Chingay Parade picture wins photography competition promoting multiculturalism
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Hobbyist photographer Goh Ngan Pin asked Chingay Parade dancers to form heart shapes with their hands for his winning entry (pictured) in a photography competition.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF GOH NGAN PIN
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SINGAPORE – He spent several hours across multiple rehearsals at the Chingay Parade 2025 in February at the F1 Pit Building waiting for the right shot.
Then, dancers of various cultural backgrounds got into formation against a vibrant backdrop, and he asked them to form heart shapes with their hands.
The photograph helped hobbyist photographer Goh Ngan Pin, 48, clinch the top prize in the open category of the fourth Heartstrings of Singapore photography competition.
Hobbyist photographer Goh Ngan Pin said: “I am often quite thick-skinned when it comes to asking people to pose or trying to get the right shot.”
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARK CHONG
It was jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA).
On April 26, Mr Goh was one of 46 winners presented awards at SCCC near Shenton Way by the guest of honour, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong. About 100 representatives from clan associations, cultural groups and government agencies attended the ceremony.
Mr Goh, who has been a volunteer photographer with the People’s Association (PA) for the past three years, said: “I am often quite thick-skinned when it comes to asking people to pose or trying to get the right shot.”
The event also marked SFCCA’s 40th anniversary and the unveiling of its commemorative logo – a design blending clean English typography with bold Chinese brushstrokes to symbolise the harmony of tradition and modernity.
In his speech, Mr Tong praised the federation’s efforts in rallying more than 200 clan associations to preserve heritage and foster a strong Singaporean Chinese identity through events over the years.
These included organising the River Hongbao, and working with the National Integration Council, government feedback unit Reach and the PA to organise events and dialogues to promote nation-building.
MCCY Minister Edwin Tong (second from left) unveiling the commemorative logo that marks the SFCCA’s 40th anniversary with SFCCA president Thomas Chua (second from right) and representatives.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE FEDRATION OF CHINESE CLAN ASSOCIATIONS
Mr Tong said: “We have to treasure and nurture our special Singaporean Chinese practices, our special rituals, our customs and our deep heritage. I think when we celebrate SG60, we should look back at the special role that SFCCA and the Chinese clans have played in building Singapore all these years.”
Another winner was Victoria Junior College student Namasya Holla, 17, who took second place for a panoramic image of Gardens by the Bay and also received a merit award for a photograph submitted under the multiculturalism theme.
She had captured four girls from different uniformed groups during the National Day Parade at her alma mater, Cedar Girls’ Secondary School. She said: “I wanted to capture them all looking at the national flag together. I hope my photo inspires others to appreciate multiculturalism.”
Victoria Junior College student Namasya Holla and her photo Stronger Together, which won an award in the Heartstrings of Singapore competition.
ST PHOTO: HAZEL TANG
All winning photographs, and 100 shortlisted entries, will be on display at SCCC’s multipurpose hall on April 26 and 27. The exhibition will move to Ang Mo Kio Public Library from April 28 to May 26.
Also announced was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SFCCA and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, to deepen cultural development and strengthen community bonds.
Correction note: An earlier version of the story addressed Mr Thomas Chua as chairman of the SFCCA. This is incorrect. He is the president of the federation. We are sorry for the error.
