2014 APEC photo contest winners announced
The 2014 APEC Photo Contest winners were announced on Thursday by APEC senior officials, just ahead of Leaders gathering in Beijing.
This year, over 700 photo submissions creatively interpreted APEC's 2014 priorities. Since 2011, the annual APEC Photo Contest has communicated APEC's work to a wider audience through the visual medium of photography.
"We received a very impressive collection of photos," said Tan Jian, APEC Senior Official from China and one of the photo contest judges, as he announced the 2014 winners in Beijing.
"These images put our work into a real world context, offering us a perspective to marvel at APEC's past achievements and future prospects. All of these photos, and many others that did not make the shortlist, deserve recognition," explained Tan.
The 2014 APEC Photo Contest Winners are:
- First place: "Playing" by Keong Lim Chee from Malaysia, under the priority of Strengthening Comprehensive Connectivity and Infrastructure Development.
- Second place: "Work on the Salt Paddies" by Truong Huu Hung from Viet Nam, under the priority of Promoting Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth.
- Third place: "Wind Energy" by Huamani Bedoya David Martin from Peru, under the priority of Promoting Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth.
- The Popular Choice Award: "Connectivity" by Wong Chek Poh from Singapore, under the priority of Strengthening Comprehensive Connectivity and Infrastructure Development.
The Popular Choice award of SGD 1000 was selected by the public through a social media app with the winning photo "Connectivity" by Wong Chek Poh receiving 1041 "Likes." A panel of award-winning photojournalists selected the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, who will receive prizes of SGD 2000, SGD 1500 and SGD 1000 respectively.
First place winner, Keong Lim Chee from Malaysia, described how both APEC's priorities of infrastructure development and social equity are reflected in his photo.
"In Asia Pacific, there are many poor outskirts which need to be in our focus," said Keong.
"There are many elderly people and children that are unable to get proper attention, which has a considerable impact on the development of the entire region. This photo shows a group of children playing at the dam side," Keong added.
Popular Choice Winner, Wong Chek Poh from Singapore, explained his photographic interpretation of APEC's work to enhance infrastructure linkages and connectivity in the Asia-Pacific.
"This unique road island that connects three zebra crossings at a junction in downtown Guangzhou, China represents the common understanding all APEC economies have to arrive at," said Wong, describing his photo.
"The zebra crossings must be the connectivity infrastructure necessary to facilitate such an arrangement," added Wong.
To view the winning photos and top ten finalists of the 2014 APEC Photo Contest, click here.
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