The AlumNUS
The AlumNUS

3 September 2024

Winners Crowned in 26th Montage Photo Competition

The largest—and longest-running—photography competition by a student group in Singapore concluded its 2024 edition last month when the National University of Singapore Photographic Society (NUSPS), announced the winners of Montage.

Participants in the Montage photo competition at one of the event’s workshops. Montage has been organised by NUSPS since 1999.

This year’s event, open to Singaporean citizens and residents between the ages of 13 and 28, invited participants to explore youth culture through their lenses, adopting the theme of “Perspective: Youth in Focus”.

Behind the scenes, the competition was also an example of the strength of the alumni community at the National University of Singapore (NUS), with support to NUSPS provided by the NUS Alumni Photographic Society, an NUS Alumni Network (Singapore) composed of previous NUSPS members.

"The collaboration between the alumni and the student body has always been a fruitful and bilateral relationship, with the students benefiting from the years of accumulated experience of the alumni, and the alumni members gaining a better understanding of the current trends in photography and marketing through the engagement with the NUSPS,” explained Nelson Tan (Arts & Social Sciences ’00), Chairperson of the NUS Alumni Photographic Society.  

As members of the alumni society have had first-hand experience organising the Montage competition, they were able to share their knowledge, historical perspective, and advice with their juniors throughout the competition timeline.

This year, more than 600 entries were received, with close to S$3000 in prizes awarded.

1st Place

Richmond Tang, 24, Nanyang Technological University student
"Bus Driver"

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From the photographer: Here, captured in a brief, poignant pause, is a young bus driver in his early thirties, his face a map of exhaustion and determination. As the bus idles at a red light, he closes his eyes, finding solace in a fleeting respite. His short break is not merely a pause in the journey, but a moment of quiet rebellion against the relentless pace of modern life. In this captured moment, we see more than just fatigue; we witness the essence of resilience and the unsung strength of those who keep our cities moving. This image, with its raw honesty, serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication of youth working behind the scenes, often unnoticed but never unappreciated.

From the judge, Carlos Monforte: The photographer captured the perfect moment. With the lights, shadows, and reflections creating a unique atmosphere around the driver's expression. From the first moment that you look at this work, it starts talking to you and transmitting emotions.
 

2nd Place

Chua Poh Yang, 18, Tampines Meridian Junior College (TMJC) student
“OGLs waving flag”

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From the photographer: This photo depicts the Tampines Meridian Junior College Aquila (house) J2 Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) (in red) stacking hands with their Aquila Orientation Group Members (OGMs) (in blue), with a teacher (hidden) waving the Aquila flag. This moment captures the conclusion of Aquila's finale performance, symbolising the culmination of a week where the OGLs helped the OGMs acclimate to their new environment, fostering new bonds and unforgettable memories in TMJC, and displaying our TMJC spirit. This photo means a lot to the OGLs, many of whom have set it as their profile picture and wallpaper. Being part of Aquila and TMJC, this photo holds significant meaning for me as well, capturing the essence of our pride and spirit.

From the judge, Jasper Yu: Composition, lighting and emotions are well captured in this photo. A powerful moment seen here with the winner and his team wielding their flag, beautifully photographed in the right moment, and a creative use of light and shadow to subtly distinguish between the [groups]. 

3rd Place

Jun Leong, 24, National University of Singapore student
“Funan”

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From the judge, Francis Lee: There lies a moment of quiet yet attentive capture amid the chaotic juxtaposition architecturally frenzy. 

4th Place

Ren Junhao, 26, National University of Singapore alumnus (Science MSc ’24) 
“Mountain hiking”

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From the judge, Francis Lee: In the warm light bathing the forestry, the adventurer [is] a strong foreground element [leading] the eye into the [distant] mountains.

5th Place

Low Zhi Xuan, 28, National University of Singapore alumna (Medicine ’19) 
“Double exposure”

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From the photographer: This photo captures the delicate equilibrium between the relentless advance of urban development and the enduring presence of nature. By merging the stark contrast of skyscrapers with the soft outlines of natural landscapes, I aimed to illustrate the urgent need for today's youth to embrace the challenge of fostering sustainable growth. I chose to submit this photo to the 'Youth in Focus' exhibition because it encapsulates the critical moment we face: a call to action for young people to innovate and lead in finding solutions that harmonise development with environmental stewardship. This image serves as both a warning and an inspiration, urging viewers to recognise their power in shaping the future of our world.

From the judge, Jasper Yu: A creative use of in-camera’s multi exposure to create this beautiful montage/portrait. The layers do not only look aesthetically pleasing but also show the inner emotions of the photographer.
 

6th Place

Nathan Cheong
“Milky Way”

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From the photographer: This photo is one of my favourite shots from my East Java trip on the summit of Mount Ijen. The photo ties the importance of friendship, exploration and beauty together. Singapore is a country filled with light pollution; I wanted to submit this photo to appreciate and unveil this beautiful canvas of stars hidden within Singapore skies.

Text by Katherine Chinn. Photos courtesy of the NUS Alumni Photographic Society. 

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