Now in its 15th year, the APEC Photo Contest showcases inspiring images from across the 21 APEC member economies, through the eyes of photographers who capture the theme and priorities of the current APEC host economy.
How do you envision the APEC China 2026 theme "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together"? You are welcome to show your interpretation of the following APEC China 2026 priorities and inspire people through your photography:
Openness
Capture the connections that link people, communities and economies across borders. Show how openness creates opportunities, strengthens understanding and helps build a more connected Asia-Pacific.
Innovation
Reveal the ideas, technologies and creative solutions that are shaping the future. From digital transformation to everyday ingenuity, show people how innovation is improving lives and unlocking new possibilities.
Cooperation
Celebrate the power of working together. Share moments that highlight partnership, collaboration and collective action in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the region.
Prizes to be won
First Prize – SGD 2,500
Second Prize – SGD 2,000
Third Prize – SGD 1,500
Popular Choice Award – SGD 1,000
Influencer Award – SGD 1,000
Photo submission deadline
13 September 2026, 23:59 (SGT)
Contest timeline & winner selection
Photo submission deadline: 13 September 2026, 23:59 (SGT)
Participants agree that the APEC Secretariat will feature the 10 selected finalist photos on APEC's social media channels: Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook and TikTok. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges.
The 10 selected finalists will also have the chance to win the Popular Choice Award on top of the main prize. Members of the public will choose their favorite photo to win the Popular Choice Award via a link posted on the APEC website and social media channels, starting from 1 October 2026 at 10:00 (SGT) and closing on 30 October 2026 at 17:00 (SGT).
Winners of the photo contest will be announced during APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Shenzhen, People's Republic of China, during the week of 16 November 2026. Results will be published on the APEC website and on APEC's social media channels.
Eligibility
Participation is open to all citizens or permanent residents of any of the 21 APEC member economies: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; the Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States; and Viet Nam.
Participants must be aged 18 or above at the time of submission. Where local laws define the age of majority differently, the higher threshold applies. No professional photography background is required. Entries from amateur and professional photographers are equally welcome.
More information about the contest can be found at:
https://www.apec.org/press/apec-photo-contest/apec-photo-contest-2026
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Photo | APEC Secretariat
