Entries open for APEC Photo Contest

The APEC Photo Contest 2026 invites citizens and permanent residents of the 21 APEC member economies aged 18 and above to submit original photographs showcasing openness, innovation, and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region. Hosted by China under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” the contest offers cash prizes of up to SGD 2,500 and welcomes both amateur and professional photographers.

About the APEC Photo Contest 2026

The APEC Photo Contest celebrates the diversity, creativity, people, cultures, landscapes, and shared experiences of the Asia-Pacific region through photography. The 2026 edition is hosted by China and reflects the broader APEC 2026 theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” Participants are encouraged to submit photographs that demonstrate how countries, communities, and people across the Asia-Pacific region are connected through: Openness Innovation Cooperation The contest provides an opportunity for photographers to present visual stories showing how these values contribute to regional development, connection, and shared prosperity. What Are the Themes of the APEC Photo Contest? Photographs should reflect at least one of the three APEC China 2026 priorities. Openness Entries under this theme may highlight how openness connects people, communities, and economies across the Asia-Pacific. The strongest concept is likely to be a photograph that communicates a clear story or idea while remaining visually compelling. How to Apply for the APEC Photo Contest 2026 Participants should follow the official contest submission process and ensure that every entry complies with the published requirements.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you:

Are at least 18 years old. Are a citizen or permanent resident of one of the 21 APEC member economies. Are not part of an excluded group. Can submit original photographic work.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Photograph

Select photographs that clearly relate to at least one of: Openness Innovation Cooperation The image should support the overall theme of “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.”

Step 3: Check the Image Requirements

Before submitting, review the contest’s technical requirements and restrictions. Pay particular attention to rules concerning: Image format and specifications. Originality. Copyright and ownership. Manipulation or editing. AI-generated content. Required submission information.

Step 4: Submit Up to Three Entries

Participants may submit a maximum of three original photographs

Each photograph should comply with the contest rules and represent the participant’s own work.

Step 5: Review the Submission

Before final submission, check that all required information has been provided and that the photographs comply with the contest’s content and technical guidelines. Are AI-Generated Images Allowed? The contest includes restrictions on AI-generated and heavily manipulated images. Participants should therefore ensure that their photographs comply with the official rules before submission. A photograph should not be transformed or generated in a way that violates the contest’s requirements. If an image has undergone significant editing, participants should carefully review the applicable manipulation rules. Tips for Creating a Strong APEC Photo Contest Entry Consider the following when preparing your submission:

Tell a story: Make the relationship between the image and the APEC theme easy to understand.

Focus on people: Human interactions can communicate cooperation and cultural connections effectively.

Show real-world impact: Consider how innovation or cooperation changes people’s lives.

Use strong composition: Lighting, framing, perspective, and timing can make an entry more memorable.

Avoid generic photographs: A technically excellent photograph may be less competitive if it has no clear connection to the theme.

Think regionally: The contest celebrates the Asia-Pacific as a connected region rather than focusing only on one location.

Follow the rules: Technical violations, copyright problems, or prohibited manipulation can affect eligibility.

APEC Photo Contest 2026 at a Glance

Contest: APEC Photo Contest 2026

Host economy: China

Theme: Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together

Key priorities: Openness, Innovation, Cooperation

Eligible participants: Citizens and permanent residents of APEC economies

Minimum age: 18 years

Entries allowed: Up to 3 photographs per participant

Photograph location: Any APEC member economy

First Prize: SGD 2,500

Second Prize: SGD 2,000

Third Prize: SGD 1,500

Popular Choice Award: SGD 1,000

Influencer Award: SGD 1,000

Eligible photographers: Amateur and professional

Frequently Asked Questions Who can participate in the APEC Photo Contest 2026? Citizens and permanent residents aged 18 or above from any of the 21 APEC member economies can participate, subject to the contest’s eligibility requirements. What is the theme of the APEC Photo Contest 2026? The 2026 contest theme is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” Participants should connect their photographs with at least one of the priorities of Openness, Innovation, or Cooperation. How many photographs can one person submit? Each participant can submit up to three original photographs. Can amateur photographers enter the contest? Yes. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. What is the first prize for the APEC Photo Contest? The First Prize is SGD 2,500. Other awards include SGD 2,000 for second place, SGD 1,500 for third place, and SGD 1,000 each for the Popular Choice and Influencer Awards. Can photographs be created or heavily edited using AI? The contest has restrictions on AI-generated and heavily manipulated images. Participants should review the official technical and content rules to ensure their entries are compliant. Can I photograph a subject in another APEC economy? Yes. Submitted photographs may be