Five Malaysian photographers shortlisted in the world’s largest photography competition

It is touted to be the world’s largest photography competition and this year, the Sony World Photography Awards is entering its 10th year. The award is recognition of the finest contemporary photography in the Professional, Open and Youth competitions. Over 227,596 images were submitted from 183 countries and the works of five Malaysian photographers have been shortlisted. They are among the top 10 in the world in the awards’ Open and Student Focus categories.

 

Meet the Malaysians who will now compete to win their categories and the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards’ Photographer of the Year title.

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Ann Ric, Open Nature category

The avid runner, traveller and photographer’s shortlisted image is entitled ‘Moody’. It is an impressive view of the Mount Fuji and the lake Kawaguchiko that was taken two days before the 2016 Fujisan Marathon. Mount Fuji is an active volcano and stands as the highest peak of Japan; it forms one of the country’s ‘Three Holy Mountains’.

 

Foley Hits, Open Culture category

The Penang-based audio engineer, music composer and lecturer submitted an image called ‘Fire Dancer’. It is a colourful showcase of the ritual and festive atmosphere of an annual fire festival in Taiwan where performances and parades in front of massive fireworks are the norm.

 

Jian Seng Soh, Open Street Photography category

Currently based in Ireland, the photographer’s image titled ‘Going Home’ is a black-and-white portrayal of a Japanese student on his way to school. He was taken by surprise to see the independence of young Japanese children who commute to school daily without a guardian in sight. It is a culture and safety that has been developed and polished for many years.

 

Yong Lin Tan, Open Enhanced category

This 21-year-old Penangite is a self-taught digital artist and photographer. His shortlisted entry dubbed ‘Fish Park’ is taken from the balcony of his flat. The image was composited and manipulated to convey his surreal feeling of living in a concrete jungle and express his desire for freedom.

 

Nursyafiqah Azlan, Student Focus category

The 18-year-old student at the Multimedia University loves drawing and works as a freelance artist selling her artwork online. Her shortlisted image, ‘Unforgettable Memories’, was taken during a family trip to Melaka where her grandmother is pictured reuniting with the youngest of her grandchildren.

 

The Open category winners will be announced on 28 March, while the overall winner and the Student Focus winner will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 20 April. Good luck to all!