JOHOR BARU: The Photographic Society of Johor (PSJ) urged Malaysian and Singaporean photographers to share their works of art on an online platform in a bid to celebrate the two nations' shared cultures and heritage.
PSJ special adviser Michael Tay Chee Boon said photography could be a medium used to strengthen ties between peoples from the two neighbouring countries.
He said the geography, history and culture of Malaysians and Singaporeans were intertwined.
"The people-to-people relations between both countries could be further enhanced through art and culture, including the photography medium.
"Though there are issues that crop up between the two nations sometime, our love for photography can unite us.
"In a globalised world, we can upload our photographs online and share them with the world," Tay said during a Chinese New Year and prize-giving event for a photography competition organised by the society at Tropical Inn here yesterday.
Also present were Singapore Consul-General to Johor Baru, Rajpal Singh, consul Gavin Ang, PSJ president Tang King Huat, vice president Kee Jwee Hiong and award-winning photographer from Singapore, Foo Tee Jun.
Tay presented a trophy to Sin Chew Daily photographer Edmund Lek, 51, for winning the top prize for a competition opened to Malaysian and Singapore photographers themed "Martial Arts".
Meanwhile, Rajpal said that connectivity which will offered by the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and High Speed Rail (HSR) will only enhance the current bilateral ties, bringing economic growth to both Malaysia and Singapore.
"People in Kuala Lumpur can work in Singapore, and people in Singapore can even buy properties in Kuala Lumpur as the travelling time will be shortened with the HSR." Rajpal said.