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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My NAPE 2025 Journey

I am hugely honoured and very happy to be a part of NAPE 2025, I have a photography artwork selected to be showcased along with other talented local Singapore photographers and their amazing photography works. This is my short visual story of my maiden journey in NAPE 2025.

My Maiden Submission for Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 

While I have heard of Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition, and visited a few editions previously, I didn’t thought about entering in my earlier photography years, as I wasn’t too confident, still learning and gaining my photography experiences.

Over the years, as I gained a lot more experiences in my photography, I also started to enter more and various photography contests and competitions. When I saw this year’s 30th NAPE 2025 Call For Entries, I am thinking deep inside me, why not go for it?

Making the decision to proceed, Year 2025 became my maiden submission and entry for Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition. 

Theme: Open

The theme for 20th NAPE 2025 is “Open”, while this theme is indeed very open and wide for interpretation, the organisers recommended themes related to SG60 or The Ngee Ann Kongsi’s 180th anniversary. 

Digging through my archives of photographs taken in 2024, I shortlisted a few potential photography works of mine for submission to NAPE 2025, before deciding on my final two photographs for submission.

Just like the theme “Open”, I entered with an open mind, eyes and heart, let’s see where NAPE 2025 brings me.  

From shortlisted to NAPE 2025 opening 

Around the end of April 2025, I received an email informing that one of my submissions has been shortlisted for NAPE 2025. At that moment, I was jumping with joy (inside me)! Thereafter, I had to follow the next few steps/instructions for getting my selected photography artwork ready, printed and delivered for NAPE 2025.

Once that were completed, it’s patiently waiting for 14th June 2025 to arrive, attending the NAPE 2025 opening ceremony, viewing my photography artwork titled, “Of Red and White Celebrations at GBTB Lighting Up Marina Bay Singapore” on display, together with fellow local Singapore photographers works at NAPE 2025.

30th NAPE 2025 Opening Ceremony & Opening Day

The 30th NAPE 2025 Opening Ceremony took place on 14th June 2025, a day of local Singapore photography community gathering together. It was great to catch up with fellow photography friends, chatting over everything photography related. 

After the formal speeches and presenting Ngee Ann Photographer of the Year 2025 award to Mr Lim Leong Kiat, NAPE 2025 was officially declared opened with the ribbon cutting ceremony! After that, guests and attendees began to visit NAPE 2025 exhibition, finding out where their photography artwork is displayed before walking around and checking out all the amazing photography works on display at NAPE 2025. Also a heartfelt congratulations to all participants of NAPE 2025! Great job and well done to all!

A big thank you to my friends who came down to NAPE 2025 Opening, I truly appreciate the support. I would like to invite you to come on down to LASALLE College of the Arts and visit 30th NAPE 2025!

Later in the afternoon, I attended the NAPE 2025 Opening Special Talk by Mr Lim Leong Kiat, on “Through the Lens: The Art of Travel Photography”, listening to his interesting and informative travel photography sharing. As a travel photographer myself, Mr Lim’s choice of digital MF cameras for his travel photography is of great interest to me, should I hop on the digital MF cameras? 

Thank you Ngee Ann Kongsi!

Being able to participate in NAPE 2025 is a humbling experience, also a huge honour for me, the recognition, for my photography artwork to be selected from over 1,020 entries, from more than 570 photographers that participated in NAPE 2025.

The feelings and euphoria when your photography artwork is printed, framed and displayed in a photography exhibition, at the 30th NAPE 2025, the jubilation and immense pride, this is priceless and very memorable!

I would like to sincerely thank Ngee Ann Kongsi for selecting my photograph and the opportunity to be one of the photography works on display at the 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025.

20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 Information

• Date: 14th to 24th June 2025
• Time: 12pm to 7pm Daily (Closed on Sundays)

Venue: LASALLE College of the Arts

• Flexible Performance Space
• Brother Joseph McNally Gallery
• Praxis Space
• Project Space

Address: 1 McNally Street Singapore 187940

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MayThe4thSG @ Gardens By The Bay 4th May 2024

When I read the Gardens By The Bay was celebrating MayThe4thSG with a special Garden Rhapsody Star Wars edition, I wanted to visit again. It’s really special watching the light show display at the Supertree Grove, playing a melody of iconic Star Wars soundtracks that we Star Wars fans grew up listening to.

Here’s a short clip of some of the iconic Star Wars soundtracks that were part of the Garden Rhapsody Star Wars Edition at Supertree Grove. Watching the Star Wars light show display, listening to the soundtracks, it’s kind of nostalgic, and it’s really a nice light show display! 

@genghuitan #MayThe4thBeWithYou! It’s #MayThe4th, #StarWarsDay for #StarWars fans around the world. Celebrating #MayThe4thSG in #Singapore at #GardensByTheBay ♬ original sound – GengHui

After the Garden Rhapsody Star Wars Edition at Supertree Grove, some Star Wars fans stayed back, dressed in their Star Wars attire and lightsabers, posing and taking photos/videos of them with their lightsabers in action. 

MayThe4thSG @ Science Centre 5th May 2024

On Sunday 5th May, I went down to MayThe4thSG community celebration at Science Centre. From anything relating to Star Wars, from Star Wars artworks, Star Wars toys, Star Wars cosplay, 501st Legion – Singapore Garrison, lightsaber related stuff, toy photography exhibition by Plastic Singapore where my friend AikWee has some of this Star Wars toy photography works on display and for sale too!

With Isaac taking back his lightsaber from AikWee, I just have to get Isaac and AikWee to replicate some Star Wars scenes together! 

Return to Star Wars LEGO Photography

MayThe4thSG 2024 also marks my return to Star Wars LEGO Photography! My Star Wars LEGO toy photography took a hiatus. With the addition of a used Star Wars LEGO 75054 AT-AT into my collection, I am now ready to make a return to Star Wars LEGO Photography!

From the photo above, you would have guess which Star Wars scene that I am replicating with my LEGO Star Wars – Star Wars V – The Empire Strikes Back (Battle of Hoth scene). Other Star Wars scenes that I am looking to replicate are Rogue One and Star Wars VI – The Return of the Jedi (Battle of Endor). 

I also have other plans on creative fictional toy artworks on a LEGO airport scene with Star Wars all-terrain vehicles and starships, together with those machine and vehicles you see at an airport. Another idea would be AT-AT and AT-ST patrolling cities/neighbourhoods. 

Let’s see where my return to Star Wars LEGO photography is going to being this time round! Stay tuned to my social media channels for more updates!

Happy Star Wars Day 2024!

Happy Star Wars Day 2024 to all Star Wars fans! May The Force Be With You! 

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A quiet and low key Year of Dragon Lunar New Year 2024 celebrations

Year of Dragon Lunar New Year 2024 celebration was quiet and low key, not showing much on social media platforms. I had a few small gatherings, not many Lou Hei tossing and Lunar New Year dinners. This is probably due to feeling jaded and not having too much of a festive feel for Lunar New Year over the years gone by.   

The slowdown in content creation and publishing articles 

Why is there a slowdown in content creation and publishing articles? A key part of it is the hustle and bustle establishing photography business partnerships/assignments for year 2024 in January and February 2024.  

The month of January 2024 was also a time of spring cleaning that started from November/December 2023, together with inevitable replacement of spoilt/old items with new ones. Year of Dragon 2024 Lunar New Year spring cleaning for me was one of my more extensive/intensive till date, it was somehow deeply satisfying and therapeutic. 

Time to “Ignite” the fire and kickstart Year of Dragon 2024 visual storytelling adventures 

My yearly theme 2024 for my photography, travel, creative and heritage is “Ignite”. The time is now to “Ignite” the fire and kickstart Year of Dragon 2024 visual storytelling adventures. From commercial/business photography, to personal photography projects and heritage projects, this might be a special year 2024 for me on bringing those projects or ideas to life.

Year of Dragon theme personal project ideas

Year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. An idea came into my mind to do Year of Dragon theme personal projects, revisiting my Dragon related projects in the history and heritage fields, adding on a modern Year of Dragon theme with my Lunar New Year 2024 Dragon Lego. Here are some of my Year of Dragon theme personal project ideas: 

• Lunar New Year 2024 Dragon Lego
• Dragon Playgrounds (Toa Payoh x 2, Ang Mo Kio)
• Dragon fountain (Whampoa) 
• Fire Dragon at Sar Kong Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Temple
• Lunar New Year 2024 Dragon Lego with Jabra Elite 8
• Lunar New Year 2024 Dragon Lego with SteelSeries 
• Lunar New Year 2024 Dragon Lego + epic Sunset 
• Gan Eng Seng Dragon Scout Group

Personal heritage projects and ideas on the horizon

There are some personal heritage projects on my horizon, the first one is about tracing a segment of my extended maternal family tree history (maternal great grandparents era). I am unable to share more information and details as I need to do more research, understanding and interviews before I decide on my next course of action. 

I recently stumbled upon an interview video by Chronicles Research & Education on the history of Old Clementi. Through a short conversation with them since I had been staying in Clementi district for most of life, a Clementi Heritage Trail is a possibility, it would be nice to be involved or contribute to this project if it comes to life. 

Creative and cross-disciplinary projects 

I would love to produce more creative projects, one of my ideas is to bring out amateur writing, typing them out with typewriter on photographs from my collections, it can be post card style, 4R photo or notebook style.  

I am also exploring new zine / book projects for my visual storytelling adventures that I might undertake this year or from my ongoing personal projects. While I have some themes/ideas in mind, I might have to shortlist and choose 1-2 to work on, as much as I would love to publish more.

On the topic of cross-disciplinary projects with other creative artists from other fields, I always wanted to work on such projects since some years back. Let’s see whether the stars and ideas to align for this to come to life.

More updates along the way

Yes, I have kick-started my Year of Dragon 2024 visual storytelling adventures, that might be some ideas/thoughts that I didn’t manage to write and publish inside this article at that point in time. There would also be updates along the way as and when possible on the developments and stages of my visual storytelling adventures. 

I am also kickstarting Year of Dragon 2024 Technology and Personal Writing Adventures! Have a great Year of the Dragon 2024 ahead!   

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Even though the city has a reputation for being expensive as opposed to other Asian cities, Singapore is definitely worth visiting and has so much to offer to all types of travelers. Additionally, it is compact in size and boasts a top-notch public transportation system, making it convenient to explore. 

If you decide to add this island city-state to your travel bucket list, the next thing to do is to plan your visit. We’ve done all the work for you and put together a list containing the top 8 must-see attractions in Singapore. (Pro tip: Make your trip more convenient and hassle-free by storing your bags and other items at a luggage locker in the city.)

1. Marina Bay

The Marina Bay district is the epicenter for tourism and activity in Singapore and is one of the places that you should not miss while in the city. The area is home to some of Singapore’s main points of interest, such as the iconic Merlion Park, ArtScience Museum, and The Float stadium. 

The centerpiece of the area is the eye-catching Marina Bay Sands, a stunning resort-hotel complex that has everything from casinos, nightclubs, shops, and performance venues. Staying at the hotel can be quite expensive; if you want to experience luxury without booking a room, you can buy a ticket to the SkyPark, which will give you access to the observation deck and infinity pool.

Another one of the main draws in the district is a 250-acre urban jungle known as Gardens by the Bay. This beautiful green space is home to a variety of plant species and the largest indoor waterfall in the world. Don’t miss the Supertree Grove, where you will see a number of futuristic structures that perform various sustainable functions.

2. Singapore Zoo

Billed as the best rainforest zoo in the world, the Singapore Zoo is one attraction that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The impressive zoo covers 28 hectares of space and is comprised of 11 zones, such as Frozen Tundra, Primate Kingdom, and Wild Africa. 

Unlike other zoos, the Singapore Zoo prides itself in its “open concept”, where the animals are not locked in cages and are instead placed in individually landscaped enclosures. The zoo has over 4,000 different animals, including the biggest colony of orangutans in the world as well as an extremely rare white tiger.

3. Sentosa Island

The beach isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Singapore but if you would like to enjoy some time under the sun, Sentosa Island is the perfect destination for you. This island resort is one of the most interesting areas in Singapore and is home to some fun attractions and entertainment spots. If you want some beach time or engage in water sports, you have three beaches to choose from – the Tanjong Beach, Siloso Beach, and Palawan Beach. If you want to watch incredible marine creatures in person, then the S.E.A. Aquarium is the place to go.

One of the major highlights at Sentosa is the Universal Studios Singapore, an amusement park arranged thematically, each of which is dedicated to a certain film, television show, or location. The theme park’s rides range from kid-friendly to daredevil; examples include Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Battlestar Galactica, Revenge of the Mummy, and Shrek’s Far Far Away.

4. Orchard Road

Almost every major metropolis in the world has its own commercial avenue; for Singapore, they have the Orchard Road. The area, which once served as an orchard of fruit trees, spans over two kilometers and boasts an abundance of restaurants, malls, cafés, hotels, clubs, art galleries, and other major establishments. It is also considered Singapore’s ultimate shopping destination, featuring both luxury brands as well as discount outlets.

5. National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the island’s biggest museum and is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city. Formerly known as the Singapore History Museum, the facility underwent a $118 million renovation and rebranding job and has since become more cutting-edge and immersive. 

The museum has two primary galleries – the first one is the Singapore History Gallery, which traces the island’s history from the 14th century until present day. The other gallery is the Singapore Living Galleries, which focuses on different lifestyle themes such as film, fashion, photography, and food. The facility also hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year, including art installations, film screenings, and festivals.

6. Clarke Quay

During the 19th century, Clarke Quay was the center of commerce in Singapore, and today, it remains one of the busiest commercial hubs in the city. Situated on the banks of the Singapore River, the area is a favorite hangout spot for both locals and tourists who want to spend a fun day of dining and entertainment by the waterfront. 

7. Singapore Botanic Gardens 

If you’re looking to experience actual nature while in the city, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is definitely worth a visit. Not to be confused with Gardens by the Bay, this 74-hectare green space was established in 1860 and has since been an oasis for those looking to get away from the busy city life.  

The garden, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts glassy lakes, lush greenery, and a range of themed gardens. One of the most renowned areas is the National Orchid Garden, which features the largest tropical orchid collection in the world with more than 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids.

8. Raffles Hotel Singapore

Located in Singapore’s Colonial District, the Raffles Hotel is not your ordinary hotel; apart from offering accommodations in the city, it also serves as a major landmark and is one of the few remaining 19th century hotels in the world. 

Constructed in 1887, Raffles Hotel has been known to provide luxurious services for over a century and has once welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Joseph Conrad, and Rudyard Kipling.

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No thanks to the global pandemic Covid-19 that has massively impacted our world economy, work and daily living. Mid-Autumn Festival 2020 is subdued and toned down from previous years. Nevertheless, we still have Mid-Autumn Festival lantern decorations around local favourite destinations such as Chinatown, Gardens By The Bay and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. 

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival today, this would be a great time to be with your family and loved ones. Time for family gathering and bonding, count our blessings during this gloomy global pandemic Covid-19 period.

Wishing all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival celebration!

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It takes a global pandemic Covid-19 to make/encourage Singapore explore its small land size area domestic tourism. We can start to explore and appreciate our own backyard, our history, heritage, culture, museums, nature. 

Time to support local businesses, explore, rediscover Singapore, her favourite tourism destinations among international visitors such as Gardens By The Bay, Sentosa, visit our heartlands, go for your local food adventure discoveries, explore our many nature parks, hike/walk/cycle along our extensive park connector networks (PCN), they are underrated and deserves more credit. 

Visit our network of museums, they are very interesting, informative and enriching, from local history and heritage to international contemporary arts. Rediscover our Singapore heritage and old places, my personal photography and documentation project over the years.

Through my Singapore photographs collection that I compiled over the years, I hope that this would encourage you to explore your own backyard in Singapore. We are a small country in land size, domestic tourism may not exactly ring a bell, this would be the time for change, we can rediscover Singapore again, appreciate the domestic tourism that Singapore has. 

I look forward to continuing my own SingapoRediscovers explorations that I collected over the years, updating and adding more photographs and stories of Singapore and her own backyard stories, photographs and adventures with my TGH Photography x Canon EOS RP Explorer Series Production.

Time to start your SingapoRediscovers – Explore your own backyard!

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May 4^th, 2017 falls on a Thursday, with Gardens By The Bay turning into a Star Wars festival ground, ending off with the Star Wars run on 6^th May 2017. While I didn’t participate in the Star Wars run, I visited Star Wars Day 2017 on May 4^th and 5^th at Gardens By The Bay, the SuperTree Grove at Gardens By The Bay turning into a Star Wars festival ground.

At the SuperTree Grove, there were booths showcasing Star Wars merchandise/toys for sale, memorabilia, charity photo booth, photography taking opportunities with Star Wars characters, the Star Wars AT-ST Walker making a guest appearance and getting a lot of fanfare! The charity photo booth was managed by fellow photographer friend Ted Chen Photography, a hardcore Star Wars fan, it was great catching up with Ted for a short time during my visit to Star Wars Day 2017 on May 4^th.

In the night, the SuperTree Grove transformed into a magical night of lights and music display, presenting Garden Rhapsody: Star Wars edition. For the Star Wars fans, we all love this Garden Rhapsody: Star Wars edition! The SuperTree Grove became SaberTrees, shining high above into the Marina Bay skyline for three nights during Star Wars Day 2017 in Singapore from May 4^th to May 6^th. This was a magnificent sight for Star Wars fans as well as photographers, watching it from the grounds of Gardens By The Bay or from the Marina Bay Sands hotel linkway bridge to Gardens By The Bay.

Star Wars Day 2017 was really nice, with the bigger event space at SuperTree Grove, the Star Wars AT-ST Walker making an appearance and the SaberTrees shining high and bright into the Marina Bay skyline. They were some of the highlights that made Star Wars Day 2017 much more special and memorable! I hope that they can continue with it in Star Wars Day 2018!

Wishing all fellow Star Wars fans, May the 4^th Be With You, Always! Looking forward to Star Wars VIII – The Last Jedi on 15th December 2017!

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