Where It All Began

Founded in 2006, the TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog has grown from a humble personal photoblog into a multi-disciplinary visual storytelling, photography, and content creation platform, documenting journeys across photography, travel, heritage, arts, and technology.

Looking back at 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel

When I started to look back at my 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel, to be honest, I don’t where to start. This 20 years is not that long a period in our lifetime, it’s not short either in the blogging/social media world today. Times have changed, culture, social and media landscapes have changed so much over the past 20 years.

While I got ChatGPT to help me out on a summary of key achievements, highlights, accolades, media relationships, partnerships, they did a pretty good job (I reckon they have learned quite a fair bit about me with me feeding my website articles quite regularly into ChatGPT).

Beyond the feel-good factor and the wonderful stories, there’s also the other side of my journey that many of you don’t see, feel or understand (of disappointments, fears, managing stress and expectations, fighting egos, used and at times being looked down by others, not just in the photography field, also in the creative and social media communities).

Let me bring you on a 20-year time travel from my photo blogging days in 2006 to today’s TGH Photography and Travel visual storytelling journeys in 2026.

Key Achievements and Growth

• 20 years of continuous publishing (2006–2026) – demonstrating longevity and resilience through major digital shifts from blogging to social media ecosystems
• Evolved from a Blogspot site into an independent branded digital platform, forming part of the wider TGH Digital Studio ecosystem
• Built a strong body of work across:
  • • Photography & photojournalism
    • Travel storytelling
    • Heritage and cultural documentation
    • Events, arts, and community coverage
• Expansion into videography, digital content creation, and multimedia storytelling in response to industry changes
• Produced photo books, zines, and print works, extending digital storytelling into physical formats

Highlights and Creative Milestones 

• Coverage of major events, festivals, exhibitions, and national initiatives, including SG60-related exhibitions and arts programmes
• Participation in national-level photography exhibitions, with works selected and exhibited (e.g. Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025, National Photography Art Exhibition 2025)
• Development of long-term personal documentary projects in heritage, culture, and wildlife photography
• Continued evolution of visual storytelling style and editorial voice over two decades
• Recognition through consistent invitations, collaborations, and coverage opportunities across industries

Accolades and Recognition 

• Photographs selected and exhibited in recognised exhibitions and competitions, contributing to Singapore’s photography scene
• Acknowledged for visual storytelling contributions across photography, travel, and heritage sectors
• Built credibility as a trusted independent content creator and visual storyteller over two decades

Media Relationships and Industry Engagement 

• Established working relationships with:
  • Camera and imaging brands (e.g. Canon ecosystem collaborations and feature coverage)
  • Tourism, arts, and cultural organisations
  • Event organisers and lifestyle brands
• Regularly invited for:
  • Event coverage
  • Product launches and media previews
  • Community, heritage, and cultural storytelling projects
• Active participation in photography communities, exhibitions, and industry networks

Partnerships and Collaborations 

Over the years, the platform has collaborated with a diverse network of partners and creative collectives, including:

• Hpility SG – photography, videography, and digital marketing collaborations
• Easy Travel Recipes – travel and food content partnership
• 3 Blind Mice/4 Amigos – food media production and creative collaboration
• PR agencies/PR folks that I worked closely with – GLOO PR, Burson (especially those from XPR), IN.FOM, APRW, Brand Cellar, a group PR folks formerly from Ogilvy PR   

These collaborations reflect a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary creativity and community-building.

Ups and Downs, Highs and Lows

Earlier you read about TGH Photography and Travel’s achievements, highlights, accolades, media relationships, partnerships over the past 20 years. Those are the highs, proud and humbling achievements through lots of hard work, perseverance, striving to learn, adapt, adopt and improve. 

There were times where I talked about my ups and downs, my highs and lows. Most people, if not everyone, just see the external facade, your end results and success. They can’t see, feel or understand what goes on behind the scenes, how I got there or how many times I fell.

From the highs of an interview feature article (close to a full page) with The Straits Times in 2015, mentioned inside the Acknowledgments section of this book titled, “No Missing Tools: Creativity In An Age Of Abundance” by Fernando Gros, a very talented creative, writer, photographer that I looked up to (especially in writing well thought out articles/topics).

As for my lows, from not being wanted anymore in a photography community without being informed that I had been contributing, building, growing and helping,

The Inner Struggles That Not Many See 

Social media platforms, networks and presence are both a boon and bane for us photographers, and creatives. On the one hand, it opened up presence, branding, awareness, growth and a cohesive, friendly social network (in the early days).

On the other extreme end of the social media, it revealed the ugly side of human beings and human nature. What are some of the inner struggles that I faced during my 20-year journey here?

Ego – One of human beings great enemies (both intrinsic and extrinsic), this can blind us especially among photographers and creatives. I am not immune to this, I made this mistake too, letting my ego got the better of me. Some life lessons learned during those ego related incidents over the decades.

Jealousy – We are human beings with heart, mind and soul, filled with emotions and feelings, jealousy is common and prevalent, in life, and not just in photography. In this current social media thirsty world filled with narcissism and showing off, it can make other people jealous. Even when you keep a low profile, stay grounded and humble, people still come for you.

Criticism – In life, not just in photography, criticism is like a daily staple for everyone of us. Some criticise in an ethical, clear, concise and calm manner with a kind heart to help you, some (many of those human beings) disguise and hide behind their criticism to put a person down.

Bitterness – Many a times, things don’t go out our way in life, that would be a sense of bitterness creeping inside us. During this 20-year journey, I had my fair share of disappointments, giving rise to bitterness. Sometimes, it’s not conducive for my mental and emotional health. However, those situations at times have also served as a motivation to improve myself further and to be better.

Anger – Combine a potent mix of ego, jealousy, criticism, and bitterness, and we can get angry easily and often. This would take some time, growing old, getting mature, in knowing how to handle the anger inside me. 

Why I am not chasing trends/styles on social media – Initially I did chase some trends/styles, as I gradually developed my visual storytelling and creative side (cross disciplinary learning from artists and writers) over the years, I started to not chase trends/styles on social media as much. Instead I wanted to have my own visual storytelling and creative style.

My Struggles and Lows in a Nutshell 

Over the past 20 years,I have had my fair share of criticisms, there are a few people who looked down on the work I did here, even judging and putting me down under the disguise of “giving me friendly advice”. Many life lessons learned, shaping me and helping me to change, adapt and improve myself during the past 2 decades.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter (What does the next decade look like?)

Entering its third decade, the platform continues to focus on:

• Higher-quality visual storytelling and multimedia content
• Deeper heritage and cultural documentation
• Expanded creative collaborations and long-term projects
• Growth within the digital content, photography, and creative industries

Positioning and Legacy

Over 20 years, TGH Photography & Travel has established itself as:

• A Singapore-based independent visual storytelling platform
• A bridge between photography, travel, heritage, and digital culture
• A personal yet professional archive of evolving creative work and industry engagement

To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate my 20 Years Milestone? 

So this thought came into my mind, to celebrate or to not celebrate my 20-year milestone? Some ideas and thoughts popped up, and it’s not like I am going to do some big celebration due to limited budget and I also didn’t go around seeking sponsorships. 

Some of my 20 years milestone celebration plans are:

• Small group dinners gatherings with friends from social media, bloggers, PR, photographers, spread over the months of April to June 2026.
• Working on a special edition 20 years magazine size photo zine with a curated selection of photography works and visual stories from my past 20 years.
• Printing my own customised embroidery patches (2 designs), I am looking at printing the round patch as a gift for my friends and supporters.
• Considering printing customised photography t-shirt gifts from my 20 years TGH Photography and Travel archives
• Bought a new photography backpack as a reward for myself, also as a celebration gift
• Buying new photography t-shirt and accessories for a new profile photographer shoot to mark 20 years milestone
• Planning to get new content creation toys: either a used compact camera for my leisure and media events use, I am looking at a rangefinder style camera as I always wanted to own a rangefinder style camera for my daily usage, street camera. Another consideration is an entry level drone that I can learn, have fun and for social media content creation  

20 Years (Not Out!) – Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

If you have faithfully and diligently read up to the last few paragraphs, thank you for taking the time to read all the way here (a pretty lengthy article I reckon)! I might not have covered everything or spilled everything that happened during my 20-year journey. 

This is a very personal article, a recap of the journey of the past 20 years on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. Sharing my past 20 years ups and downs, the good and bad, sounds like a broken recorder on repeat ranting mode. Yet, it’s more than just surreal, it might also have triggered some touch points inside your heart, mind and soul, such as the struggles, stress, and pressure we face, not just as a photographer, or as a small business owner.

No words can describe my deep and personal immense gratitude and thanks for all the support and encouragement that you have given me during my past 20 years of visual storytelling, photography, content creation and writing on my humble TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. 

20 Years Not Out! Would you like to continue travelling together with my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog visual storytelling, photography, content creation and writing journey, for the next 10, 20 years and beyond? 

The post Celebrating 20 Years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

NAPE 2026 official poster courtesy of Ngee Ann Cultural Centre

Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE)

NAPE was established in 2005, an annual exhibition organised by NACC to showcase the worlds and talents of local photographers and to promote photographic arts in Singapore. This provides an open platform for photographers of all backgrounds to present their best works, regardless of age, race  or religion.

There are two public entry categories for NAPE 2026: Open (for participants aged 21 years and above), and Student (for participants aged 10-20 years old). The theme for NAPE 2026 is “Open”. Submission of entries is free of charge.

Submissions are open until 12th April 2026 (Sunday). The NAPE 2026 will be held from 13th to 23rd June 2026 (closed on Sundays) at LASALLE College of the Arts.

Each year, The Ngee Ann Kongsi will acquire selected works from the exhibition to expand its Permanent Arts Collection, demonstrating its continued support for local photographers. Vis this broader public participation, NAPE 2026 seeks to inject fresh ideas and creativity into Singapore’s photography scene.

All submissions will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of advisers, and shortlisted photography works will be exhibited. 

In the year 2025, the 20th NAPE generated strong interest, receiving over 1,020 entries submitted by more than 570 participants – a notable increase from the 700 entries and 416 participants received in 2024.

20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE) – My Personal Story and Journey

In year 2025, I participated in the 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE 2025), this was my first time entering, and I was really delighted that my photograph submission was selected for the 20th NAPE! Year 2025 was also an important year, it was Singapore’s 60th year (SG60) celebrations, thus making it more significant for my visual storytelling journey.

My photography work on display at 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE)

Here’s my visual story of my journey in the 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE 2025) – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photography/the-20th-ngee-ann-photographic-exhibition-nape-2025 

For this year 21st NAPE 2026, I would submit my two entries, with an open mind, eyes, and heart, and see where my entries for NAPE 2026 brings me. 

Keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to celebrate my 20th year milestone of TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog with my photograph submission selected for the the 21st NAPE 2026.

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) – Call for Entries 

The 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) is open to all photographers residing in Singapore. 

• Theme: Open
• Categories: Open (21 years and above) and Student (10 to 20 years old)
• Closing Date: 12th April 2026 (Sunday)

For more information and registration for NAPE 2026

For more information on NAPE 2026, please visit https://linktr.ee/naccsg, or visit NAPE 2026 Official Webpage or NACC’s Facebook page.  

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) Exhibition Details

• Date: 13th to 23rd June 2026 (Closed on Sundays)
• Venue: LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940

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Photography

Photography (Business) 

As I have to juggle running my photography business, digital marketing and content creation with caregiver duties, it’s a delicate balancing act, I am still leaning and adapting changes to how I can best optimise my business operations. 

This is an ongoing journey, I would work to the best of my ability, strategising and adapting accordingly to my situation.

Photography (Personal) / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

In the month of March 2026, I would continue to work on heritage and culture visual storytelling content, while continuing to earn my revenue through my photography business side, I am also working on my personal photography projects and areas of interest for visual storytelling documentation. Meanwhile, I would be catching up on sharing photography related news, as well as smartphone photography news that is catching a lot of attention during Mobile World Congress 2026.

From personal photography theme projects, to Fire Dragon ritual coming back again in March 2026, a good mix of different photography genres to work on in March 2026.

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE)

Meanwhile, I would be curating my entry submissions for the 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) in April 2026, Whether my submissions are accepted for this year’s exhibition, have to wait and see. 

20 Years Milestone Planning for April 2026 

Coming soon in April 2026, I am going to celebrate my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone (since I began my visual storytelling journey in April 2006). Currently, I am collecting my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, recollecting my visual stories and memories, milestones and achievements over the past 20 years, sharing more on the day in April 2026 when I celebrate this milestone of mine.

Some sneak previews on how I am planning to celebrate my 20 years milestone 

• 20 years milestone embroidery patch 
• Special edition zine celebrating my 20 years of visual storytelling
• Collaborations with camera and photography accessories brands 

Seeking Collaborations, Partnerships and Sponsorships

Leading up to celebrating my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone in April 2026, I am seeking collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships, whether it’s in the photography, travel or content creation space, let’s have a chat and hope we can work something out that benefits both parties.

Personal

I am still learning to juggle and balance my photography business, content creation, personal life and also as a caregiver for my elderly parents. The past few months had been very stressful as I took on more responsibilities as a caregiver. I would have a better grasp of the situation, and how I can plan to adapt and manage, when the official medical prognosis is out for my Mum during her upcoming geriatric specialist appointment in this month.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for March 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This Chinese New Year (CNY) 2026, it’s a quiet, slow and low key celebrations for me due to the passing of my 姑姑 (paternal auntie, my Dad’s youngest sister) about a week before CNY 2026, missing her big smile, warmest and caring personality. Besides that, balancing a caregiver role for my Mum over the past few months took a mental and emotional toll on me.

Instead, I took this CNY 2026 period to take more time to rest while I am still finding a balance point in caregiving, running my photography business and other different areas of writing/work. Meanwhile, I am getting myself back in action, stepping up the gears and kickstarting the journey ahead in the Year of the Horse.

In most of my previous CNY greetings, I would usually publish it on CNY Day 1 of Day 2, for this year, I posted in on CNY Day 9, a special day for the Hokkien community, 天宫诞, 敬天公，求平安，愿顺顺利利一整年!

Once again, I would still like to wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year! As the Horse runs free and strong, may you charge ahead with courage and unstoppable momentum this year! 祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，身体健康，心想事成！马年大吉，万事如意，愿你新的一年马到成功！

The post Happy Chinese New Year 2026! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography (Business) 

As I have to juggle running my photography business with caregiver duties, it’s still a delicate balancing act, leaning and adapting changes to how I can best optimise my business operations. I would work to the best of my ability, strategising and adapting accordingly.

Photography (Personal) / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

For February 2026, I would continue on my visual storytelling and content creation in the history, heritage, culture and arts sector that I started off in January 2026. There might be business opportunities in those fields down the road. 

Backlogs are slowly cleared, with curated photographs uploaded into my Flickr collections, clearing up my HDD space as I am starting my 2026 visual storytelling and content creation journeys.  

Milestone Year 2026 Planning 

I am contemplating on seeking partnerships, collaborations and sponsorships for Year 2026 since this is a milestone year for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog (20 years) and TGH Photography (10th year in the photography business).

If you are open and keen to collaborate and partner for Year 2026, drop me an email, let’s have a chat. While sponsorship of camera and lenses would be most welcome, I am also open to photography accessories sponsorship (e.g. camera bags).

Personal

I am juggling and balancing my photography business, content creation, personal life and also as a caregiver for my elderly parents. The past few months had been very stressful as I took on more responsibilities as a caregiver. In time to come, I would have a better grasp of the situation, and how I can plan to adapt and manage, when the official medical prognosis is out for my Mum during her next specialist appointment. 

Wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 in advance!

Counting down the days to ushering and welcoming the Year of the Horse on 17th and 18th February 2026, wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 in advance!

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Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum 

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified is making its Southeast Asia debut at ArtScience Museum on 17th January 2026, get up and personal with giant insects, with images towering up to 7 feet high. This exhibition showcases larger-than-life realm of insects, observe the beauty and intricacy of the insects forms far beyond what the naked eye can perceive.

“Insects: Microsculptures Magnified is ArtScience Museum’s first exhibition on insects. It invites audiences to reconsider these often-overlooked creatures as complex, beautifully structured, and essential to life on Earth. Created in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History and enriched by scientific research from Singapore institutions including Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, and A*STAR, the exhibition brings global perspectives into dialogue with local discovery. The exhibition reveals how in Singapore’s forests and laboratories, scientists are making discoveries that sound almost unbelievable—beetles that clean ecosystems, cicadas that inspire futuristic materials, and bugs never before seen by science. The exhibition speaks directly to Singapore’s active nature and wildlife photography communities, inviting them to look more closely at the insect world,” said Honor Harger, Vice President of ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. 

Extraordinary Large-scale Insects Photography by Levon Biss

Through the lens of award-winning British photographer Levon Biss, visitors can observe the microscopic details of each insect, that are transformed into mind-blowing, eye-catching, and captivating visual up close counters with insects world. 

Widely regarded as one of the leading macro photographers of his generation, Levon Biss macro photography is known for his meticulous images of insects, seeds, fruits and botanical forms, life to monumental scale. By magnifying insect life to monumental scale, his photography works invites a renewed sense of attention to the intricacy of nature ecosystem that one often overlooks. 

His pioneering photographic technique captures what entomologists refer to as an insect’s “micro sculpture”, from the exterior armour of the insect, to its velvet-like textures and saw-toothed mandibles, to the finely pigmented scales that define the amazing diversity of the insect world.

“The opportunity to display Microsculpture at ArtScience Museum is without doubt a highlight for the project and one that I could never have imagined when photographing the first insect. It is hugely satisfying to see the images enjoyed by different audiences around the world and it is clear evidence of a public appreciation and curiosity for these incredible creatures,” said Levon Biss. 

“Each photograph is created from over 8,000 individual images using a bespoke photo rig and microscope lenses. This achieves extreme levels of detail, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate microscopic textures and adaptations that would otherwise be lost to the naked eye. It’s both a technical challenge and an opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity of life at a tiny scale, a mixture of entertainment and education. By bringing these minute forms to monumental size, the exhibition invites viewers to look closely, to wonder, and care about the beauty and significance of these ingenious creatures we share this planet with,” he added. 

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified

This exhibition is created in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, featuring 37 monumental, high-magnification portraits of insects from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History’s collection. The meticulous details of the insects world microscopic forms are the key spotlights, observe the breathtaking details and clarity, the textures and anatomical structures that are often remain invisible, even to close observers.

First presented at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in 2016, ArtScience Museum has expanded upon the original exhibition to incorporate specimens from local institutions, including Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum’s Zoological Reference Collection, Nanyang Technology University (NTU) Asian School of the Environment’s Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab and Blackcrow Taxidermy & Art.

Cutting-edge Scientific Research from Singapore

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified exhibition also features cutting-edge scientific research from Singapore, showcasing exciting new research from Singapore’s scientific community, revealing how insect discoveries here are shaping fields from ecology to engineering. 

Scientists from NTU School of the Environment’s Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab are pioneering fieldwork on native dung beetles, uncovering the hidden diversity and ecological roles of these insects and building foundational knowledge for conservation in tropical urban landscapes.

At A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, researchers are translating the remarkable nanoscale textures of cicada wings into cutting-edge self-cleaning, anti-microbial surfaces, showcasing how nature’s designs can inspire nex-generation materials. 

This show also showcases the discovery of a new species of plant bug, Campylomma Singapura, documented by researchers at the National University of Singapore, giving visitors a chance to see and learn about a species previously unknown to science. 

Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum

If you are a fan of nature, flora and fauna, outdoors, and especially into insects, this special exhibition “Insects: Microsculptures Magnified” that is held at ArtScience Museum, dob’t miss it! For those who are into nature, wildlife, flora and fauna, that are not that into the insects world, I invite you to visit this exhibition, to get up close and personal with giant insects at ArtScience Museum.

Once you visit Insects: Microsculptures Magnified, this exhibition would let you learn a lot more about the insects world, its diversity, the key roles they play in nature’s ecosystem that many of us do not know and understand. 

Do also take your time to view photographs of the world of insects up close and personal, would you ever think about viewing insects from such different perspectives and angles, and they can look pretty good and nice, not scary and ugly, as some of us might have some bad vibes, feels and perceptions about the insect world?

It’s educational, enriching, as well as an visual eye-opener that would make you view the insects world from new and different perspectives.

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified Information

• Venue: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
• Date: 17th January to 19th April 2026

Ticketing ** Launch Privileges: Visits until 28th February 2026 **

Tickets can be purchased at all Marina Bay Sands box offices and online.

Opening hours:

Address

• 6 Bayfront Avenue
• Singapore 018974

For more information on the exhibition, please visit https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/exhibitions/insects.html 

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Why use a Yearly Theme? How to Choose a Yearly Theme?

I am inspired by Fernando Gros “How to choose a Yearly Theme”, this is my 7th year writing and announcing a Yearly Theme (since 2020), an approach that I personally feel that it’s more forward looking for a new future, a new era of working, thinking and how we connect as an individual, as a collective, society and the world. It’s not that goal settings or setting resolutions are no longer popular or useful, they still have a purpose and it still works for some people or industries.

Recap of previous Yearly Themes

Before I announce my Yearly Theme 2026 for my photography, travel, creative and heritage, let me bring you back in time, looking at my previous Yearly Themes through a recap below:

• Yearly Theme 2020: Striving to Excel 
• Yearly Theme 2021: Recovery and Rejuvenation 
• Yearly Theme 2022: Onward 
• Yearly Theme 2023: Explore
• Yearly Theme 2024: Ignite
• Yearly Theme 2025: Create

Yearly Theme 2026 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) – “Reframe”

Now, announcing my Yearly Theme 2026 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) – “Reframe”.

Why “Reframe”?

First and foremost, my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog is celebrating 20 years of visual storytelling in April 2026 (this website started on 10 April 2006). Secondly, my TGH Photography business is entering into its 10th year in January 2026 (photography business started in January 2017).

I chose this theme “Reframe”, something that I can relate closely to, celebrating two milestones in 2026 for my photography, visual storytelling and content creation, reflecting on my past two decades, my journeys, ups and downs, achievements, growth and development. 

Thereafter, looking ahead into future, how can I improve, change and adapt my forms of visual storytelling and content creation in a ever changing digital era of social media and AI, as well as, how can I place my visual stories collection into a new frame or a different frame, that I would like to share more with my clients, followers and supporters.  

How am I going to “Reframe” my visual storytelling in 2026?

Photography / Heritage / Creative

Be more personal and heart-warming visual stories in heritage, culture and arts

Through gaining more experiences, interactions and connections in 2025 with fellow creatives, artists, visual storytellers, and subject matter experts from other genres, I learned a lot from them through their inspirations, creative and artistic works. 

In 2026, I hope that I am able to create good opportunities for cross/interdisciplinary content creation, collaborations and possible special projects, continuing to produce more heart-warming visual stories in heritage, culture and arts.

I also feel it’s time to revisit and re-explore my personal photography further and deeper from my usual styles and approaches of my visual storytelling. That’s where “Reframe” theme comes into play, it might just open a new genre or direction for me.

Publishing 20 years of visual storytelling selected works/projects into zines 

One of my planned celebrations for my 20 years of visual storytelling is to produce different zines from my 20 years archives of visual stories and photography. It’s time to bring some of my heritage documentation projects to life, into a physical print.

Travel

At the start of this year 2026, I would not go into any travel plans or destinations that I would want to go. I would love to break the duck and finally go on overseas holiday adventures, restarting my travel writing and travel photography. 

On the local travel side of things back home in Singapore, with this “Reframe” theme, I would look at different sectors or areas of interests to share more unique and interesting travel stories in Singapore for both locals and overseas travellers visiting Singapore. 

Thank you for your support and encouragement! 

To my family, relatives, friends, followers and supporters who supported me through my visual storytelling, photography, technology writing, social media marketing, especially those that make the effort to read, not assuming thinking you know everything about me, or my business model operations, and making the effort to know more and understand, without judgement or putting me down, I sincerely thank you for your support and encouragement!

Year 2026 will have new and different levels of stress, pressure and challenges. I will adapt and “Reframe” my mind, heart and soul, change and adapt accordingly when different situations arise.

The post Yearly Theme 2026 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Taking place from 30th January to 1st February 2026 at SCCC and Singapore Conference Hall,  featuring a total of 25 cultural programmes, such as children theatre performances, storytelling experiences, carousel rides, interactive photo booths and family-friendly workshops. These programmes are designed to make traditions enjoyable and engaging for today’s Singaporeans, young and old.

SCCC CNYFF 2026

Featuring a total of 25 cultural programmes, here is a list of SCCC CNYFF 2026 programmes, there are both free activities and ticketed activities. 

List of SCCC CNYFF 2026 Free Activities 

• Finding Har马ny
• Year of the Horse Zodiac Forecast 
• “Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases 
• “MA”rvellous Mission
• Huat-goes-round Carousel
• Photos for Prosperity Booths
• The “MA”rket Place
• “Nian” Is Coming (Part 2): Journey Back Home
• TGIF Music Station (CNY Edition)
• Tradition in Motion: Singapore’s Lion Dance Heritage

List of SCCC CNYFF 2026 Ticketed Activities 

• Cubs on the Move: Children’s Lion Dance Workshop 
• Dragon Up the Fun: Children’s Dragon Dance Workshop
• “Gong Xi, Gone Where?”: A Roving Storytelling Experience
• Rhapsodies of Spring 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Treasures of Chinese Temples Tour

SCCC CNYFF 2026 Key Programme Highlights

There’s a great lineup of programmes on offer at SCCC CNYFF 2026, which programmes should we go? Here are some key programme highlights for you and your family!

Free

Finding Har马ny

One of the key highlights of CNYFF 2026, SCCC’s annual CNY roof garden art installation titled, Finding Har马ny. Check out the bright and colourful horse sculptures grazing and galloping across SCCC’s roof garden. 

Explore the Year of the Horse artworks with your family, have lots of fun, take photos and memories together, find out more about Year of the Horse Zodiac forecast.

On display till 20th May 2026, from 10am to 10pm daily.

“Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases (Don’t Miss This!)

A key highlight of CNYFF 2026 will be “Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases by five different local lion dance troupes, taking place on 31st January 2026 and 1st February 2026, from 1pm to 7pm, at SCCC’s Level 1 Concourse. 

Local lion dance styles, namely Fujian Green Lion Dance, Hainanese Lion Dance, Hakka Qilin Dance, Golden Lion Dance and Fo He Lion Dance, will showcase the diversity and vibrance of various lion dance styles here in Singapore. 

Don’t miss this “Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases on 31st January 2026 and 1st February 2026!

“MA”rvellous Mission 

Make it a family fun activity at SCCC CNYFF 2026, embark on a fun-filled mission-based quest across SCCC, complete selected CNY activities to collect stamps to redeem festive rewards such as limited edition festive red packets (whilst stocks last), or a drink voucher (while stocks last).

The “MA”rket Place

Visitors to SCCC CNYFF 2026 can take part in craft activities such as couplet writing and seal stamping, accessories making and colouring with your family, relatives and friends. Enjoy CNY-themed theatre performances and sample complimentary festive snacks.

Ticketed

• Cubs on the Move: Children’s Lion Dance Workshop  
• Dragon Up the Fun: Children’s Dragon Dance Workshop

Fun programmes for the children! They can learn basic lion and dragon dance movements from experienced instructors, and try playing traditional drums and cymbals. 

“Gong Xi, Gone Where?”: A Roving Storytelling Experience

Children can join Xiao Ming on a fun-filled adventure and search for three characters hidden throughout SCCC to uncover the meanings behind three special CNY greetings!

Treasures of Chinese Temples Tour

Join a fascinating tour of Chinese temples located in Singapore’s CBD, discover their rich history, heritage, culture, and traditions, including how they prepare for and celebrate CNY!

Here is the list of temples to visit:

• Kheng Chiu Tin Hou Kong
• Yueh Hai Ching Temple
• Singapore Yu Huang Gong
• Thian Hock Keng
• Fook Tet Soo Hakka Temple

Tour is conducted in Mandarin, taking place on Sunday 25th January 2026 from 10am to 12pm. Meeting point is SCCC Ho Bee Concourse, Level 1.

SCCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alvin Tan, said: “This year, we are not only bringing festive cheer to the CBD and celebrating Chinese New Year in uniquely Singaporean ways – we are also shining the spotlight on our local lion dance troupes and showcasing the variety of lion dance styles practised in Singapore including the familiar southern lion dance, and the less common Hainan Lion and the Fujian Green Lion. In doing so, we hope to present lion dance as an enduring artform and a cultural heritage that Singaporeans can be proud of.”

SCCC & SCO CNY Family FUN (CNYFF) 2026 Information

Dates: 30th January to 1st February 2026

Venues: 

• Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre 
• Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall
• Singapore Conference Hall

For more information and details on CNYFF 2026, please visit SCCC website – https://singaporeccc.org.sg/ 

The post SCCC & SCO CNY Family FUN 2026 – Diverse Lion Dance and Many More! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Business

Year 2025 was really difficult and challenging, there were periods that were not just lull, it was quiet. The overall economy was slow, it’s more than just sentiments, similar experiences by business owners from other industries echoed similar views. Nevertheless, some sectors did perform better than others in year 2025.

A big thanks to fellow Canon photographer friend Alex, he referred me to an agency that he has been working with. I started working with them, and managed to built a regular working relationship in the second half of 2025. 

Personal/Leisure

From my personal and leisure perspectives, year 2025 was a pretty eventful year. Riding on the Singapore’s 60th year birthday (SG60) wave, there were a number of photography competitions, photography exhibitions and events relating to SG60 theme. I had a pretty fulfilling year photographing and documenting visual stories relating to SG60, thus lesser time on personal photography projects. 

In 2025, I had three photographs printed and exhibited, 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2025, 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (from open calls for submission), and NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar (NUSPS Montage 2025 photography competition) where my photograph submission was shortlisted for the seminar, however I didn’t win any prize.

As for SG60 related photography competitions, I had a good time entering them, although I didn’t win any prize, overall it was fun and got me photographing more of Singapore and SG60 theme related visual stories.

Heritage / Creative / Arts 

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Wrapped 2025

My adventures at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) in 2025 were of great fun, diverse and fuelling my creative learning and connections. Through a mix of engaging in history, heritage, culture, traditional and performing arts at SCCC in 2025, it had been a wonderful and engaging journey. 

What adventures and visual stories took place at SCCC in 2025 for me? Here’s my SCCC Events 2025 Wrapped and Sneak Preview of SCCC Events 2026! Read it here: https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/my-sccc-events-2025-wrapped-and-sneak-preview-of-sccc-events-2026 

Cultural performances (Traditional / Contemporary) 

• Siong Leng Nanyin Music (Guan Yin Festival | Tempest & Tranquility) 
• Dance Ensemble (Intersections | IMPRINT) 
• Drum Feng (EP1 – Xiangqi: The Battle Of The Drums)

Year 2025 was memorable for me in the areas of attending, watching and learning more about different traditional and contemporary cultural performances. It could be the most number of traditional / contemporary cultural performances that I ever attended in a calendar year.

Whether it’s traditional or contemporary, I learnt from cross-cultural, cross-arts learning experiences that further shaped my visual storytelling and writing in the history, heritage, culture and conservation sectors.

Secrets Behind The Artisan @ Chinatown Heritage Centre

This is a very enriching series of talks by different artisans, held at Chinatown Heritage Centre. I learned about this series of talks by Uncle Victor Yue, who has avid interest with great knowledge in the areas of temples, ceremonies, dialects, languages, etc etc. Uncle Victor Yue is one of the key people to look out for in history, heritage, and culture sectors, friendly, approachable and well-respected in the above fields.

I learnt a lot more from my interactions with Uncle Victor Yue, further enriching and expanding my visual storytelling and documentation in the history, heritage, culture and conservation sectors.  

House of VSE / Very Small Exhibition

In 2025, it was a therapeutic year supporting, following and documenting artist Wei’s arts journey and adventures throughout the year, with the theme “A Rainbow A Day”, as well as celebrating Very Momentary Exhibition 4th anniversary at NTU Museum.

There was also a special exhibition “Empower: With Art, For A Purpose, With Pride” by House of VSE, I contributed a photography print (a photo that I took of Artist Wei’s Bring LOVE Everywhere rainbow light artwork) for this exhibition.

Travel

There are no overseas travel stories from 2025 to share, adding on to the number of years that I didn’t travel overseas. With Year 2026 being a milestone year for my photography, I have to break this duck.

As for local Singapore travel stories, I am writing more in the history, heritage, culture, arts and events sector. 

Year 2025 Wrapped and Looking Ahead Year 2026 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage)

In a nutshell, my Year 2025 Wrapped for my photography, travel, creative and heritage was mixed, from a business perspective, it had been very challenging and difficult due to economic conditions. While from a personal perspective, there were enriching, learn so much more, as well as opening up of my creative and visual storytelling areas.

Looking ahead 2026 in my photography, travel, creative and heritage, what would it be like? My upcoming Yearly Theme 2026 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) would give my directions, plans and insights on how I would embark my journey.  

Year 2026 is going to be a milestone year, 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel (April 2006 to April 2026), and my 10th year of my TGH Photography business (since January 2017).

Thank you very much to my family, friends, followers and supporters, for your following, support and encouragement on my TGH Photography business as well as my TGH Photography and Travel visual storytelling journeys over the decades!

The post Reflecting Year 2025 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Yearly Theme 2025 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) – “Create”

At the beginning of the year 2025, I wrote about my Yearly Theme 2025 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), I chose “Create”.

I wanted to create more stories with my interactions with other creative from other genres and industries. In 2025, through the different genres of wonderful programmes, exhibitions, and performances at SCCC, I have found myself getting deeper into some sectors of my Chinese history, heritage, culture, society and language, that I haven’t really go in-depth.

One of them was learning more about Chinese opera (and I still have a long way to go), fulfilling my local Nanyang kopi pilgrimage that I wanted to do years back (some would know what I am referring to!), watching contemporary Chinese dance and cultural performances that made me realised that there are so much more talent that deserves more coverage and recognition.

Although my stories and coverage of the various SCCC events that I attended in 2025 were more of visual storytelling, I hope that through my humble stories and photos, I have helped to create more awareness and publicity, especially for those organisations and programmes that need more publicity and awareness of the wonderful stuff they are doing for the history, heritage, culture and language sectors in Singapore. 

TGH Photography SCCC Events 2025 Wrapped 

Inspired by my Spotify “Your 2025 Wrapped), presenting my TGH Photography SCCC Events 2025 Wrapped, let’s go back in time for a recap of SCCC events that I attended/covered in 2025.

Recap of SCCC Events 2025

Festivals

1. SCCC CNYFF 2025 – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photography/celebrate-chinese-new-year-2025-the-singapo%e4%ba%ba-way-in-cbd 
2. SCCC Cultural Extravaganza 2025 – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/arts/sccc-cultural-extravaganza-2025-returns-from-9-may-to-7-june 
3. Chinese Opera Festival 2025 – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/heritage/sccc-and-nac-collaborate-to-debut-chinese-opera-festival-2025 
4. SCCC Mid-Autumn Festival Family Fun (MAFF) 2025 – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/events/celebrate-mid-autumn-family-fun-2025-at-sccc-and-sco-on-4-5-october 
5. REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/remix-singapo%e4%ba%ba-youth-takeover-at-sccc-expect-the-unexpected 
6. SCCC Winter Solstice SG60 Community Celebration Event 2025 – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/heritage/sccc-winter-solstice-sg60-community-celebration-event-2025 

Exhibitions and Talks

1. The Nanyang Breakfast Club: Let’s Lim Kopi & Jiak Roti! – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/heritage/come-lim-kopi-and-jiak-roti-at-the-nanyang-breakfast-club 
2. City SingaPOP – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/see-how-city-singapop-in-a-very-colourful-artistic-different-light 
3. Healing Heritage: A Journey Through the Evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Singapore – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/heritage/sccc-presents-healing-heritage-story-of-tcm-in-singapore 
4. Brewing Nostalgia: Kopitiams in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand Special Exhibition – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/heritage/a-special-exhibition-on-traditional-kopitiams-of-singapore-malaysia-and-thailand 
5. Tradition in Motion: Singapore’s Lion Dance Heritage Exhibition – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/heritage/special-exhibition-at-sccc-tradition-in-motion-singapores-lion-dance-heritage 
6. Chingay in Singapore and Malaysia Seminar
7. SG, You’ve Got Mail!
8. Built on Memory: Tracing Singapore’s CBD Through Time

Arts 

1. Intersections – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/arts/intersections-by-dance-ensemble-singapore-at-sccc-cultural-extravaganza-2025 
2. World Mental Health Day 2025: Currents of Care by Very Small Exhibition – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/world-mental-health-day-2025 
3. Drum Feng EP1 – Xiangqi: The Battle of the Drums  

My Key Memorable Highlights from my SCCC 2025 Visual Storytelling Journeys 

Personally for me, this list of SCCC events below that I attended in 2025 were my key memorable highlights for me in my SCCC 2025 visual storytelling journeys.

Exhibitions and Talks

• The Nanyang Breakfast Club: Let’s Lim Kopi & Jiak Roti!
• Brewing Nostalgia: Kopitiams in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand Special Exhibition

The above two exhibitions fulfilled my local Nanyang kopi pilgrimage journey that I started around a decade back, wanting to know and explore more about local Nanyang kopi history, heritage and culture.

Celebrating Our Arts

• Intersections
• Drum Feng EP1 – Xiangqi: The Battle of the Drums

I wasn’t much into performing arts, whether they are traditional or contemporary. In 2025, I was introduced to more performing arts, from traditional to contemporary. There were two arts performances, Intersections and Drum Feng EP1 – Xiangqi: The Battle of the Drums, leaving deep impressions inside me.

From learning, understanding and appreciating traditional and contemporary arts performances, there’s also a inner connection with my creative and visual storytelling that opens up new perspectives and approaches inside me.

Celebrating Our Festivals 

• CNYFF 2025
• MAFF 2025
• SCCC Winter Solstice SG60 Community Celebration Event 2025

Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival are two major cultural events inside SCCC lineup, attracting visitors and participation. The SCCC Winter Solstice SG60 Community Celebration Event in 2025 was unique and fun, hope they can keep it going and make it an annual Winter Solstice event at SCCC!  

Sneak Preview of SCCC Events 2026

SCCC in Year 2025 organised a diverse and exciting lineup of different programmes, exhibitions, talks, festivals, and performances, setting a high standard and benchmark to follow up in the coming year 2026. 

For Year 2026, SCCC has an extensive, an even more diverse and exciting lineup, here’s a sneak preview of SCCC events 2026! I would not go into too much details on the listing below, stay curious, stay tuned, follow SCCC on their social media channels for more updates and information on the SCCC events 2026 lineup closer to the event dates!

Exhibitions and Talks

• Singapore TV: From Local to Global Special Exhibition (July 2026 to January 2027)
• Heroic Moves Travelling Exhibition (April to October 2026)
• Common Ground Artspace Exhibition (April 2026 to April 2027)
• Chinatowns of the World International Conference (17 and 18 October 2026)

Festivals – Celebrating Our Arts

• Children’s Festival 2026 (Title TBC) (19 to 21 June)
• Cultural Extravaganza 2026 (7 May to 7 June)
• REMIX 2026 (July)

Programmes – Celebrating Our Festivals

• Zhongyuan Festival (17 to 23 August)
• CNY Family FUN 2026 (30 January to 1 February)
• Mid-Autumn Family FUN 2026 (19 to 20 September)

Programmes – Celebrating Our Music

• Sing浪 Concert (31 October)
• TGIF Music Station (April to March 2027)
• SG:SW | Write The Songs Finale Concert (October)
• Happy Sing-Along (April to March 2027)
• Tuesday Report Documentary on Xinyao/Local Chinese Songs (March)

My TGH Photography SCCC Events 2025 Wrapped

The sleeping dragon of SCCC has now awakened, under the leadership, direction and creative vision of Mr Alvin Tan, who took over as the CEO of SCCC in June 2024. SCCC has risen tall and proud, setting an exemplary example, showcasing the foundation, stage and direction of preserving history, heritage, traditions, striking a balance in modern times together with internet and social media. They are creating new directions for the future with its good mix of balancing tradition and modern exhibitions, programmes, performances, relating to Chinese history, heritage, culture, society and language all under one roof. 

What lies ahead for my TGH Photography x SCCC visual storytelling in 2026? Photos from my collection from attending those events at SCCC are gradually uploaded into this Flickr collection “Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre”. 

I hope to tell much deeper and more heartwarming stories from my interactions and connections, at the events, exhibitions, talks, and maybe special theme projects if the opportunity arises. 

Thank you Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre for an amazing, fun and great visual storytelling journey in 2025, inside my TGH Photography SCCC Events 2025 Wrapped!

The post My SCCC Events 2025 Wrapped and Sneak Preview of SCCC Events 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.