17 June
PRIZES were presented to winners of the photo contest “Cheerful ethnic traditional festival” at Pan Pacific Hotel in Yangon yesterday.
The contest was held under the arrangement of the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) and the support of Myanmar Tourism Federation, (Myanmar Tourism Bank), TMW Enterprise Limited (Sony) and Myanmar Ethnic Entrepreneurs Federation.
In his opening address, Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint said, “The Information and Public Relations Department in cooperation with Myanmar Photographic Society is holding photo contests twice a year. Beginning in 2003, the Independence Day commemorative annual photo competition is being held at the start of a year. This year is the 17th contest. Since 2009, the mid-term photo contest has been held to showcase and enhance the nation’s image. In 2018, the contest was held under the theme – Ethnic traditional cultural heritages. This year, it is held under the topic – Cheerful ethnic traditional festival. A total of 206 photographers sent 729 en-tries. “Veteran photographers of Myanmar Photographic Society acted as judges in selecting the prize-winning works. The contest under the topic — Cheerful ethnic traditional festival – was held for the broader public and international awareness of the ethnic traditions and cultures. The other purposes of the contest include stronger ethnic amity through mutual understanding of their traditions and cultures.
“Thankfully, new generation photographers took part in the contest, and new faces are among the prize winners. In this regard, the contest has served as a springboard for the emergence of new generation photographers.
“The scope of media expends and its speed accelerates along-side technological development. Media development has pushed photographic, movie and video industries to the forefront. Thanks to the technological advancement quality images with artistic value come out through the harmonious arrangement of ingenuity and creativity.
“But every technology has its own dark side, because it can help produce fake news and camcorder lies. IPRD is organizing workshops and trainings on new technology. But workshops and trainings jointly organized by veteran photographers of the MPA, departments, and private organizations will be more effective. The ministry will hold technological workshops and trainings in co-operation with the professionals.
“The contest will help improve the national image, enhance national peace and tranquility through a broader understanding of ethnic traditions and cultures and amity, increase national growth, and develop photography.”
Union Minister Dr Pe Myint presented first prize to Wunna (Mann Tekkatho), second prize to Than Naing Oo (IPRD) and third prize to Kyaw Naing Lin (Layeikpya) and Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Naing Thet Lwin consolation prizes to Sai Thu (Taunggyi), Kyaw Naing Lin (Layeikpya), Than Naing Oo (IPRD), Khin Maung Lwin and Ko Myint Than (Ngwe Kyai Min).Director-General of IPRD U Ye Naing presented certificates of honour to the supporters of the ceremony.
MNA (Translated by TMT)
