For this year’s award, we invite you to explore how photography can be used as a tool for rediscovering our environment and connecting with the people who make up our communities.

The competition is not about finding that extraordinary or decisive shot but rather about offering your unique perspective on everyday life — the things that often go unseen and overlooked, the little moments that make our world special.

Through your eyes (and lens), we hope to visualise what makes up your “World Within” and what it means to live in harmony with nature in our shared world. Capture your connection with nature, and share with us the moments that enrich our lives and the world around us.

For easy reference, you check out the SYPA Information Pack, at this link here.

(1) JUNIOR CATEGORY (13 to 18 y/o)
(a) Portfolio of 5-7 images that relates to the theme
(b) A caption of 150 words (max) about your portfolio

(2) YOUTH CATEGORY (19 to 25 y/o)
(a) Photo Series of 7-10 images that relates to the theme
(b) A caption of 200 words (max) about your Photo Series

PHOTO CLUB CATEGORY
(a) Interested applicants will be able to tag their Photo Club/Group/Collective in the application form.
(b) Applicants must have submitted an entry in the Junior or Youth category to be eligible for this category.
(c) The Photo Club with the highest number of entries & highest quality of submissions will win this category.

YOUTH

First Prize (1x): $2,000 Cash Prize + $300 Camera Rental Centre Voucher + Certificate
Merit Prize (2x): $1,500 Cash Prize + $50 Camera Rental Centre Vouchers + Certificate

JUNIOR

First Prize (1x): $1,000 Cash Prize + $200 Camera Rental Centre Voucher + Certificate
Merit Prize (2x): $500 Cash Prize + $50 Camera Rental Centre Vouchers + Certificate

PHOTO CLUB

First Prize (1x): $1,000 Cash Prize + $1,000 DECK Workshop Voucher

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P.S. The top 5 finalists in both the Junior and Youth categories will also be featured in a finalist exhibition in the first half of 2025!

All submissions will be reviewed by the DECK team and shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by our esteemed guest judges ranging from past winners and professionals from diverse backgrounds in the industry.

Do keep a look out here to find out who the jury panellists are!

What if you want to use a professional camera but don’t own one? Or you own a camera but want to explore new lenses, flashes, fancy filters and all that good stuff? We’ve got you covered!

Together with our Official Equipment Rental House, Camera Rental Centre (CRC), SYPA Participants will enjoy a 30% discount (up to S$100 savings) on all photography-related rentals. Just show your proof-of-registration email to the CRC staff to enjoy this exclusive deal!

CRC offers a wide variety of equipment from top brands like Canon, Sony, Nikon, and more. Whether you’re a student, amateur, seasoned professional, or hobbyist, CRC has something for you.

Explore what CRC has to offer now at: camerarental.biz 

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Terms and Conditions applies. Please do note that the usual CRC rental policies and procedures apply. To learn more, please head to CRC’s FAQ page at: camerarental.biz/faqs

Please kindly note that the timelines detailed are indicative and may deviate.

Founded by City Developments Limited (CDL) and championed by the late Mr. Kwek Leng Joo, the Singapore Young Photographer Award (SYPA) nurtures creativity, imagination, and a keen sense of artistry. It serves as a catalyst for renewing our photographic community, infusing it with young talent and adding vibrancy to Singapore’s ecosystem. Above all, photography is a powerful medium for communication, self-expression, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.

To date, SYPA remains the only national platform for young photographers aged 13–25 years old and has run successfully for 8 different editions, inspiring and supporting numerous young talents and artists in their photographic journeys, significantly contributing to the Singaporean art scene.

For any general enquiries or technical difficulties, please direct them to our email at sypa@deck.sg. You may also wish to check out our FAQ section down below too!

For the full FAQ page, please head to deck.sg/sypa-qna

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: Is there an age limit for the competition?
A: The competition is for youths aged between 13 and 25 years old. As long as you fall between the age range at any time during the year 2024 and 2025, you’re eligible. Please do however note the age limit for each categories: Junior (13—18 y/o) and Youth (19—25 y/o).

Q: If I only turn 13 in December 2025, am I still allowed to join SYPA 2024?
A: Yes! As long as you are within the age range of 13 and 25 at any time during the year 2024 and 2025, do feel free to join SYPA 2024.

Q: If I only turn 19 in 2025, am I eligible for both the Youth and Junior Category?
A: Yes, you are the lucky one! You may choose to submit for either categories. However, do note the different submission requirements for the different categories.

Q: How can I enter the competition?
A: You can register for the competition here!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Q: What 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 — you will be required to tag your Photo Club and affiliated educational institution if applicable.

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

Q: Must I use a DSLR 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 camera to capture the images such as digi-cams, film, digital, drones or phone cameras.

Q: What is the difference between a “portfolio of images” and a “photo series”?
A: In the context of SYPA 2024, a “portfolio of images” consists of images that correspond to the theme of the competition but do not necessarily need to be linked to each other.

A “photo series” is a collection of images that are connected to each other. This could take the form of a photo story or conceptual work where there is a central subject, idea, or question that runs through the entire series, corresponding to the competition’s theme.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Q: How will the works be shortlisted?
A: All submissions will first be reviewed and selected by the DECK team to create a “longlist”. This longlist will then be further deliberated by the SYPA 2024 Jury Panel, who will decide on the finalists for each category and select the award winners.

Q: How will I know if I have been shortlisted?
A: Shortlisted applicants will receive an email from DECK detailing the important dates to note. It is advisable to be available and present for the awards ceremony, if not, we will reach out to you and arrange a stand-in for the awards ceremony.

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For the full FAQ page, please head to deck.sg/sypa-qna

By registering for an account and/or submitting an application for SYPA, you acknowledge and agree:

• You are between the ages of 13 and 25 years old at any time during the year of 2024 and 2025.
• You are submitting a valid entry before 14 March 2025 GMT+8 2359hrs.
• You are willing to receive email updates and communications from DECK and its appointed agents. You may unsubscribe from these emails at any time.
• Your personal data can be used by DECK and its appointed agents for the purposes of SYPA and DECK related activities.
• You have read and agree to the terms and conditions of SYPA 2024 as set by DECK.
• By registering for an account and/or submitting an application for SYPA, you grant DECK and its appointed agents the right to use your work free of charge, royalty-free with non-exclusive rights to publish, reproduce, make available the submitted images in any manner and media, including but not limited to the right to publish, adapt, distribute, copy, display and translate across all media worldwide. All published work will be appropriately tagged and credited.
• 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 linked here containing the full terms and conditions.

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To view and understand the full terms and conditions, please head to deck.sg/sypa-terms