Promoting photographic art

Since its inception, PSS has enjoyed a considerable international success. In 1980, it organised the World Photographic Congress, one of the most prestigious photographic events in South-east Asia. More than 100 amateur and professional photographers worldwide attended the event.

In 1997, PSS organised an exhibition of works by Magnum photographer Hiroji Kubota at its Loke Wan Tho Gallery in Selegie Arts Centre. The exhibition, which included a number of prints two metres long, were so large that they stretched to the second level of the premises. In the same year, PSS also organised an exhibition of works by the former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto at the Shangri-la Hotel with the support of the Japanese Embassy.

The biennial Photo & Imaging Asia exhibition, first started by PSS in 2001, is yet another high-profile event. It offers photographers the opportunity to share their knowledge and techniques through exhibitions, talks and exchanges. At the same time, it provides a platform for companies in the trade to showcase their latest equipment and technology.

PSS also spearheaded the steering committee for ClickArt: World Photojournalists Meet, held in conjunction with Photo & Imaging Asia 2003. The event included talks and workshops by several well-established practitioners, including National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry. Prior to this, together with the Royal Dutch Embassy in Singapore, PSS hosted the World Press Photo Exhibition showcasing the works of world-renowned photojournalists.

PSS has also played a pivotal role in promoting cooperation among the photographic community. Together with four other local photographic clubs, PSS contributed significantly towards the publication of a coffee-table book, To Singapore with Love. Initiated by PSS honorary chairman Kwek Leng Joo BBM, the book was a national photo project to celebrate Singapore’s 40th Anniversary. 

In 2007, PSS published a coffee-table book titled Harmony of Minds – Celebrating Interfaith in Singapore to promote inter-religious harmony through the art of photography. The brainchild of PSS and the first of its kind in Singapore, the book contains pictures accompanied by religious sayings from the nations’ 10 major faiths. The publication is intended to promote universal values, and the project’s advisor Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan is one of the contributing photographers. Others include former Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Communications and the Arts Yatiman Yusof and PSS honorary chairman Mr Kwek..

Limited editions of Harmony of Minds were autographed by His Excellency President S R Nathan and presented to 10 sponsors, who had each donated $10,000 towards its production. Together with proceeds from the book sales, a total of about $130,000 was contributed towards President’s Challenge 2007 to help needy Singaporeans.

This was not the first time PSS has used photography for the purpose of charity. It has also raised funds for Dover Park Hospice and the Breast Cancer Foundation.