The Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS) is once again happy to present the 2009 Singapore International Photography Awards (SIPA). Despite the global economic crisis early this year, SIPA still saw an increase of 39% in the total number of entries. This may well indicate that photography today is more affordable than previously, when it was perceived by many people as “an expensive hobby”.

Inevitably, with more entries this year, the judging panels had to devote more time to shortlist them. Apart from selecting works with artistic values, the judging panels are also mindful of their task of producing a good exhibition that will be appreciated and enjoyed by the audience. Towards this end, they tried as far as possible to eliminate some of the run-of-mill images which were exhibited over and over again, even though these works are technically excellent. It is gratifying to note that they favoured innovative and experimental works which offer fresh perspectives of creativity.

I would like to commend members of the judging panels for their endeavours in helping PSS to maintain the high standard of this significant international exhibition. I would also like to commend the organising committee, which is helmed by Mike Khoo, for undertaking the onerous task of ensuring the success of this year’s SIPA show.

I congratulate this year’s SIPA award winners and thank all the participants for their support. For those who could not visit the show, I hope that they will enjoy the images reproduced in this catalogue.

David P C Tay
JP, BBM, Hon. FPSS, Hon. EFIAP, FRPS
President
The Photographic Society of Singapore

Singapore International Photography Award is into its 56th Edition and I believe that this award is well received globally. SIPA has become an annual event in the Photographic Society of Singapore calendar.

This year digital salon has attracted more than 3,479 entries from different countries, making this event a record year for the history of SIPA!

I hope that with the digital age, together with low entry cost, this event will continue to grow in popularity and attracts more photographers to submit their works. This event is made possible by the hard work and support from the organizing committee and all the support staff. Of course, the judges play a key role in ensuring that we have a good competition and fair results.

I would also like to thank the sponsors, without them this event will not be possible. Their dedication to photography has helps us to promote photography to the wide audiences.