KUALA LUMPUR: The 2015 ‘SehatiSejiwa’ Photography Competition organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) is set to become an annual event, says general manager Datuk Zulkefli Salleh.
He said the competition was held for the first time this year in conjunction with the 2015 National Day to tap the creativity and skills of the public to foster nationalistic aspirations.
“The response was very encouraging from all races, and what was particularly impressive was that the photos received showcased talent, as though of professional photographers.
“Therefore, Bernama intends to continue this event next year,” he said during his keynote address at the opening of the prize-giving ceremony for the competition held from Aug 17 to Sept 23 at Wisma Bernama here yesterday.
The event was officiated by the Secretary of Human Resources Management Division in the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
Also present were Bernama’s Editor-in-Chief Datuk Zakaria Abd Wahab, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Domestic News Service) Mokhtar Hussain, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (International News Service) Ahmad Zukiman Mohd Zain, and Centre of Excellence senior manager Syed Khedher Ismail.
Zulkefli said it was clear the winners proved their worth in immortalising the diverse colours of human life, in line with the theme, ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ (One Heart, One Soul) and there was stiff competition among photographers who managed to reflect the spirit of patriotism and spirit of unity.
For Philip Lau Wei Fatt, 17, who aspires to be a professional photographer, winning first place in the under-18 category will be a catalyst to his ambition.
“This is the first time I have participated in a competition like this and I am proud to be the champion. I feel very excited, and in addition to that, I have undivided attention from my parents,” said the native of Bintulu, Sarawak.
Lau’s entry showcased work that brought together various Malaysian ethnic groups in
their traditional dresses, cheerfully celebrating National Day.
Ng Jing Tong, 13, of Kepong came in second, while Muhammad Adam Hafiy Mohd Khairy, 12, of Batu Pahat, Johor, was placed third in the category which offered a RM1,500 in cash and prizes for the winner, RM1,000 in cash and prizes for the runner-up and RM500 in cash and prizes for third place.
For the age 18-and-above category, Ng Wei Chean, 40, of Subang Jaya finished first, Mohd Samsi Sumairi, 48, from Serdang won second place and Ng Wei Siang, 44, of Kepong, Kuala Lumpur came in third.
The category offered RM3,000 in cash and prizes for the champion, RM2,000 in cash and prizes for the runner-up, and RM1,000 in cash and prizes for third place.
Mohd Samsi said he did not expect to win as photography was just his hobby to help calm the mind.
“I joined for the fun of it. I love photography because it brings people closer to the scenarios of life and nature … it is the fourth competition that I have participated in and won this year,” he noted. — Bernama