APEC Launches 2026 Photo Contest Celebrating Openness, Innovation and Cooperation Across Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has launched its 2026 Photo Contest, calling on amateur and professional photographers from across its 21 member economies to capture the region through the themes of openness, innovation and cooperation.

Now in its 15th year, the annual competition aims to highlight the diversity, creativity and shared aspirations of the Asia Pacific while reflecting the priorities of APEC China 2026 under the theme, "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together."

This year's contest encourages participants to document the connections between people, communities and economies, showcase innovations transforming industries and everyday life, and highlight examples of collaboration that strengthen communities across the region. From bustling cities and advanced manufacturing to rural communities and cultural traditions, APEC is seeking photographs that tell authentic stories of life across the Asia Pacific.

The competition is open to citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above from all 21 APEC member economies, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Viet Nam. Professional photography experience is not required, with entries welcomed from both amateur and experienced photographers.

Participants may submit up to three photographs, with winners competing for cash prizes of up to SGD2,500. In addition to first, second and third prizes, APEC will also present a Popular Choice Award and an Influencer Award, each carrying a prize of SGD1,000.

The 10 finalist photographs will be featured across APEC's digital platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and TikTok, with members of the public invited to vote for their favourite image in the Popular Choice category. Winners will be announced during APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Shenzhen, China, in November 2026.

First held in 2011, the APEC Photo Contest has become one of the organisation's flagship public engagement initiatives, offering photographers an opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity, economic transformation and shared experiences of the Asia Pacific while promoting greater understanding of APEC's work in advancing regional economic cooperation.