The duration of the photo contest that raises the beauty of Rakhine State is extended to 7 February instead of 24 December 2018 from the original plan.
Organizer Ma Su Eaindray Lin from Mango Media said, “The contestants must capture the natural beauty, natural landscapes and the traditional culture of Rakhine State. The contest invites everyone in Myanmar and all the photos submissions are not allowed to be edited.”
Participants will have two ways to submit their entries; one by posting it on their social media accounts (publicly), Facebook and Instagram, by adding two required hashtags: #mybeautifulrakhine and #mpsrakhine. Submissions will be judged by a panel of expert photographers appointed by the Myanmar Photographic Society. In addition, cash prizes will be awarded, with the first-place winner receiving K1,000,000, the runner-up receiving K500,000, and (2) two third-place winner receiving K250,000, and 10 consolation prizes.
“The contest is digital and these submissions will be featured on the contestants’ Facebook page as well as Instagram. We don’t factor in fake profiles. The contestants must participate with their real accounts. They will also be required to include the location of the photo. We don’t limit number of the submissions and we will choose the winners by searching with #mybeautifulrakhine and #mpsrakhine”, said Ma Su Eaindray Lin.
She then said regarding with the aim of the contest, “The image of Rakhine is seen to be declining. If we find with #rakhine, the worst images appear. So, we want Myanmar people to share both the lesser-known and well-known beauty and culture of the State. We will upload contested photos on our website. We want foreigners to know Rakhine is not like what they think.”
Myanmar Photographic Society announced that photos that concerned with State Policy, law, and that conflict with Myanmar culture, could possibly damage the culture, livelihood, and image of Rakhine State will not be considered by the board. Words, logos, and signs must not be posted on the contested photos.
—Nyunt Ko Ko (Translated by Myat Thandar Aung)
