Diverse Programmes Across Four Different Zones at SNF 2026

There are a wide range of diverse programmes (check out the 97 programmes listing on SNF 2026 website) taking place across four different zones at SNF 2026. The Museum Zone is the key festival hub, and there are three other zones across the BBB precinct. 

• Museum Zone: Centred around the National Museum of Singapore, the Children’s Museum Singapore and surrounding heritage spaces. This hub will bring the theme to life through experiences and programmes inspired by the BBB precinct’s heritage.
• Zone 1: From Funan to CHIJMES, this zone invites you to discover unique experiences from a creative craft market at Capitol Singapore to interactive programmes and installations within historic grounds of CHIJMES.
• Zone 2: From Cathay Green to Waterloo Centre, this zone celebrates the creativity and vibrancy of BBB precinct’s arts groups and educational institutions through performances, exhibitions and participatory experiences.
• Zone 3: Anchored by partners at Bras Basah Complex and Stamford Arts Centre, this one showcases a diverse range of cultural experiences from xinyao performances and traditional arts to community-led activations celebrating Singapore’s living heritage. 

Across the three weekends of SNF 2026, visitors can explore the wider BBB precinct, check out the robust line-up of projection mapping, artworks, experiential programmes, performances and festival villages with food and retail offerings, with each zone having its own distinct perspective on the stories of BBB precinct.

Celebrating Culture and Creativity

SNF 2026 presents the inaugural MALAM Protection Mapping Competition, inviting Southeast Asia artists, students and collectives to showcase their work, providing a platform for emerging regional talent to experiment and express their artistry, this is HSG’s commitment to enriching Singapore’s creative industries and communities. 

Supported by Epson, this competition has drawn strong regional interest, receiving close to 50 submissions from artists and collectives across Southeast Asia. Festival goers can enjoy a fun and mesmerising display of the top 20 entries on the facade of The Cathay during the first week of SNF 2026.

The top 5 submissions will be selected and remain as staple projections on The Cathay throughout SNF 2026. Through these efforts, HSG reaffirms SNF’s crucial role as a leader in night-time cultural storytelling and knowledge exchange. 

There is also ALIGHT 2.0, presented at SNF 2026, a thought leadership platform for projection mapping and light-based art. This conference will bring together leading artists and creative practitioners from across the region to explore the evolving intersection of art, technology and public space through keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities. 

Qazim Karim, Festival Director of SNF 2026, HSG, said: “Singapore Night Festival has always been more than light installations. It is about creating shared experiences that bring people together after dark, while showcasing the best of creative talent from Singapore and Southeast Asia. This is reflected in the strong response to our inaugural MALAM Projection Mapping Competition, which signals a clear appetite among regional creatives to be part of Singapore’s premier night festival. With this year’s theme, Myths and Legends, we invite audiences to journey through Bras Basah.Bugis and uncover the many stories that continue to shape Singapore and the region. Through these, we hope SNF 2026 will spark curiosity and connection among communities, while strengthening its place as a must-see festival in Singapore and Southeast Asia.” 

SNF 2026 Festival Highlights

What are some of the SNF 2026 festival highlights that festival goers can look forward to? There are three signature festival highlights that draw inspirations from the myths, legends and stories around us. They are: Tales of Earth and Sea, The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill, and the MALAM Projection Mapping Competition.

Tales of Earth and Sea 

Tales of Earth and Sea, a striking facade light projection mapping by The Fox, The Folks, an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist team based in Bandung, Indonesia. Festival goers can participate in an immersive experience that merges projection mapping with street theatre at the National Museum of Singapore.

Tales of Earth and Sea reinterprets local folklore, set to an original cross-border soundtrack by Singapore’s multi-ethnic music collective Artusik and UiTM Malaysia, further enhancing the work’s cross-border exchange. 

Birdmen by Close-Act Theatre 

Don’t miss Birdmen by the renowned Dutch Group Close-Act Theatre, making their Southeast Asia debut! They are sharing the spotlight for SNF 2026 opening week, festival goers can get up close with those mysterious, luminous stilt walkers, dressed as fantastical flying reptiles like creatures as they roam around BBB precinct, alongside the stunning visuals, light projection displays, among the festival goers, creating an amazing and unforgettable multi-sensory experience.

MALAM Projection Mapping Competition

The MALAM Projection Mapping Competition brings together emerging artists across Southeast Asia to showcase their works, with the the top 20 entries projected onto The Cathay building during the first week of SNF 2026.

The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill

A captivating 70 minutes nocturnal walking trail through Fort Canning Park any Sight Lines Co. and The Urbanist Singapore, uncovering the ancient secrets and myths of Bukit Larangan. Featuring atmospheric soundscapes and live traditional Malay dance, the immersive journey transports visitors to the 14th century world of early Singapura.

Landmarks Reimagined – Turning Historic Spaces into Stages for Creativity and Storytelling

Across SNF 2026 various zones, landmarks are reimagined – turning historic spaces into stages for creativity and storytelling. 

Vikings of the Topics by TELL YOUR CHILDREN at Armenian Street Lawn

Once Upon A Time by Natalia Tan at Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza

The Dragon’s Tooth: A Legend of Becoming Light by Starlight Alchemy at SMU Campus Green.

You and I, Believing … by the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival Committee 2026 at SMU Campus Green

Traces by Isaiah Cacnio at SMU Campus Green

Unexpected Encounters – Discovering Myths and Legends in everyday spaces

Festival goers to SNF 2026 can explore works located at nearby CapitaLand shopping malls including Bugis Street, Funan, Plaza Singapura and Raffles City Singapore. 

Inter-Light by local artist Ching Kai at Raffles City Singapore 

Rising of Sister Islands by SERIAL CO_ at Funan

THE BLOOMING HEARTS FORTUNE MERLION by UNIPLAY at Plaza Singapura

Stormy Straits by Melting Por(r)t Collective comprising Matlr Creative, StrawberryWasabi and LiteWerkz at Bugis Street Art Lane

Lovebug by ART-ZOO in collaboration with National Library Board

BBB Stakeholder and Partner Programmes

Don’t miss the installations presented as part of the inaugural edition of Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis (LTB), in conjunction with SNF 2026 and in celebration of National Day 2026. Those artworks are also guided by the SNF 2026 theme Myths and Legends. LTB 2026 shines a light on colloquial myths and superstitions, creating artworks that connects with local communities. 

Diverse and Exciting Programmes Lineup for SNF 2026

Singapore Night Festival 2026 will run across three weekends from 21st August to 5th September 2026. There are many diverse and exciting programmes lineup, with free admission for most of the programmes. I have yet to fully visit all the artworks, light projections, displays at SNF 2026 during the media preview, more photos to come soon!

Continuing my visual storytelling and coverage of SNF over the years since making their debut in 2008 (check out my Singapore Night Festival Flickr Collection), I would be checking out the various programmes, planning my time to visit and rediscover Myths and Legends at SNF 2026.

Do check out the interactive map and personalised SNF 2026 exploration trails of the different zones on SNF 2026 official website, powered by official sponsors Accenture and Adobe. For more information on Singapore Night Festival 2026, please visit https://www.heritage.sg/sgnightfest/ 

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Marking 20 years milestone of TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog in 2026

Year 2026 also marks a special milestone for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, my website celebrated its 20 years milestone in April 2026. What a visual storytelling journey that I embarked on in April 2026 over two decades (not out and still counting).

I have my fair share of ups and downs, on both personal and professional basis, took countless photographs (and my first 10,000 or more were mediocre/poor when I look back), photographed almost anything and everything at the start. Here is the story of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebration, my thoughts, feelings and reflections. 

Over the two decades, I slowly sharpened and improved my visual storytelling craft, as well as my photography that defined my work and style today. However, I am not resting on my laurels, I am continuously learning and improving myself.

Photographing, Documenting and Telling Visual Stories (History, Heritage, Culture, Arts, Nature and Urban landscapes) 

In 2026, as part of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebrations, I am working on more personal works and projects relating to history, heritage, culture, arts, nature and urban landscapes. In the past few years, I wasn’t working on those sectors as much as I used to some time back.

The pace of changes and developments got me reflecting and thinking again, that I got to get back on track to photographing, documenting and telling visual stories in the areas of history, heritage, culture, arts, nature and urban landscapes.

Most recently, I bought a Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens, pairing it with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II. One of the small rewards for myself to celebrate my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone. Celebrating World Photography Day 2026, here are some photographs of Singapore, this is home truly. I am looking forward to capturing more memories and visual stories of Singapore with my Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens.

Happy World Photography Day 2026!

We, visual storytellers/photographers, together with fellow creatives from other genres, have been facing various economic/business challenges and technological changes in the world today. The proliferation of AI technology has impacted a photographer’s (and fellow creative) career/job in both good and bad ways. We still have to navigate our way in leveraging AI technology to help us  in our visual storytelling/photography, while learning and understanding more on how it can further impact/affect us.

Beyond technology, there are intangible and invisible forces that we constantly face and battle with, our inner most fears, as well as external forces, the voices of society, people’s and photographers’ judgments and criticisms of our visual storytelling craft and photography works. 

On World Photography Day 2026, let’s continue to persevere in this photography journey that we chose, why we start/are into the craft of visual storytelling/photography in the first place. Keep photographing, documenting, and sharing visual stories, priceless moments of our Home, for ourselves, our family, relatives, friends, society and the world that we call Home.

Wishing all fellow visual storytellers, photographers, and those who love and appreciate photography a Happy World Photography Day 2026!

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Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC – 13th August to 10th September 2026

Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC is taking place from 13th August to 10th September 2026, this festival aims to offer visitors a different, a fresh and accessible approach to learn more about how this festival is celebrated locally though traditional and contemporary offerings. 

Happy Sing-Along Zhongyuan Special Edition

SCCC’s popular Mandarin and dialect singing programme Happy Sing-Along will present a Zhongyuan special edition where banquet tables will be set up in the Multi-Purpose Hall in a traditional “Jia Tok” (banquet) setting. 

Audiences will enjoy a feast while enjoying performances by popular getai singers. This is a ticketed programme, it will be held on 19th and 20th August 2026, with one session each day.

Happy Sing-Along 欢喜来唱歌 “SINGAPO人” 一起唱 (Zhongyuan Special)

• Date: 19th – 20th August 2026
• Time: 12pm to 2pm
• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Event Language: Dialects with English and Chinese Subtitles 
• Price: $28 per pax ($250 per table of 10 pax)

Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC Highlight – Premiere of animated short film Egg Fried Rice

Another Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC highlight is the Singapore premiere of 20 minute animated short film Egg fried Rice from A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts, an upcoming anthology of animated horror tales by Robot Playground Media, the award-winning media behind The Violinist. The 4 episode series is inspired by traditional Chinese dishes, adapted from a book by acclaimed author Ying Chang Compestine. 

Egg Fried Rice serves as the opening film, turning the humble fried rice into a powerful symbol of love, loss, and supernatural retribution. There will be a total of four screenings on 29th August 2026, and there will be a post-screening sharing by the creator/producer after the 4:30pm session. 

Check out “A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts” TV Series Pilot Trailer! If you are into anime, this might be of great interest to you! 

A Banquet For Hungry Ghost: Egg Fried Rice

• Date: 29th August 2026
• Time: 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm and 8:30pm
• Venue: SCCC Auditorium Level 9
• Event Language: Mandarin with English Subtitles 
• Price: $3

Immersive AR game – Little Ghost Explorer 

Visitors to Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC can go on a self-guided immersive augmented reality (AR) game play, Little Ghost Explorer. They can walk to various stations located within SCCC to learn more about Zhongyuan Festival customs, beliefs and traditions through fun and interactive activities. 

The Little Ghost Explorer game is easily accessible via mobile and tablet devices, allowing visitors to learn about Zhongyuan Festival together with family and friends or even on their own.

Mr Zhou’s Ghost Stories

SCCC will also partner local radio station LOVE 972 for a special podcast of its popular programme Mr Zhou’s Ghost Stories to share more about the traditions, beliefs and practices of Zhongyuan Festival through engaging storytelling and conversations. 

SCCC Chief Executive Officer Mr Alvin Tan said, “The festival is part of SCCC’s ongoing efforts to showcase local Chinese festive celebrations, to spotlight vibrant local practices such as getai, and to promote greater public awareness of Zhongyuan traditions and customs while reminding Singaporeans of the importance of universal values such as filial piety and compassion.”

Want to learn and understand more about 中元节 (Hungry Ghost Festival)? Now you can! Explore and learn about Zhongyuan Festival at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. 

For more information on Zhongyuan Festival at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, please visit SCCC website. You can also read up more about Zhongyuan Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival) on Culturepaedia by SCCC.

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Sony Bird Race SG 2026

Taking place from 22 to 23 August 2026, participants will flag off from Perennial Business City – Conference Hall (1 Venture Avenue, Level 3, Singapore 608521). Thereafter, they can proceed to capture their best bird photography shots across Singapore. There will be three photography themes to be revealed on-site before the competition begins.

Participants may compete in up to two of the following categories 

• Interchangeable-lens Camera (Full-frame and above)
• Interchangeable-lens Camera (APS-C and below)
• Fixed-lens Camera (1.0-type sensor or larger)
• Youth (25 years old and below)
• Shot on Sony

Exciting Prizes up for grabs include: 

• Grand Prize: Sony Alpha 7R VI + FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS lens
• Lucky Draw: Sony RX10 V
• 15 Theme Prize Winners (3 theme winners in 5 Categories)
• 5x Retailer Choice Awards

Sony Bird Race SG 2026 Schedule

Saturday 22 August 2026

• Registration 7:00 AM
• Briefing 7:40 AM
• Flag Off: 8:00 AM

Sunday 23 August 2026

• Submission cut-off: 12:00 PM
• Prize Presentation & Lucky Draw: 4:00 PM

* All winners must be present at the prize ceremony to redeem their prizes.

More Information and Registration

Registration is open at S$10 (inclusive of GST). Participants are required to complete their payment within 24 hours of registration to secure their slot.

Registration will close on 16 August 2026. Limited slots available! 

For more information and register for Sony Bird Race SG 2026, please visit https://experience.sony-asia.com/sg/home/WorkshopDetails/1990 

** Information and picture courtesy of Sony Electronics Singapore and Brand Cellar ** 

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SG61 Birthday Thoughts and Feelings

Year 2026 till date is a more challenging and difficult year till date, the geopolitical situations and tensions, a world economy slowing down, rising costs of working and living. Add in technology disruptions and changes, the AI movement that is rising faster than we can cope and adapt. There are times where it can get very stressful and pressurising that trickled into our daily life and living, at home and in our society. 

This phrase, “Change is the only constant”, is so true for Singapore. At 61 years young, Singapore is constantly preparing for changes and future developments, from protecting our coastline against rising sea levels decades down the road, developing land for future public housing projects, indeed change is the only constant. 

It’s very difficult, delicate and tricky, trying to strike a balance between future developments for the future of Singapore, preserving and protecting spaces/places whether it’s built up or green spaces.

Every generation/era faces its own unique issues, challenges and obstacles to overcome, how do we learn, adapt and adopt changes, improvements and measures to strive forward into the future, the next decade and beyond? 

We may not have all the answers to all the questions, issues, challenges that Singapore is facing in a fragmented world today. Some answers to those matters might not be satisfactory to some  segments of the community. Where is the balance point that everyone of us is seeking?

There are many more topics and issues close to our heart, mind and soul, not everything gets to be said all together at once. Everyone of us have our stories to tell and share, to pass it on, an opportunity to make a difference and change, for the future generations and beyond. 

Together as one Singapore country together, we can Go Beyond.

Happy SG61 Birthday to Singapore! Majulah Singapura! Go Beyond! 

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

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

Happy SG61 Birthday to Singapore! Majulah Singapura! Go Beyond!

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TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Celebrations till date (April to July 2026)

Continuing to look back at my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years milestone celebrations till date from April to July 2026, there still wasn’t much celebrations till date except for my earlier small celebration gatherings in April 2026.

On 25th July 2026, two significant milestones coming together – TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone x 20th edition Canon PhotoMarathon 2026. I was participating in my 12th Canon PhotoMarathon this year 2026, great to meet and catch up with different groups of photographer friends. Read more about my Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 adventure here! 

I am going to start working on my 20 years milestone celebrations photography zine in August 2026, curating a list of photography works from my past 20 years for further curation, layout and planning.

Also as part of my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone celebrations, I have embarked on curating 20 selected photography prints from my collections that I would gift away to my friends and supporters. The first photography print given away is the photo print exhibited at 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026. 

Photography 

Photography (Business)

My situation is still fluid, I am still striking a fine balance between caregiver role at home, and everything else, I am still working to secure more photography projects and shoots, in an ongoing very challenging and disruptive world today, slowing world economy and more uncertainties, coupled with more curveballs from technology disruptions by AI.

Photography (Personal / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation)

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Looking forward to produce more different visual stories and content creation in month of August 2026 and beyond, continuing on from where I kickstarted in the past few months.

Personal Photography Time

While my personal photography time has been reduced due to changes at home, taking on the caregiver role as well as helping out in household work. I would still continue to navigate my journey of balancing photography business, personal photography, caregiver, taking care of home and the rest of my other things in life. I am currently working on finding a balance, planning and strategically allocating precious time for my own personal photography.

Nature/Outdoors Photography + Bird Photography for Photography Therapy

It’s been some time that I went for nature/outdoors photography together with bird photography for my photography therapy. I am working on balancing and re-allocating more time for outdoors/nature and bird/wildlife photography again in August 2026 and last quarter of 2026 when migratory bird season starts again.

Documenting Old and Disappearing Places/Buildings in August 2026

The closure of Harbourfront on 27th July 2026 sparked my revival in documenting and photographing old places in Singapore, a personal project that I had embarked on around 2010 onwards. I managed to capture some last memories of Harbourfront before its last day on 27th July 2026.

In recent weeks, more news were reported on locations facing an uncertain future and challenges, from nature areas to urban buildings. Both Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks nature areas are slated for future housing development, sparking quite a fair bit of debates, discussions and limelight on future economic development (in the housing sector) versus preserving/conserving land/nature areas. 

I am going to revisit Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks, photographing and documenting as much as I can, in the months and years ahead before development takes place, like what I did with Dover Forest prior to that area being cleared for public housing development. Time to find like-minded nature friends and explore the lush greenery and aura of Maju Forest.

Tan Boo Liat building is also in the news recently too, with its impending en bloc sale, we would see less of such mixed use commercial development that has its own brutalist architectural design that was built in 1976 that accompanied Singapore’s growth and transformation over the decades. 

Photography Competitions

Sony World Photography Awards 2027

The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 have been launched. I have been participating in this photography competition for a number of years. If you are keen to enter, do check them out, go for it! 

LTA x PSS Photography Competition 2026 

LTA x PSS Photography Competition 2026 – Your World in Motion – Different Lives, Shared Journeys. More information for LTA x PSS Photography Competition can be found here. 

SJ60 Photo and Video contest 

Travel fans of Japan, check out SJ60 Photo and Video contest. More information on SJ60 Photo and Video contest can be found here. 

National Environment Agency (NEA) – Show Us Your Singapore Skies

Upload a photo of Singapore skies between 15 July and 31 August 2026, showcasing the beauty of Singapore skies from golden sunsets to dramatic cloud formations.

More information can be found here.

Exhibitions/Events (Photography/Heritage/Arts)

There are a few exhibitions and events taking place in August 2026 that are photography, heritage, and arts related. Do check them out below!

SG61 Birthday Celebrations/NDP 2026

Singapore’s 61st birthday is coming soon on 9th August 2026 with her National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 taking place on that day. Get ready for SG61 birthday celebrations in the month of August 2026!

National Museum of Singapore (NMS) National Day Celebrations 2026 | Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis (LTB) 2026 | Singapore Night Festival 2026

At the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) and Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) district, there are exciting SG61 celebrations and events taking place! Check out National Museum of Singapore National Day Celebrations 2026 & Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis 2026!

Singapore Night Festival 2026 is coming soon! Taking place from 21st August to 5th September 2026. 

Read more in my article!

SLA25 Rediscovery Trail

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is celebrating her 25 years milestone in 2026. Marking this milestone, SLA is inviting the public to visit and explore SLA places that have shaped Singapore’s communities and society. 

More information can be found here.

Adventures of Grumpy Cat

Who says a grumpy face can’t steal your heart?

Step into the whimsical world of Adventures of Grumpy Cat, where every artwork is filled with charm, humour and a touch of Singapore nostalgia. Created by local artist Yip Yew Chong, this delightful exhibition proves that even the grumpiest cat has the biggest personality—and plenty of stories to tell! Read more in my article here.

The Hainanese Cooked presents Bo’ Hou and the Grand Feast – A Stamp Rally

Ready for a little heritage adventure?

Join Bo Hou on a fun stamp rally and discover the rich stories behind Hainanese businesses that have helped shape Singapore’s food, culture and community. From familiar names to hidden gems, each stop offers a glimpse into the passion, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit passed down through generations. Read more in my article here.

Personal Updates

My status quo is still the same, I am still finding the balance between being a caregiver role at home, along with everything else. This still remains a delicate and tricky situation. It’s not going to get easier, probably gets more challenging and difficult down the road. 

There are good days, there are bad days, who can understand, who can empathise, without judgement? Nobody can see or feel the amount of stress, pressure, emotional and mental drain inside us caregivers. 

Let’s Go Celebrate National Day 2026 together with Heritage, Culture, Arts and Creativity in August 2026!

August 2026 is here! The month of National Day celebrations in Singapore with her SG61 birthday! That’s also heritage, culture, arts and creativity events taking place too! Let’s go celebrate National Day 2026 together with Heritage, Culture, Arts and Creativity in August 2026!

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

Your Canon Event and 20th Edition Canon PhotoMarathon 2026

Your Canon Event, an experimental maker festival, has hands-on workshops, experiential play zone, and community-led activities spanning hobbies such as a botany, tabletop gaming and miniature model painting. 

“With ‘Your Canon Event’, we set out to redefine what a modern maker festival could look like, and reflect how creators engage with imaging today,” said Too Kok Yong, Head of Singapore Operations Group, Canon Singapore. “We seek to create a collaborative space where Singapore’s vibrant creator communities could celebrate their distinct passions and engage in visual storytelling, in the spirit of kyosei—living and working together for the common good. Seeing so many creators connect these diverse hobbies with our PowerShot V Series and EOS V Series, alongside the incredible milestones of our 20th Canon PhotoMarathon, underscores our commitment to empowering creators at every stage of their journey.” 

At Your Canon Event, the festival programme consisted of hands-on stations, from postcard making Play Lab to craft stations, designed to show how imaging technology fits into everyday creative hobbies. Attendees also got the opportunity to experience first hand with Canon’s compact and agile EOS/PowerShot V series cameras that seamlessly integrates into specialised lifestyle workflows.

Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 – Photography Category

Here are the three themes for the photography category at Canon PhotoMarathon 2026. Just for fun, sharing what I shot and submitted during the competition. 

Theme 1: Vibrant

Theme 2: Value

Theme 3: Voice

Of course, I took a few different photos of each theme before deciding which photo to submit for the competition. 

Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 – Video Category

A brand new segment, the inaugural video category, the video storytelling competition that adds a new dimension to Canon PhotoMarathon in its landmark 20th edition in 2026. Considering how the media landscape and media consumption has changed so much over the past decade, video visual storytelling has become a common feature of people’s life, daily living, work and content creation. 

Have a look at Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 – Video Competition Winners on YouTube! 

Youth Category

There was an amazing turnout in the Youth Category, specially designated for creators aged 25 years and below, a standout highlight for this 20th milestone edition. This category showcased a rising wave of Gen Z and younger talent bringing fresh perspectives to the competition’s themes – including the dedicated video category on Kyosei, that challenge participants to capture stories of community, sustainability, and integrity  that defines today’s youth. 

Giving Back to Society

APSN, a social service agency that supports individuals with mild intellectual disability, has a long-standing partnership with Canon Singapore that dates back to 2006. They returned to participate in Canon PhotoMarathon 2026. 

This partnership includes specially designed workshops to sharpen APSN students’ technical skills, loan of cameras and organising guided photo outings led by Canon Singapore staff volunteers. 

This continued participation reflects Canon Singapore and APSN shared commitment to make photography more accessible and creating opportunities for youths with mild intellectual disability to express their creativity.

Over my 12 years (including 2026 edition) of Canon PhotoMarathon participation, I have seen APSN participating and being a part of this photography competition. Their participation may not be as well known to the public or Canon PhotoMarathon attendees. However, I feel they deserve more mention and recognition on Canon Singapore giving back to society with APSN, using photography and visual storytelling as a medium and platform to tell their stories.

For more information on Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 event highlights, and winning submissions, please visit Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 | Canon Singapore.

Reflecting My 12th Year in Canon PhotoMarathon

In this special 20 years milestone year 2026 celebrating my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, as well as 20th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon, it was also my 12th year participating in Canon PhotoMarathon in 2026. Here are my (pretty lengthy) personal thoughts and feelings from my 12th year participating in Canon PhotoMarathon.

First and foremost, going to take a quick time machine trip back in time, I didn’t join Canon PhotoMarathon when they first started in 2003, my maiden Canon PhotoMarathon participation was in 2008, followed by 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

12 years and counting, I have experienced and seen for myself how this photography competition has changed over the decades from local Singapore market to other ASEAN countries, from camera technology to connectivity with apps and devices. The outreach and approach has also changed along with how the media landscape, social media/internet and technology evolved over the decades. 

However, the core spirit remains the same, the love and fun for photography, in a short and fast paced timeline constraints powered by three different photography themes, pushing our creativity and photography planning to its limits.

I didn’t win any prize in my 12 years of participation, it’s alright though, even though I would love to win some prizes! Instead, I gained intangible and priceless stuff, such as the many friendships over the years with different groups of photography friends, such as my own photography kakis in the early blogging days, former EOS World Community Ambassadors group that I was part of, the Instagram community and other photographer friends met along the way (it’s like an annual event to meet and catch up. Maybe I should take selfies for memories sake). This 20th edition year was a great catch up with some of Canon Singapore folks that I haven’t met for a while, and also PhotoSphere SG, one of the sponsors for Canon PhotoMarathon. 

Even though it’s my 12th year participating, this marks one of my visual storytelling adventures highlight in my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebrations/achievements, together with the milestone 20th edition Canon PhotoMarathon in 2026.

The post TGH Photography and Travel 20 years x 20th edition Canon PhotoMarathon appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

National Museum of Singapore (NMS) National Day Celebrations 2026

Celebrate 9th August National Day at National Museum of Singapore (NMS)

On 9th August 2026, there is a full day of exciting and dynamic programmes taking place at NMS celebrating Singapore’s 61st birthday National Day celebrations. There is a museum-wide heritage hunt, immersive storytelling sessions, workshops and drop-in craft activities. 

Catch live performances as well as NDP 2026 live telecast at the NMS Front Lawn, on the iconic facade of NMS with the sunset shining upon them.

Admission to all the galleries is free on 9th August 2026, including entry to the special exhibitions Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City and Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time.

Our Favourite Haunts: Through the Lens of Migrant Workers

This photography exhibition brings together the winning entries and finalists from the fourth edition of the Migrant Workers Photography Festival. Visitors to NMS are invited to experience Singapore’s familiar spaces through the eyes of the migrant workers community who help shape the city that we live in and share.

Don’t miss this photography exhibition, it’s a real eye-opener into how our migrant workers view Singapore and our familiar spaces that we lived and shared together.

For more information on NMS National Day Celebrations 2026, visit National Museum of Singapore website and social media 

Website: https://www.nationalmuseum.nhb.gov.sg/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natmuseum_sg/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natmuseum_sg 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NationalMuseumSg

Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis (LTB) 2026

Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis (LTB) is a brand-new night-time experience celebrating National Day in Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) district, taking place from 1st August to 5th September 2026, alongside the Singapore Night Festival.

Organised by HeritageSG, BBB precinct comes alive with lights and digital experiences that transform historical buildings and hidden spaces into a new experience of discovering unexpected moments, sparking our imagination and bringing different communities together in celebration of Singapore’s SG61 birthday.

Five Unique Activations 

There are five unique activations across BBB precinct, this LTB 2026 edition brings Singapore’s Myths and Legends to life through them. There are interactive installations, immersive projections, giving visitors to BBB precinct the opportunity to discover familiar stories reimagined in ways unexpected as you explore BBB after dark.

Voyage of Icons by Howie Kim

Venue: Front Lawn, National Museum of Singapore

• Note: Voyage of Icons is special projection mapping experience jointly organised by NMS and HeritageSG, taking place from 1st to 12th August 2026 as part of LTB 2026 *

Wandering Spirits Unbound by Roger Ng Wei Lun

Venue: Stamford Place

A Walk Through Mythical Singapore by HeritageSG

Venue: Stamford Walkway

Plant chilli then no rain! By Arup

Venue: Reflection Pool @ Bras Basah MRT Station 

Touch wood! By Arup

Venue: Artsplace @ Waterloo Centre

For more information, please visit 

HeritageSG

• Website: https://www.heritage.sg/ 

Bras Basah.Bugis

• Website: https://www.heritage.sg/brasbasahbugis 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasbasahbugis/

Singapore Night Festival 

• Website: https://www.heritage.sg/sgnightfest/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgnightfest 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sg.nightfest

Happy National Day 2026!

Let’s celebrate National Day 2026 together with Heritage, Culture, Arts and Creativity in August 2026 at National Museum of Singapore and at the Bras Basah.Bugis district!

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Singapore TV: From Local to Global 

Singapore TV: From local to global special exhibition showcases how they have grown in ambition, scale and international reach over the decades. This exhibition features original costumes, artefacts, photographs, magazines, multimedia installations and interactive experiences. 

Stepping into this special exhibition, you are invited to rediscover the stores, sets, and stars that have long become part of Singapore’s shared cultural fabric. 

Five Chronological Zones

This Singapore TV: From local to global special exhibition is divided into five chronological zones, inviting you to start your journey back in time through the history of local Chinese dramas, from its early beginnings to contemporary developments and future possibilities. Each zone showcases a distinct period of development and explores key themes, milestones and creative practices that have shaped the industry.

Zone 1 – Origins of local Chinese drama

Start off your nostalgia walk down memory lane by tracing the origins of local Chinese drama, from its formative years in the 1960s through the early 1980s. Want to have a  go at dubbing a scene from Good Morning, Sir!, you can do so! Also learn about local talent discovery programme Star Search, browse a display of vintage television magazine covers.

For those who grew up (like me) watching this iconic drama The Awakening, you can take photos with the props against a backdrop inspired by this drama. This scene triggered many memories for me, probably the first local Chinese drama that I watched.

Zone 2 – 1990s: The defining era of local Chinese dramas

Heading into the 1990s, this is widely regarded as the defining era of local Chinese dramas. In this section, there is a collection of 12 costumes seen in iconic dramas such as The Return of Condor Heroes and The Legend of Ji-Gong, as well a showcase of Star Awards trophies across different eras.

For those who remembered watching the following dramas, The Golden Pillow, The Untouchables and The Return of the Condor Heroes, don’t miss the recreated sets from those dramas, you can re-enact the iconic scenes if you like! The Untouchables (双天至尊) was one of my favourite dramas that time!

Anyone would like to be a TV star receiving the Star Awards trophy with its iconic tune playing behind the scenes? Don’t miss this segment to produce your own TV celebrity moment!

Zone 3 – 2000s: Competition and globalised media landscape

In the third zone, enter into the 2000s, this era faced intensifying competition and an increasingly globalised media landscape. Through timelines, magazine displays, and behind the scenes video interviews with industry professionals, you can gain insights into the evolving production ecosystem and international influences.

Zone 4 – Craft of Scriptwriting 

Learn more about the craft of scriptwriting in this fourth zone from the original and reproduced scripts from selected dramas alongside video clips illustrating how actors interpreted scripts and brought them to life on screen.

That’s also a video interview with Mediacorp scriptwriter, Ms Cheong Yan Peng, highlighting her creative process, challenges of the job, and her aspirations for the local entertainment industry. 

Zone 5 – Present and Future of Chinese dramas

In this final zone, take a look at the present and future of Chinese dramas via a TV installation wall with television sets across different generations. You can also engage with vertical format micro-dramas and an interactive voting wall, at which you can vote on the kinds of content and genres they hope to see in the future.

Two Talks in August and September 2026

In conjunction with this exhibition, SCCC will also present two talks in August and September 2026. Registration for the above talks will open nearer to the dates.

The first talk will feature Mr Su Zhangkai, a researcher in the fields of media, entertainment and history, who will discuss the formative years of Singapore Chinese dramas from 1963 to 1982. The second talk will feature award-winning scriptwriter Mr Ang Eng Tee; Emerald Hill – The Little Nonya Story Executive Producer, Ms Loh Woon Woon; and artistes Chen Liping and Richie Koh, who will share insights on how scriptwriting and acting have evolved across generations. 

SCCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alvin Tan, said, “Through this exhibition, we hope to bring visitors on a nostalgic trip back in time by tracing the evolution of local Chinese dramas, and to highlight the dynamism of the industry by charting out the future of local Chinese dramas both on the small screen locally and across digital platforms internationally. In doing so, we hope to showcase how local Chinese dramas often serve as a bellwether of prevailing societal norms, and as social glue through the creation of shared viewing experiences, while contributing to Singapore’s distinctive local Chinese culture and identity.”

Mediacorp Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tham Loke Kheng, said, “Chinese dramas are a major part of Mediacorp’s storytelling legacy. More than entertainment, they reflect Singapore society, capture the spirit of their times, and connect viewers across generations through shared stories and memories. Even as audiences discover and consume content in new ways, our commitment remains the same: to tell Singapore stories that resonate locally and travel further. This exhibition is proof of that journey – and a preview of where we are headed next.”

Singapore TV: From Local to Global – Special Exhibition by SCCC and Mediacorp

• Date: 9th July 2026 to 26th January 2027
• Venue: SCCC Creative Box Level 6
• Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm
• Admission: Free

For more details, please visit https://singaporeccc.org.sg/events/singapore-tv-from-local-to-global-special-exhibition/ 

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TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Celebrations till date (April to June 2026)

Looking back at my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years milestone celebrations till date from April to June 2026, there wasn’t much celebrations till date. I hope that I can organise a few more small different gatherings to catch up, thanking them for their support over the years.

I am going to start working on my 20 years milestone celebrations photography zine in July 2026, curating a list of photography works from my past 20 years for further curation, layout and planning.

Also as part of my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone celebrations, I have embarked on curating 20 selected photography prints from my collections that I would gift away to my friends and supporters. The first photography print given away is the photo print exhibited at 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026. 

Photography 

Photography (Business)

My situation is still fluid, I am still striking a fine balance between caregiver role at home, and everything else, I am still working to secure more photography projects and shoots, in an ongoing very challenging and disruptive world today, slowing world economy and more uncertainties, coupled with more curveballs from technology disruptions by AI.

Photography (Personal / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation)

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Looking forward to produce more different visual stories and content creation in month of July 2026 and beyond, continuing on from where I kickstarted in the past three months.

Personal Photography Time

While my personal photography time has been reduced due to changes at home, taking on the caregiver role as well as helping out in household work. I would still continue to navigate my journey of balancing photography business, personal photography, caregiver, taking care of home and the rest of my other things in life. I am currently working on finding a balance, planning and strategically allocating precious time for my own personal photography.

Documenting Old and Disappearing Places/Buildings in July 2026

Harbourfront Singapore would close from 27th July 2026, it’s a place I grew up with during my childhood to school days, knowing it as World Trade Centre, bringing back many nostalgic memories. 

I have to plan my time to photograph and document Harbourfront before its impending closure at the end of July 2026.

Photography Competitions

20th Edition Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 Singapore 25th July 2026

Canon Singapore announced Your Canon Event, a three day event celebrating creativity, making and play, coming together from 23rd to 25th July 2026 at Urban Park @ Guoco Tower, Singapore. This event brings together the first of its kind maker festival event across two days, along with the landmark 20th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon on 25th July 2026, celebrating over two decades of this photography competition in Singapore.

I have registered for 20th Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore 2026, this would be my 12th year participating in this photography competition! Read more about my Canon PhotoMarathon adventures over the decade in my article.

More information about Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore 2026 can be found here. 

LTA x PSS Photography Competition 2026 

LTA x PSS Photography Competition 2026 – Your World in Motion – Different Lives, Shared Journeys. More information for LTA x PSS Photography Competition can be found here. 

SJ60 Photo and Video contest 

Travel fans of Japan, check out SJ60 Photo and Video contest!nMore information on SJ60 Photo and Video contest can be found here. 

Earth in Focus 2026 Film & Photography Competition 

Regular submissions is taking place between 16th May to 15th July 2026 if you are keen to participate in this competition.

More information can be found here.

Exhibitions/Events (Photography/Heritage/Arts)

There are a few exhibitions and events taking place in July 2026 that are photography, heritage, and arts related. Do check them out below!

Adventures of Grumpy Cat

Who says a grumpy face can’t steal your heart?

Step into the whimsical world of Adventures of Grumpy Cat, where every artwork is filled with charm, humour and a touch of Singapore nostalgia. Created by local artist Yip Yew Chong, this delightful exhibition proves that even the grumpiest cat has the biggest personality—and plenty of stories to tell! Read more in my article here.

The Hainanese Cooked presents Bo’ Hou and the Grand Feast – A Stamp Rally

Ready for a little heritage adventure?

Join Bo Hou on a fun stamp rally and discover the rich stories behind Hainanese businesses that have helped shape Singapore’s food, culture and community. From familiar names to hidden gems, each stop offers a glimpse into the passion, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit passed down through generations. Read more in my article here.

Mad About Singapore 2026

Mad About Singapore 2026 exhibition has launched at Funan L1 Atrium on Monday 6th July 2026. For more updates, check out InstaSG instagram.

NDP 2026 Rehearsals 

National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 rehearsals are taking place in July 2026, it would be held at Sports Hub. The fireworks would be at Kallang Basin, if you are keen to photograph NDP 2026 rehearsal fireworks, that’s the place for you. 

Personal Updates

My status quo is still the same, I am still finding the balance between being a caregiver role at home, along with everything else. This still remains a delicate and tricky situation. It’s not going to get easier, probably gets more challenging and difficult down the road. 

There are good days, there are bad days, who can understand, who can empathise, without judgement? Nobody can see or feel the amount of stress, pressure, emotional and mental drain inside us caregivers. 

July 2026! Let’s Go!

Even though I am still constantly finding and striking a balance between caregiver role, taking care of some household work and everything else, I would still work towards a fun and creative July 2026! Let’s Go!

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