International Youth Photography Competition Celebrates Young Talent

The “Witnessing the Present” International Youth Photography Competition culminated in a vibrant award ceremony held on August 17, 2025, at the Inter Art Center/Gallery in Beijing’s renowned 798 Art District. Organized by the Singapore Good Soil Foundation in partnership with the Inter Art Center/Gallery, the competition invited participants aged 15 to 22 from around the globe to share their views on contemporary life and their aspirations through photography.

A Platform for Young Artists

The ceremony featured speeches from key figures, including Ms. Faye Lo, Founder of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, and Mr. Na Risong, Artistic Director and Curator of the Inter Art Center. Mr. Na articulated the vision behind the competition, emphasizing the importance of fostering a space for young photographers to express their creativity and insights.

Attendees included notable personalities from the photography and cultural sectors, such as renowned photographers Zhu Xianmin and Wang Wenlan, media professionals, and educators, creating a rich environment for artistic exchange. The event also welcomed various representatives from foundations and educational institutions, showcasing a collective commitment to nurturing young talent.

Global Engagement and Diverse Perspectives

Since its inception, the competition has garnered significant interest, attracting participants from countries including China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and the United States. Contestants ranged from the age of 15 to 22, with the youngest participant only 15 years old. The judging panel consisted of international experts, including Mr. Edmund Clark, a British video artist, and Mr. James Ramer, an American photographer and educator.

The awards recognized outstanding creativity, with the top three prizes awarded to:

• First Prize: Chen Beiting for “Traces of Light”
• Second Prize: Chen Yumeng for “Where the Light Ends”
• Third Prize (Tie): Huang Anni for “Butterfly Prison” and Li Yuxiang for “Yu Hui”

Each winning piece illustrated unique narratives shaped by personal experiences, cultural reflections, and artistic exploration.

Reflections on Growth and Identity

In her winning series, “Traces of Light,” Chen Beiting captured the essence of memory and home, revealing the emotional journey of revisiting cherished locations from her childhood in Guilin. She expressed how distance has deepened her understanding of family and belonging.

Chen Yumeng‘s “Where the Light Ends” offered a visual diary of life through fragmented perspectives. She eloquently depicted the intersection of chaos and beauty in everyday moments, inviting viewers to reflect on the poetry of existence.

Meanwhile, Huang Anni‘s “Butterfly Prison” explored the tension between tradition and modernity, particularly within the context of female identity in Guangdong’s clan-based culture. Her work aimed to inspire confidence among women, challenging societal norms through powerful imagery.

Li Yuxiang captured the innocence of childhood in “Yu Hui,” documenting the joyful and carefree moments of her seven-year-old nephew. Her photographs highlighted the beauty of unfiltered exploration, emphasizing the freedom and wonder inherent in youth.

The competition not only celebrated artistic talent but also fostered a global dialogue on youth experiences and aspirations. By providing a platform for young voices, the “Witnessing the Present” competition plays a vital role in encouraging the next generation of artists to share their stories and perspectives.

For more information about the Singapore Good Soil Foundation and its initiatives, interested individuals can visit their social media platforms on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.