Local Dentist Wins West Africa Exploration Trip in City in a Garden Photography Competition 'Vision for Tomorrow' Beats Over 5,000 Entries in Year-Long Competition

Singapore, 14 July 2012 - Local dentist cum prolific nature photographer and writer, Dr Chua Ee Kiam, beat over 5,487 other submissions to win the top prize in the year-long City in a Garden photography competition - an all expenses paid expedition to Burkina Faso, West Africa, worth $20,000 sponsored by Clarins, a Lumix G system camera worth S$1,499 sponsored by Panasonic, and S$3,000 cash. Organised by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Photographic Society of Singapore, the competition was launched on 2 July 2011 in celebration of Singapore's efforts in enhancing our greenery and biodiversity.

Dr Chua received his prize from Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of State for National Development and Manpower, at the Singapore Garden Festival 2012 on 14 July 2012.  Also present at the ceremony to receive their prizes were 8-year old Liyana Niaz and 7-year old Kaisah Itqan Binte Ahmad Iskandar, who won 1^st and 2^nd prize in the Junior category respectively. 66 winning entries from the competition are displayed at the Festival on Level 4 of Suntec Convention Centre. (please refer to accompanying factsheet on the Festival)

A long time volunteer of the NParks, Dr Chua has authored six nature-related coffee table books, including his most recent publication "Wetlands in the City" on Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. On his winning photograph 'Vision for Tomorrow', he said: "It revolves around a young lady gazing ahead towards her dream for tomorrow. She envisions a modern city surrounded by trees and lush greenery. Many people are not aware of the consequences of destruction of our natural habitats and some simply don't care. Hence, we ought to do our part to educate them. Only then, can we hold on to our 'Vision for Tomorrow' - a vision for a better world ahead".

The year-long photography competition invited participants to capture the essence of our City in a Garden in four themes: Our Parks and Gardens, Trees and Forests, BiodiverCity, and My City in a Garden. The competition attracted 5,488 submissions from 1,495 participants for the Open and Junior Categories.
(please refer to accompanying factsheet on the competition)

Dr Chua's photograph was selected among the top photographs of the four themes. Mr David P C Tay, President of The Photographic Society of Singapore, said, "We are impressed by the standard of photography. Some participants have been rather creative and experimental. They have provided fresh perspectives for the themes of the competition. The winning photograph is interesting as it included a human element, using an eye to give a perspective of a City in a Garden."

On his win, Dr. Chua said: "I am honoured to receive the overall best photograph in the competition. I am raring to go to Burkina Faso for new photographic opportunities and bring back with me exciting images and experiences to share". The special expedition to West Africa will enable Dr. Chua to explore Burkina Faso, one of West African countries with the largest faunal population, alongside Clarins' key ethno-botanist, Jean-Pierre Nicolas.

During the trip, Dr Chua will not only be able to photograph the rich wildlife of Burkina Faso, but also learn how Clarins and Jardin du Monde work with local villagers on re-building wells, schools and improving access to water.  Mr Nicolas will also show how he trains villagers to better use and grow medicinal plants. Jardin du Monde is an association created by Jean-Pierre Nicolas. Supported continuously since 2004 by Clarins, the association is dedicated to restoring traditional medicinal plants for the rural population who has no access to modern medicine.