By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, June 25: Chong Siat Choo was named the winner of the Second Harmonious Sarawak Photography Competition 2024, collecting RM1,000 for his efforts.
Chong, who loves photography, revealed that she is a self-taught photographer and was introduced to cameras more than a decade ago.
“I joined the photography competition for fun and to learn and discover the level of skills. I believed I have improved and will continue to learn more,” she told DayakDaily after receiving her prize at a restaurant in Kuching today.
Meanwhile, Wei Yue Boon collected RM800 as the first runner-up in the competition, while Wong See Wah won RM500 as the second runner-up. Ten other participants received consolation prizes of RM100 each.
In the Mobile Phone Group categories, the top winner was Yekea Liew, who collected RM500. The first runner-up was Lim May Meei (RM300) and second runner-up was John Lai Teck Kee (RM200), followed by 10 consolation prize winners who walked away with RM50 each.
Meanwhile, the first prize for the first Harmonious Sarawak Short Video Creation Competition to the TVS crew of Tan Tze Yung, Jeeridyne-Eve Chan Sue En and Teo Chi Wei, who won RM1,500 for their video.
The competition featured photographs and videos taken in conjunction with the Seng-Ong Deity’s birthday and procession held on March 31, 2024, organised by Kuching Hockien Association.
Before the prize presentation, Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian urged those present to continue preserving and portraying Sarawak’s rich culture and tradition.
He added that the association has a significant role in society and must ensure that they continue to do their part and educate the community about living together in harmony through knowing each other cultures and traditions.
Dr Sim hoped that Sarawak’s culture would not be affected and taken over by technology like AI (Artificial Intelligence).
He said AI and technology are good but should be used with certain limitations, such as to assist with efficiency, but people should not rely on it entirely or allow it to take over completely.
“People use so much social media these days; it is good if used properly but could backfire and have repercussions that could damage everyone. So be careful,” he said.
Dr Sim applauded the association for organising such competitions, not only to share Chinese culture and beliefs but also to look for talent in the field of photography.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Chinese Associations in Sarawak president Dato Richard Wee said the competition received overwhelming response compared to last year as this year is the Year of the Dragon, which represents noble and solemn character in Chinese beliefs and culture.
Wee revealed 1,050 people participated in this year’s competition, and 47 were shortlisted in the camera photography category while 39 were shortlisted in the mobile camera photography.
“The event has received strong support from everyone, which has led to the grand procession of the Seng Ong ong Deity.
“The Kuching Hockien Association’s Hong San Si Temple took advantage of hosting this photography competition and short video competition to capture and record many beautiful and harmonious moments,” he said. — DayakDaily
