Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

Prior to the launch of Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition, House of VSE, together with artist Wei, had been releasing snippets of this upcoming exhibition. Personally, I was looking forward to this exhibition, the title, theme and descriptions are sending me the Whispers, something that can help to unlock some of the situations that I am facing. 

I registered for the preview, that took place on my birthday, kind of significant that both events were together on the same day. Let me bring you on a journey into Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition. 

Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together

A unique light art exhibition through twelve light artworks that unfold through light, colour, and subtle movement, Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together inside this artwork space. 

This artistic experiential journey doesn’t require you to complete it, or you have to understand everything quickly. They invite you to pay attention, to yourself, the small shifts inside your mind and soul, the transitions, and to being present feeling your rhythm with the artworks and space.

Do not rush, take your time to embark on your own Whispers journey inside the art space, inside your heart, mind and soul. Observe every details from the tangibles, to the intangibles, around you, inside of you. They might just Whispers something back to you, revealing reflections. 

Hear the Whispers from Artist Wei of VSE

Reading artist Wei words on his Whispers artwork exhibition, this goes beyond the tangible aspects of a physical artwork, it’s the journey that leads us there, the inner world that only we ourselves can see. 

The Whispers that you encounter from the words, feelings and emotions from each of the twelve artworks, this is a process of listening to your own journeys inside, it’s recalibrating, and learning to remain gentle as you continue your journeys moving forward. 

We can only see the superficial, the external facades, tangible side of things. The journey that you undertaken, is the inner soul inside you. Whispers doesn’t end at your visit inside this living light art exhibition. Your journey continues on, in yourself, and also to the rest of the visitors that enter inside and embark on their own Whispers journey. 

More than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

There are more than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition (VSE), presented with Byra. There are also two programmes planned, one is a workshop, the other is a unique dining experience. 

Whispers: Ritual of Calm – Workshop

A meditative art workshop that combines art and beauty care, VSE artist Wei and Byra Beauty’s philosophy of calm as a state of being. This is held as part of Whispers exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 31st January 2026
• Price: SGD $90 / pax

Limited Seats!

Beauty Table: A Calm-Centred Dining Ritual for Brighter Skin

A special dining event held alongside “Whispers” exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026, an intimate dining experience where art, calm, and food comes together for a unique experience. 

• Date: 21st January 2026
• Price: $79 nett / pax 

Limited seats! Only 9 seats available!

The Whispers that Spoke to Me

Embarking on this Whispers journey with a number of things going through my mind, it feels like entering my inner brain and mind (the artwork installation), trying to find my way out of this journey, guided by the twelve light artworks telling me their stories, feelings, thoughts and experiences. 

There are some artworks that I can relate to, there are others that give me new perspectives and directions to look at, as I explored Whispers living light artwork. Returning from this Whispers journey, it was therapeutic, taking it slow and letting some of my ongoing stress and pressure out as a caregiver that I recently have to shoulder on, an invisible heavyweight shoulders, the invisible immense stress and pressure piling on top. 

A personal journey that only I can take, how many would be able to empathise and relate? While I continue to seek my own journey, solutions and plans, I did mange to find some peace and tranquility time at Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. 

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition Information

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. Brought to you by Byra and House of VSE, part of SAW Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 16th January to 1st February 2026
• Venue: GTCL Wellness Sanctum, E-Center@Redhill #02-03

Admission by RSVP (limited spaces available), visit the URL below on their websites and social media platforms. 

• Byra website: https://byrabeauty.com/pages/rituals 
• House of VSE: https://www.instagram.com/houseofvse/ 
• Very Small Exhibition: https://www.instagram.com/verysmallexhibition/  

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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.

Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

The last few photography competitions leading up to the end of 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in November 2025 till December 2025 

Concrete in Life 2526

A global photography competition that I found out last year or so, I would be joining and participating in Concrete in Life 2526. While I am not really an architectural photographer, I regularly take cityscapes and travel photography, where concrete plays an important role in the building of a country and society, from roads, bridges, to the homes in the cities that we live in. 

Sony World Photography Awards 2025

A worldwide photography contest that I have been regularly participating in over the years. I am in the process of curating and selecting my photographs for submission to Sony World Photography Awards 2025 in December 2025 before the closing date. If you are keen to participate in Sony World Photography Awards 2025, do check them out!

Civic District in Focus 2025

I recently joined a night photography event, Civic District in Focus 2025 by Arts House Group. It was more of a fun photo night walk, exploring Civic District in a new light, views and perspectives, even though I had been photographing events and heritage buildings in the Civic District over past two decades. 

There is a photography contest, it’s a public voting contest and winners stand a chance to win Fujifilm X Half Cameras. I am excited to share my 4 photography entires featuring:

• The Arts House at The Old Parliament 
• Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
• Asian Civilisations Museum 
• National Gallery Singapore

Please show some love and support for my entires! Vote here -> https://artshousegroup.sg/civic-district/cvd-in-focus-2025/voting?searchName=GengHui 

Thank you for your support! 

Exhibitions 

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 9th to 12th October 2025

The 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 was held from 9th to 12th October 2025 at The Art Space SG. I have a photograph selected for display at NPAE 2025, it’s a great honour and I would like to thank the panel for selecting my photograph to be part of 1st National Photography Art Exhibition celebrating SG60.

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Still Working on my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am still working on my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, consolidation of my photos shot in 2025 as part of SG60, curation of photographs shot over the decades for consideration that would be selected for SG60 my personal project.

Given my current progress, the constraints on hand, I am most likely to start on my SG60 visual storytelling project after the year 2025 has ended.

Travel Photography and Content Creation

It’s time to finally give myself a short overseas travel break, and to finally revive my travel photography and content creation. I don’t have to necessarily do long distance travel, a short and mid haul travel would be just perfect. 

Started Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

Although my migratory bird photography season started a bit earlier in September 2025, I have gradually picked up my pace, planning more visits to different locations, from nature reserves, parks, park connector networks/rivers and coastlines in the coming months. 

I would also continue to keep a lookout for other wildlife in Singapore too during my photo walks, looking forward to adding more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

While I am continuing to work on curating and uploading more photos into my Flickr photography collections and writing my visual stories here on my TGH Photography and Travel website, I am looking at potential areas to work on, partnerships and collaborations, and hopefully commissioned/long term projects with artists, creatives and organisations in the arts, performing arts, heritage and culture sectors. 

There is Secrets Behind the Artisan event organised by Chinatown Heritage Centre, uncovering the untold stories, history, heritage, culture, traditions, and passions behind highly skilled and experienced artisans in Singapore. I attended 2 of them, it was really enjoyable, learned so much more about our intangible cultural heritage, catching up with fellow friends in the history, heritage, culture and preservation sectors. 

Of Other Thoughts and Views

SG60 photography competitions and exhibitions journey till date 

This year 2025 has been significant in its own way for Singapore and also for us photographers here, there were a number of SG60 theme photography competitions and exhibitions. I participated in a number of those photography competitions and exhibitions, here’s a quick round up till date.

I didn’t win any prizes for those SG60 photography competitions (till date for this year 2025), I have 2 photographs selected for exhibition, 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition and 1st National Photography Art Exhibition, I have a photograph printed on display, shortlisted for the top 20 entries in the NUSPS Montage 2025 photography competition. 

Although I didn’t win any prizes, with two photographs selected, printed and exhibited at two exhibitions, I am absolutely delighted, it’s an honour, a humbling experience, adding on to my list of photography achievements.

A Gentle Reminder to Everyone

I shared about AikBeng’s quotes inside this CNA Insider video, “There is beauty in imperfection”, “Don’t judge people”, “We Shouldn’t Compare”

A gentle reminder to everyone with those quotes, it hit me deep, time to stop chasing perfection, and be mindful of the comparisons and judgements that we faced on social media and what we might face from people from all walks of life.

Time to unleash my visual storytelling and creativity as I continue to work towards the finishing line of my final sprint to end of Year 2025.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for November 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Currents of Care (2025) at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Currents of Care has two coloured rainbows spanning across Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) glass entrance, welcoming visitors with its artistic flow and layout. The rainbow in blue hues adopts the colour of World Mental Health Day, the other rainbow represents SCCC corporate colours. 

When you visit SCCC, observe how the rainbows intertwine (it does look like a Chinese knot from far), the lines flowing representing the rhythms of life, the growth and changes, of life’s ups and downs, gently reminding all of us that through family, friends, companionship and community, we can find our strengths and healings.

Currents of Care is commissioned by SCCC in support of World Mental Health Day, hoping to raise public awareness of the importance of mental health, signalling SCCC’s support for mental health and well-being.  

Currents of Care artwork installation is by a talented Singapore creative artist Lee Wei Lieh of Very Small Exhibition, whose works have been showcased at i-Light Singapore, Singapore F1 Night Race, and Singapore Art Week. Coincidentally, I first got to know artist Wei in 2021, also on the subject of World Mental Health Day, at Malay Heritage Centre x Very Small Exhibition support World Mental Health Day.

Thereafter, I have been following, supporting and documenting artist Wei’s colourful and diverse artworks, inside this collection on Flickr over the years from 2021 till date. Documenting and photographing artist Wei’s artworks over the years is more than a form of photography therapy, it opens up my creativity and approaches to art and creative stuff, and knowing more creative artists from different genres. 

Here are some visual stories of artist Wei applying the finishing touches to his Currents of Care artwork at SCCC for World Mental Health Day 2025. 

Mental Health Matters

The society has gradually opened up more in recent years (since the COVID-19 pandemic), on the subject of mental health issues and awareness. While this topic might still be taboo, it’s getting more needed attention, awareness, better learning and understanding. 

Take this World Mental Health Day (and beyond), start reaching out to someone, whether it’s your family, relatives, loved ones, or friends, check with them, say a simple “Hello”, “Thinking of You”. These simple kind words might just be exactly what they need to hear. It’s as simple and sometimes the bravest thing for everyone of us that we can do is to let someone know that they are not alone. 

Show your concern, be there for them in person, actively listen without judgement, respond effectively by creating a safe space for them, be empathetic and focus on them.

There were periods when my mental health wasn’t in a good shape (during the pandemic period). The words that you received from your family and friends can help you out.

Mental Health Matters, we can all play a part to raise awareness and mobilise our own small efforts to reach out and check with our family, relatives and friends. 

The post World Mental Health Day 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

There are still a few photography competitions/contests in October 2025 leading up to the end of 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in October 2025 till December 2025 

Concrete in Life 2526

A global photography competition that I found out last year or so, I would be joining and participating in Concrete in Life 2526. While I am not really an architectural photographer, I regularly take cityscapes and travel photography, where concrete plays an important role in the building of a country and society, from roads, bridges, to the homes in the cities that we live in. 

Sony World Photography Awards 2025

A worldwide photography contest that I have been regularly participating in over the years. I am in the process of curating and selecting my photographs for submission to Sony World Photography Awards 2025 in December 2025 before the closing date. If you are keen to participate in Sony World Photography Awards 2025, do check them out!

Exhibitions 

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 in October 2025

The 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 will be held from 9th to 12th October 2025 at The Art Space SG, from 11am to 6pm. I have a photograph selected for display at NPAE 2025, I would like to thank the panel for selecting my photograph to be part of 1st National Photography Art Exhibition celebrating SG60.

• The Art Space SG
• 66 Kallang Pudding Road #01-01 Hor Kew Business Centre, Singapore 349324

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Working on my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am currently working on my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, consolidation of my photos shot in 2025 as part of SG60, curation of photographs shot over the decades for consideration that would be selected for SG60 my personal project.

Still a work in progress, more updates to come soon when the time is right. Do keep a lookout for updates along the way!

Ready for Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

Migratory bird photography season has started early in September 2025, I would be picking up the pace, planning various visits to nature reserves, parks, park connector networks/rivers and coastlines in the coming months. 

I would also keep a lookout for other wildlife in Singapore too during my photo walks, looking forward to adding more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

Year 2025 till date to Q3 2025 has been a pretty fruitful and enriching year covering, documenting and photographing, especially in the areas of culture, arts and performing arts. I am working on curating and uploading my photos into my Flickr photography collections and writing my visual stories here on my TGH Photography and Travel website. 

The performing arts sector that I have attended for this year 2025 till date, a good mix of contemporary performing arts and traditions, feeling the deep connections to open up my creativity and understanding of arts and culture.

Of Other Thoughts and Views

Love of F1/Motorsports Photography

Canon Singapore recently organised a seminar, The Art of the Race by Darren Heath, it was a great turnout, and the audience enjoyed an insightful and learning session on F1/motorsports photography from Darren Heath. I had the opportunity to get a special session chatting with Darren over lunch, asking him about F1/motorsports photography, from a motorsports photography enthusiast (me) to a F1/motorsports photography legend (Darren Heath). Keep a lookout for my upcoming articles on the The Art of the Race seminar and the chat/sharing session with Darren Heath. 

After chatting with Darren, and learning about his art and craft of F1/motorsports photography, it kind of rekindle my love and passion for F1/motorsports photography that I had years back. Also, it’s also time to stop just chasing to photograph the sports car in action, and forgetting about the fans, passion and behind the scenes of motorsports that their stories need to be make more known to the world of motorsports enthusiasts.

Words from a fellow visual storyteller 

AikBeng’s Chia (affectionately a.k.a ABC) recently did a video interview on CNA Insider, titled: Photographing Weird, Quirky & Strange Singapore: There’s Always A Story Behind” | Dear Singapore, it was refreshing and sending reminders to myself on some of those challenges, and stuff we hear on our creative works and journeys, the inevitable comparisons, public and private scrutiny that comes with putting up our photography works on social media and internet space. 

AikBeng’s photography style and approach is exceptional, he tells visual stories through his eyes, heart, mind and soul that even some of us visual storytellers might not be be to visualise. AikBeng is an inspiration, I have huge respect and admiration for his unique, bold and direct style of visual storytelling that is not conventional.

Some of AikBeng’s quotes inside this CNA Insider video, “There is beauty in imperfection”, “Don’t judge people”, “We Shouldn’t Compare”

Those quotes hit me deep, time to stop chasing perfection, and be mindful of the comparisons and judgements that we faced on social media and what we might face from fellow photographers in real life. 

And to let our own visual storytelling and creativity do the rest. 

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for October 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

There are still a few ongoing photography competitions/contests in September 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in September 2025.

Experience More with Capture SG60 by RSP & HONOR

HONOR recently launched a foldable smartphone, HONOR Magic V5, and this is Singapore’s SG60 birthday year, HONOR is celebrating this milestone by inviting the public to photograph Singapore’s city architectural journey, from iconic landmarks to everyday spaces. 

This photography competition is jointly organised by HONOR and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. If you are keen to know more and participate ,visit  https://rsp.design/capturesg60/ and find out more information and details.

Alan Photo Competition – Catch the Moment

Alan Photo Singapore announced a photo completion titled, “Catch the Moment”, inviting photographers to show a side of Singapore that most people never notice. That sounds like a pretty nice theme to participate in, showcasing many different sights and views of Singapore that most people never notice.

The competition period is from 1 – 30 September 2025, if you are keen to participate or find out more information, you can check out Alan Photo social media pages. I am going to enter and see how it goes for me.

Exhibitions 

NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar – Not a winner | A Photograph on Display

The NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar took place on 23rd August 2025, I attended the Montage 2025 seminar, listening to talks by professionals, photo exhibition and prize presentation.

The winning entries for NUSPS Montage 2025 were on display at Montage 2025 Seminar, together with the other top entries for this photo competition. Although I didn’t win any prizes at Montage 2025 photo competition, I did have a photograph printed on display at NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar. 

Overall, a small consolation and recognition, this was also a good experience for me participating in Montage 2025 photo competition, a great NUSPS Montage 2025 seminar lineup of speakers, and last but not least, catching up with friends from Canon Singapore and photographer friends from various photography groups in Singapore, friends from the former Canon EOS World community, KOMMUNITY, and SG Storm Trackers.  

More personal insights and thoughts from NUSPS Montage 2025 photo competition and Montage 2025 seminar can be found in my article.

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 in October 2025

I am still waiting for more information and details on the 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 that is taking place in October 2025. Keep a lookout for their event!

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Working towards my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am working towards and closer to my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, writing down more ideas and inspirations. There are two ideas/plans in my mind as follows below:

1) Notebook A5 size

My first idea/plan to get an existing notebook A5 size, curating my 60 photographs to mark SG60 celebrations, this would more handicraft and hands on making a zine style photo book. Not likely to be in mass production, more of on a request/order basis for friends and supporters, whether based in Singapore or overseas.

2) Photography Zine with design and layout 

The second would be designed with layout for printing and sale on ad-hoc basis or in bulk printing, along the A5 notebook size. This would allow me to have a discussion with publishers or photography printing houses, and also place my photography zine in their library.

Ready for Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

The early migratory birds have started arriving in Singapore, some are earlier than expected. I am ready for migratory bird photography season starting in September 2025 leading up to Q1 2026. Making plans to visit various nature reserves and parks for migratory bird photography, as well as nature, landscape, creating travel articles and my own nature and outdoors therapy with my photography. 

Looking forward to add more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

A fruitful month of August 2025 in the heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector. At this moment, they are more of a personal visual storytelling and documentation. I do hope there would be some of renumeration/commissioned work would materialise down the road with some of those heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

Discussions on doing more, collaborating with other like-minded heritage, culture and arts advocates in other fields are still ongoing. When it starts to gain more traction, I would share more details. Meanwhile, keep a lookout for more visual stories of my heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

The State of the Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors in Singapore

In August 2025, The Projector suddenly announced its closure, sending shock waves, disappointments, a wake up call and a reality check for arts, culture, creatives, filmmakers, photographers, media production and those working in related industries. 

From the costs of running a business in Singapore (let alone a business in the arts, creatives, cultural industry), changing media landscape, the types of entertainment and media we are consuming in today’s climate. Too many “things” that distract us, from toys to online streaming, what is our state of the arts, creative and culture sectors in Singapore?

Are we doing enough, or do we have to lose it before we start to appreciate, is it too late and too little? While I am not most immersed into independent films, their influence and impacts on the arts, culture and creatives have an impact on developing my creative aspects in my visual storytelling and writing.

Personally, it can be difficult to prioritise which areas of arts, creative and culture sectors that we want to be interested in and be a part of. Once we put our time and money into a few of them, others might get neglected, and when another bites the dust, we also feel the disappointment that we haven’t done enough to spend some time and our monetary support there.

There are also arts, culture and creative sectors that are getting the support and attendance. It’s such a mixed bag on two ends of the spectrum, some have it better, how many are struggling? How many more of those “another one bites the dust” before we wake up and support our local arts, creative, and culture sectors in Singapore better, with our time and wallet?

Of Many Thoughts and Views

Experiencing two different sides of the stories in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors, I have many thoughts and views, I might write it down more personal and in-depth.

Reflecting deeply, where and how I could adapt, the delicate balance between revenue from photography work to personal visual storytelling and documentation? Where and how I can help and support each other in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors in Singapore? 

Many thoughts and views to ponder deeply, planning, changing and strategising ahead.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for September 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Running a small photography business, together with content creation and social media marketing has been very difficult in this year 2025 till date, the stress and pressure were immense. Not just us, chatting with small and medium-sized businesses from other industries, we are facing a slow and difficult local market situation.  

Personal SG60 Visual Storytelling Journey and Project 

In a difficult and challenging year 2025, I spent time on my visual storytelling and personal projects, a form of photography therapy, a buffer and a getaway from my business side of photography.

Using SG60 as an integral and broad theme, I embarked on my personal SG60 visual storytelling journey and project. It’s still ongoing, accumulating my different photographs from various genres together before curation and planning how I would want to present it in a physical format (current direction is a 60 curated photos SG60 theme zine).

I won’t know how my personal SG60 visual storytelling journey and project would turn out in the end. Maybe that might be the best for me, not placing too much expectations, time to let my own creative style and visual storytelling style to be further discovered. 

SG60 Themes Photography Competitions/Contests 

There photography competitions/contests in 2025 were mainly SG60 theme. Since I am already working on my personal SG60 visual storytelling journey and project, why not join those competitions/contests and see how it goes? 

I had a fun and fruitful time with the various SG60 themes photography competitions/contests. One of my key highlights till date in 2025 was at the 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2025 whereby I had a photograph printed and on display! 

During this SG60 journey, I found myself going back to my Singapore heartland adventures exploration again, something I have missed a lot. There are a few more ongoing SG60 themes photography competitions/contests, I would share more updates down the road.

Arts, Culture, History and Heritage 

On a personal note, the arts, culture, history and heritage are sectors/genres that I wanted to do more in my own personal ways as a visual storyteller/photographer. Till date in 2025, I am adding more visual storytelling in arts, culture, history and heritage. 

This journey had been getting more fulfilling and therapeutic too (especially on arts related genres).

Changes, Growth and Future beyond SG60

While we are facing new challenges, difficulties and uncertainties ahead, we also count our blessings, grateful and thankful. Facing more than just rapid changes and disruptions to the world economy and technology world, we must remain agile, nimble, ready for changes, adaption and adoption as we ride out a new world of uncertainties and challenges ahead.

Singapore is still a relatively young nation, compared to many established countries and societies around the world. We have make significant economic progress and growth in 60 years of independence till date. We are definitely not perfect, we have our fair share of likes and dislikes, quarrels and ranting. 

On our birthday list, we would like to have more meaningful changes, opening up for more interactive and direct discussions, and where we can work, grow and move forward together.

Happy SG60 Birthday to Singapore! Majulah Singapura!

I would continue to pursue my personal visual storytelling projects, besides my photography business, content creation and social media marketing work, capturing and documenting Singapore’s journey ahead. 

This form of personal visual storytelling is intrinsically enriching, fulfilling, also a form of photography therapy and getaway. 

Happy SG60 Birthday to Singapore! Majulah Singapura! 

The post Happy SG60 Birthday to Singapore! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography (Business) 

A slow and difficult market 

The economy is not in a good shape, ask around small and medium sized business owners from various industries, they echo similar sentiments. While I also got to hear that some industries are doing fine in this tough market conditions (domestic and international), it can be lopsided, imbalanced, making it very difficult and challenging in this slow and difficult market. 

I am not going to shy away that photography business has been affected by this slow and difficult market. It’s stressful and pressurising. Some strategic changes are on the cards, potentially going into more content creation/social media marketing sectors than just purely photography shoots itself. 

Photography and Content Creation Partnerships Opportunities

There are some discussions on photography and content creation partnerships opportunities coming soon. I am awaiting for more details and the announcement dates from my friend that I collaborated and worked with over the past decade. 

Photography (Personal/Leisure)

What’s up on my personal and leisure sectors of my photography? Here it goes:

Photography/Visual Storytelling Ups and Downs

I have a photograph selected for the recently concluded 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2025, it was titled, “Of Red and White Celebrations at GBTB Lighting Up Marina Bay Singapore”. This was a huge honoured for me, I was very happy that my photography artwork was selected to be showcased along side other talented local Singapore photographers. Find out more about NAPE 2025 journey story here!

On the other hand, I previously shared about my visual storytelling article that I am working on in January 2025, for ephemere photography platform publication. My article didn’t make the cut and was not chosen, it was very disappointing to be honest. Just another of those setbacks we get in life and in our visual storytelling and writing journeys.  

SG60 Personal Photography Project

With the various concluded and ongoing photography contests and competitions in 2025 till date, the themes are related to the SG60 theme since Singapore is celebrating her 60th year of independence in 2025. 

Together with taking photographs for the photography contests/competitions, they are currently added to my SG6t0 personal photography project curation that I am planning to produce a SG60 photography zine or book sometime down the road.

Travel

The travel community chat #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter that I am co-hosting since November 2020 recently embarked on a slow travel break. Given the ever changing nature of social media and what’s happening to Twitter or X platform, it was so much harder and challenging to organise and run such chats, that we had to take a break, reorganise and plan for the future. 

I am not producing travel content per se that lose travel content creators, as I am more of a travel photography/visual storytelling approach. There might be some travel photography/content creation/writing opportunities ahead, keeping my fingers crossed. 

As for leading/planning travel photography trips, it’s still in my business plan, although kickstarting this is kind of harder and trickier than I thought. For a start, I need to restart my own personal travel photography trips overseas again and stop procrastinating. 

Creative and Arts 

Following, supporting, and working with other creative artists from other genres have helped me in many different ways over the years. From arts therapy, to opening up my views and approaches to creativity and arts, they have been helpful and impactful, at times also a relief through those art therapy that combines well with my photography therapy. 

Local creative artist such as artist Wei from House of VSE / Very Small Exhibition / Bring LOVE Everywhere, has been an inspiration on his creativity and artistry, that allows me to view and approach creativity and arts in more ways that helps me in my visual storytelling journeys. 

Heritage

In recent months, attending events at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has opened up further the areas of Chinese history, heritage, culture and arts. Check out some of my earlier coverage of SCCC events that I attended. Together with SG60 celebrations in 2025, there would be more events/activities coming up at SCCC, do keep a lookout!

I am working on more Community Heritage related events with My Community, sharing more about their walks, events and activities. 

Other areas of history, heritage and culture that I might partner with, I am also on the lookout for them and potential discussions with seniors who are heritage advocates.

Reflecting Q2 2025 and H1 2025 (Technology | Business | Personal)

I have also wrote about my reflections on Q2 2025 and H1 2025 on my technology, business and personal segments on my TGH Technology and Business website. Do visit and have a read too!

What lies ahead in H2 2025?

There are still a number of uncertainties and worries amidst among all the different situations and happenings taking place. How would H2 2025 turns out? That’s still a lot of work to be done, adapting and making strategic changes are in the works. 

Not going to be easy, it might get even tougher, more challenging and more stressful. We all have to work it out and navigate our way.

The post Reflecting Q2 2025 and H1 2025 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

• Part 1: Impressions
• Part 2: Amalgamate 
• Part 3: Awakenings 

Let me bring you into “Intersections”, this immersive, intriguing and uniquely experiential amalgamated performing arts adventure, through my visual storytelling and photographs.

Part 1: Impressions

Walking through the entrance, entering into the multi-purpose hall at SCCC, there was a short introduction by the ushers/chaperones. 

What were my initial impressions? 

This nine photo collage is the stage where “Intersections” come together in a ever shifting nine-grid formation, also known as “九宫格”, where audience can get themselves immersed with and interact with the different multi-sensory arts genres on offer, crossing boundaries that you might never think it’s possible with those different performing arts genres.

My initial impressions were, heh this “九宫格”, it’s really unique and different, a very interesting approach to present and amalgamate different performing arts genres together! 

Nine-Grid Arts Formation

1) Music: Rhythmic Flow

2) Wayang Kulit: Dancing Puppets

3) Drama: The vicissitudes of Singapore River

4) Peranakan Fashion: Splendid Elegance 

5) Installation Art: Whispers from the Woods | Dance: Awakenings

6) Opera: Dreams in Harmony

7) Calligraphy: Dancing Figure

8) Photography: Shadow and Dance

9) Multimedia: The Everchanging Land Beneath 

Part 2: Amalgamate

That’s where the artists inside the “九宫格” make their way behind, and the audience proceed to sit down, waiting for the second part of the performance to begin. Next up, the various artists amalgamate together through brilliant choreography and artistic storytelling, each having its own chapter and arts/drama/creative journey to tell the world. 

The flow of artists performances might seem chaotic at first, yet it’s also structured and planned. Everyone of us would be probably be intrigued and engrossed in different artists at work and performing. Personally for me, I was intrigued by Calligraphy: Dancing Figure (maybe because that’s the only art category that I passed in school), Photography: Shadow and Dance, as a photographer and visual storyteller myself, I am like the photographer capturing moments of a dance performance. Multimedia: The Everchanging Land Beneath, the moving and ever-changing multi-media lighting artwork with invoking dance performances, give me the light and direction to chase after them, hoping to capture a priceless moment in modern multi-media world. 

Part 3: Awakenings 

A massive grand finale dance performance, in a sea of red, inviting you to be immersed with them together in heart and soul, awakening to tell yourself and others that we need to be conscious, we also need to let go, so that we make important changes in our life, and we can rise again as we face the ongoing challenges around us and the world today. 

Personal Thoughts and Views

At the end of the this wonderful and engaging performance “Intersections”, I did have a number of feelings, thoughts, emotions and views. Hearing the heartfelt stories, sharing from Artistic Director Cao Shiji from Dance Ensemble Singapore, hearing warmest congratulations across the board by the audience, everyone of us knew deep in our hearts, we had witnessed and experienced something really special and unique.

“Intersections” by Dance Ensemble Singapore – Engaging, immersive, uniquely contemporary yet strong and grounded in their own traditional roots of each of their respective performing arts discipline. 

Showcasing cross promotion, cooperation, alliance and partnership with different arts and culture. It’s like a big family of practicing artists of various genres with immense love and passion for the arts, coming together under one roof, for a common purpose, to bring performing arts onto another level.

To some people who might be more critical and picky, they might feel too many different artistic genres combing together, too messy or “rojak” in our local lingo. Personally for me, I find this approach refreshing, an eye-opener, that somehow connects the audiences hearts, minds and souls, together in this amalgamated artistic approach. 

A key and unique aspect of “Intersections” is inviting the audience to interact, immerse and engage, something missing in many arts and cultural performances (in my personal humble opinion). 

As a photographer, visual storyteller myself, this is inspiring, how I can work further and better, with artists, creatives from other artistic genres.

One of the best performing arts that I ever attended and experienced till date, “Intersections” is a multi-sensory arts and performances installations exploring the connections between dance and other arts forms such as Music, Wayang Kulit, Drama, Peranakan Fashion, Performing Arts Installations, Opera, Calligraphy, Photography and Multimedia art, putting their deepest love and passion for their arts and craft into this amazing performance. 

I had an amazing artistic journey and experiences, and I am pretty sure the rest of the audience that day shared the same sentiments too (and also the audiences watching your performances on 16, 17 and 18 May 2025).

Thank you Dance Ensemble Singapore for this mind-blowing artistic performance, “Intersections”, the meanings and stories behind each special parts.

• Impressions: How we (the audience) view/feel and engage various performing arts genres coming together that seem not likely or possible in the first place. 
• Amalgamate: How you all bring them all together for a common goal to share and showcase performing arts 
• Awakenings: How we can let go of ourselves (especially for those non-arts practitioners) to view, feel, enjoy and learn about traditional and contemporary performing arts in today’s modern technology driven society.

More photographs on Intersections by Dance Ensemble Singapore at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Cultural Extravaganza can be viewed here in this Flickr photo album. 

Thank you very much, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Dance Ensemble Singapore, for the invitation to the full-dress rehearsal of “Intersections”.

The post Intersections by Dance Ensemble Singapore at SCCC Cultural Extravaganza 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Experience CITY SingaPOP through the eyes of French visual designer Nicolas Damiens

Experience CITY SingaPOP through the eyes of French visual designer Nicolas Damiens, his views and perspectives of Singapore’s city and urban landscapes are transformed into pastel colours artistic style that blows your mind away in CITY SingaPOP.

Nicolas first came to Singapore in December 2021, he found himself mesmerised by Singapore’s city and urban landscapes. Through his art works, you can visualise Nicolas exploring Singapore’s streets, capturing familiar landmarks as well as our heartland neighbourhoods into City Pop Art – an artistic style that presents urban environments with pastel colours, invoking a sense of nostalgia and retro like feel, kind of bringing you back to the good old days (for those old enough to remember).

His distinctive artistic style of blending old/heritage and modern architecture of today with eye popping bold pastel colours, gives us local Singaporeans and visitors to Singapore, uniquely fresh looks and perspectives on Singapore’s diverse city and urban landscapes that we would never imagine it to be.

CITY SingaPOP is a collaboration between Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Embassy of France in Singapore, for the 2025 vOila! France Singapore Festival. There is a total of 70 artworks presented by Nicolas Damiens at the exhibition. 

A perfect gift to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year (SG60) birthday in 2025, this also commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and France. Nicolas beautiful artworks bridged two different cultures together in a most fitting way of bright artistic pastel colours with Singapore’s city and urban landscapes, history, heritage and culture.

See how CITY SingaPOP in a (very colourful & artistic) different light 

Plan your time, come on down and visit SCCC, check out for yourself this bright and colourful CITY SingaPOP exhibition, go up close and personal with his art works, experience it for yourself, and see how CITY SingaPOP in a (very colourful & artistic) different light. 

Personally, as a photographer and visual storyteller myself, capturing memories and scenes of Singapore over the decades. Nicolas’s amazing artistic works are more than just an inspiration, they open up my views and perspectives of Singapore’s city and urban landscapes. 

Have I been missing out the smaller details of Singapore’s city and urban landscapes? What have I been missing in Singapore? Which places in Singapore have I yet to explore and document? What creative inspirations can I draw from CITY SingaPOP for my personal SG60 visual storytelling project? 

I reckon it would be a great idea and lots of fun to go out with Nicolas for photo walks around different neighbourhoods of Singapore, we can explore, exchange creative tips and Nicolas can create more CITY SingaPOP, while I continue to capture memories and scenes of Singapore!

CITY SingaPOP

CITY SingaPOP is co-presented by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Embassy of France in Singapore. 

Supported by Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY)

• Dates: 24th April – 14th October 2025
• Time: 9am – 10pm
• Venue: SCCC Levels 9 and 10 Foyer

Follow Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre!

• Website: https://singaporeccc.org.sg/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singaporechineseculturalcentre/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@singaporeccc 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/singaporechineseculturalcentre/ 

To view more of Nicolas Damiens works and follow him on Instagram, please visit:

• Website: http://www.nicolasdamiens.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_city_pop_/ 

To find out more about vOila! France Singapore Festival, please visit: https://www.voilah.sg/ 

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