IN CONJUNCTION with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 62nd birthday celebrations on July 15, The Brunei Times is collaborating with the Information Department at the Prime Minister's Office to hold an international photojournalists competition.

Photojournalists, representing print media from all around the world, are invited to take photographs of the festivity and stand a chance to win prizes.

Entries should be based on four themes revolving around the commemorative event, namely Celebrations, People, Cultural Heritage and the Environment.

The purpose of the initiative was to showcase His Majesty's 62nd birthday celebrations to the world, as well as capture the Sultanate's cultural heritage, people and their respect towards the environment and the steps being taken to conserve the nation's natural resources.

The invited photojournalists are expected to publish their photo essays in their respective newspapers or magazines by September 15, 2008. Publications submitted before this date would make them eligible for the top three prizes, which are US$3,000, US$2,000, and US$1,000 for first, second and third place respectively.

They also stand the chance to win the Best Photo Essay Award.

Meanwhile, The Brunei Times is also organising the Photographic Competition 2008, which is open to all Bruneians and those who are residing or visiting the country, including the photojournalists.

Each photographer can submit up to six digital images on each of the four themes. The top entries for each of the four themes will be awarded US$1,500, US$1,000, and US$500 for first, second and third place in each category respectively.

In addition to the top prizes, the four first placed entries could also win the Best Photography Award. A special award would also be given for the best photograph submitted by students from secondary or tertiary educational institutions.

The competition has gained the support of the Brunei Photographic Society and the Brunei Darussalam Association of Photographers.

A selection of photographs from the competition will also be featured in a book, which will be presented as a gift to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to mark the auspicious celebrations.

The book will contain rich visual images and convey the bond between His Majesty and his loyal subjects.

Those interested in the competition are urged to visit the website, www.bt.com.bn/photojournalist or email committee2008@bruneitimes.com.bn or call +67322428333 for more information. (ODM1)

The Brunei Times