By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 21: Eight-year-old Bernice Lau Yee Ting of Sarikei was pronounced the grand prize winner of photography for Sarawak Tourism Board’s photography and videography competition titled ‘Hidden Gem of Sarawak’.
The competition which was launched on Nov 10, 2021, and ended on Dec 15, 2022, saw a total of 1,268 photos and 61 videos submitted.
Lau’s winning photograph was a snapshot of the Hungry Ghost festival celebrated at the foot of Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple, featuring the offerings of the devotees.
Lau’s winning entry won her prize money totalling RM6,000, where her photo showcased an overall composition with muted evening tones and a cultural festival theme.
Unfortunately, Lau was not present at the ceremony to collect her winning prize from STB chairman and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau held at a leading shopping mall in the city today.
The photography competition was open for students under 18-years-old, enthusiasts and the open-professionals group.
STB introduced four categories namely Nature’s Wonder, Going Green, Sarawak at Night and My Hometown or My City.
Meanwhile, in the videography open category, Nazmi Nasseruddin was named the winner and won RM10,000 for his winning entry.
His winning video showcased the magnificence of Paku Maze in Bau, and Sarawak’s version of Jurassic Park in Bengoh Dam.
Candy Frederick from Baram won second place (RM6,000), while Chong Ee Vei from Miri, placed third (RM6,000).
In this second edition of the video competition, STB also introduced three new categories – a documentary on Responsible Tourism for students, an open theme for professional videographers and even a category for TikTok.
Also present were STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor and head judge of the competition, University of Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) senior lecturer from the faculty of applied and creative arts Sylvester Jussem and his colleague, Dr Hakimi Halim.
The competition was organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Photo-Art Society (SPAS) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). — DayakDaily
