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)