Nothing says Singapore quite like an HDB block, and this is what photography enthusiast Lester Koh Meng Hua captured at the crack of dawn on National Day last year.

You might say it was his gift to the nation, and now his vibrant picture of a different view of sunrise might be up for a prize, having been shortlisted in the Open Architecture category in the Sony World Photography Awards.

The 10 best photographs in each category are shortlisted, and he is the only Singaporean to featurein this year's competition.

The winners of each category will be announced on March 28, and the overall winner across all Open categories on April 20.

Two other Singaporean photographers - Mr Albert Tan Chee Hiang and Mr Chin Boon Leng - were also honoured with commendations, given to the top 50 photos in each category.

Tay Hong Yi