Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please note that this FAQ page is constantly populating as questions and feedback flows in from you. This list is non-exhaustive.

If your questions are not answered here, we kindly request that you write in to us via email to education@deck.sg. We aim to respond to your queries as soon as possible.

Q: Is the 10th SYPA free to enter?

A: Yes! There is no submission fee for the 10th SYPA.

Q: What is the theme for the 10th SYPA?

A: This year’s theme is titled “Echoes of Home” with the focus on anchored on exploring stories, history and heritage of home. You are expected to reflect on what defines home to you and to others around you, exploring the interrelationships between people, their environments, and their origins.

Head on to the submission platform page at (Coming Soon!)  to learn more about it!

Q: Is there an age limit for the competition?

A: The competition is for youths aged between 13 and 25 years old (at any time during the year 2026. It is split into three categories: 

Junior for applicants aged 13 and 18 years old (at any time during the year 2026);

Youth for applicants aged between 19 and 25 years old (at any time during the year 2026).

The Photo Club category is open to applicants aged between 13 and 25 years old (at any time during the year 2026). You will be able to tag your photo clubs whilst submitting your photos for the award.

Q: If I only turn 13 in December 2026, am I still allowed to join the 10th SYPA?

A: Yes! As long as you are within the age range of 13 and 25 at any time during the year 2026, do feel free to join the 10th SYPA.

Q: How can I enter the competition?

A: Please go to (Coming Soon!) to submit your application. Do note that there are two forms to submit once you enter the link: The registration form where you register for the event. The submission form where you submit your images for judges review.

Q: I am not Singaporean or PR but am currently living in Singapore. Can I still join the 10th SYPA?

A: Yes! As long as you are based in Singapore, please feel free to apply for the 10th SYPA.

Q: If I am not studying in any local schools in Singapore, am I able to apply for the 10th SYPA?

A: Yes! Do feel free to submit an application as long as you are based in Singapore. 

Q: Must my images be taken in Singapore?

A: No, your images can be taken overseas.

Q: Do I have to be a qualified/professional photographer to participate?

A: No, we encourage youths from all backgrounds, emerging and established photographers to join us for the 10th SYPA! If you are interested, do join the free workshops we will be hosting across the duration of the open call to aid with your submission for 10th SYPA. Follow our Instagram page (@cdlsypa) to stay updated once those information drops!

Q: What if I want to use a camera but do not own one?

A: It is not necessary to use a DSLR camera to capture the images. Do feel free to use any medium to capture the images such as film, digital or phone cameras. Do make sure that your images are of at least 2,000px on the longest side, a maximum of 8MB and be in JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg) format for submission.

Q: Am I allowed to make a submission on behalf of someone (e.g. student/child/ward)?

A: Applicants are advised to submit under their own name for submission of works. However, should parental guidance or an adult representative be needed for participants under 18 years old, please indicate it in the registration form. Explicit permission from both parties is required before submission. The original photographer will be duly acknowledged across all 10th SYPA marketing channels. 10th SYPA strictly adheres to copyright regulations.

Q: What are the Terms and Conditions of 10th SYPA?

A: By registering for an account and/or submitting an application for SYPA, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set by DECK for 10th SYPA (collectively known as the ‘Organisers’). These terms and conditions may be modified from time to time and DECK reserves the right to change these terms at any time, without prior notice and at its sole discretion. Any changes and updates will be posted on the website here: https://deck.sg/sypa-terms 

Q: How many images do I need to submit?

A: Junior category applicants are to submit a portfolio of 5 to 7 images relating to the theme with a maximum of 150 words caption describing the portfolio of images and how it relates to the theme. 

Youth category applicants are to submit a photo series of 7 to 10 images relating to the theme with a maximum of 200 words caption for the entire series.

For Photo Club category applicants, your submission for the Junior and Youth category will be your submission for this category. Please note that you will be required to tag your Photo Club and affiliated school/institution for this to count.

Q: How do I participate in the Photo Club category?

A: You will have to submit for either the Junior or Youth category and indicate your interest to submit under the Photo Club category as well in the submission form. Please state the name of the club that you are submitting under as accurately as possible. Entries without the name of the Photo Club will not be considered.

Q: In what format should my images be submitted?

A: Please submit your images in JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg) format. The file size should not be more than 8MB.

Q: Must I use a digital camera to capture the images?

A: No, it is not necessary to use a camera to capture the images. Do feel free to use any medium to capture the images such as film, digital or phone cameras. Do make sure that your images are of at least 2,000px on the longest side, a maximum of 8MB and be in JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg) format for submission.

Q: Am I allowed to submit digitally-enhanced images?

A: Yes. Digital enhancements, including but not limited to sharpening, contrast adjustment, and the conversion of colour images to black-and-white are allowed, provided that the authentic representation of the subject matter is retained. 

Q: Am I allowed to submit artificially generated images?

A: No. In the context of the 10th SYPA, artificially generated images, including and not limited to generative fill, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence are not allowed. Any entry found to contain such manipulation will be disqualified.

Q: Can I submit a multiple-image composition?

A: Yes! You can submit diptychs, triptychs and multi-image compositions but they will be regarded and judged as a single image. You will still be required to submit the required 5 to 10 sets of images as according to the category you are applying for.

Q: Can I submit past images for the 10th SYPA?

A: Yes. As long as your image was taken from 01 December 2025 onwards, you can submit the image for the contest. If selected, we will request for the RAW files of the images to be sent over for verification. Should it be found that your image was taken before the stated date, your submission may be disqualified.

Q: Can I submit works that were previously published/won competitions?

A: No, submitted images must not have been previously used for commercial purposes, published or won prizes in other competitions, locally or abroad.

Q: If I submitted my images at 23:59 hrs on 31st May 2026, will my submission be counted?

A: Yes! As long as you submit by 23:59 hrs on 31st May 2026, all images submitted will be considered. However, we strongly discourage participants to submit at the last hour. We strongly advise participants to plan ahead for submission to buffer against any technical difficulties.

Q: How many times am I allowed to submit?

A: You are only allowed to turn in one submission but can make edits to that submission should you need.

Q: Am I allowed to make changes after submitting?

A: Yes. With the extension in the deadline, you are allowed to make changes to your entry after you submit as long as it is before the closing date of the competition. If you have any issues with your submission, please contact us at education@deck.sg. 

Q: Can I submit my images via email?

A: No. Please submit your images through the link provided. If you are unable to access the link, please send an email to edcuation@deck.sg with the subject [10th SYPA Submission: Name-Category] and state your name, phone number, captions and reason for submitting through email.

Q: How will the works be shortlisted?

A: All submissions will undergo a process of internal review and selection by DECK to create a longlist to be handed over to the 10th SYPA Jury Panel, consisting of past winners and respected professionals in the contemporary art and photography industry who will shortlist the finalists and determine the winners.

Q: How will I know if I have been shortlisted?

A: Shortlisted applicants will receive an email from education@deck.sg detailing the important dates to note. It is advisable to be available and present for the awards ceremony, if you are unable to make it, please do inform us and arrange a stand-in for the awards ceremony.

Q: How many prize winners will there be?

A: There will be 3 final winners (1 winner, 2 merit prizes) from the Junior and Youth categories respectively, consisting for a total of 6 individual winners. The Photo Club category will consist of 1 group winner. 

Q: How will the Photo Club category be shortlisted?

A: It will be shortlisted through the total number of entries submitted per club and overall quality of the images. Do make sure the members of the club have labelled the name of the club accurately to ensure the submission of entry for the Photo Club Category.

Q: Who will be featured in the Finalist Showcase?

A: We are planning to feature the finalists for the Junior & Youth category in a dedicated space during the 10th Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF), tentatively scheduled to take place in October 2026.

Q: Do I have to be involved in the production and installation of the SYPA Awards Showcase?

A: All production and installation matters for the showcase will be handled by DECK. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted to provide high-resolution digital files of their shortlisted work for print production if required.

Q: When is the 10th SYPA Awards Ceremony taking place?

A: It will take tentatively take place in October 2026 during the 10th SIPF. DECK will inform participants of the latest updates once the information is out.

Q: Can I attend the 10th SYPA Awards Ceremony if I was not shortlisted?

A: Yes! The ceremony and awards showcase is open to the public. Stay tuned to our social media to find out the latest updates.