challenges and crises in the 55 years since its founding, but each time we have succeeded in overcoming them and turning them into opportunities. These photographic masterpieces are testimony to how we have emerged stronger from all the obstacles time and again, creating a better tomorrow.”
Addressing the guests on behalf of the judging panel, Singapore Colour Photographic Association’s President Mr Eric Goh Wee Seng pointed out that the competition had received a variety of submissions and that the panel had carefully selected the best works amongst the many submissions. He believes that the different elements of a photograph are integral to a good photograph. Amongst which, a photograph’s composition, framing, and the idea behind pressing the shutter are all key to taking an award-winning photograph.
One of the highlights for this edition of the Heartstrings of Singapore photography competition is that the organising committee had specially introduced the Student Category with hopes of creating a platform for students to showcase their photography talent and to enhance their appreciation for this special form of art. The response was overwhelming as the organisers received a total of 223 submissions from seven schools – namely Monfort Secondary School, Hill Grove Secondary School, Cedar Girls’ Secondary School, Victoria School, Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and Republic Polytechnic (RP). In recognition of RP’s strong support for this competition, the polytechnic received a special award. 52 RP students submitted a total of 158 photographs, depicting different aspects of our uniquely Singapore society.
Our heartiest congratulations to the award winners featured below!
List of Award Winners
Singapore’s Chinese Culture (Student Category)
Singapore’s Multicultural Diversity (Student Category)
Heartstrings Special Series – The Spirit of Singapore: Men at Work (Student Category)
Singapore’s Chinese Culture (Open Category)
Singapore’s Multicultural Diversity (Open Category)
Heartstrings Special Series – The Spirit of Singapore: Men at Work (Open Category)
Participants who are keen to redeem a copy of the competition’s commemorative booklet may do so at the SFCCA Secretariat after 9th October 2020. For any enquiries, please contact Joanna at 6643 6479 or joannaliu@sfcca.sg.
