APEC Photo Contest 2026 Announces 10 Finalists

Ten photographs have been shortlisted from more than 1,700 entries submitted for the APEC Photo Contest 2026, with the winners set to be announced during APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Shenzhen, China, in November.

The finalists capture life across the Asia-Pacific, reflecting this year’s APEC theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together” and the region’s shared priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation.

“This year’s top 10 photographs capture the realities that are critical today," said Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat.

“From the food we eat to the traditions we pass down, these photographs show what matters to communities across the Asia-Pacific. They remind us that trade is about more than economic growth. It shapes our livelihoods, well-being and our future.”

An international judging panel will select the top three photographs, with the first place winner receiving SGD 2,500, followed by SGD 2,000 for second place and SGD 1,500 for third.

The judging panel comprises Ambassador Chen Xu, Chair of the 2026 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting; Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat; Mast Irham, a photojournalist with the European Pressphoto Agency whose work has appeared in the TIME; and photographer Antonio Escalante Loredo, whose work has featured in the Financial Times.

Members of the public can browse the short-listed finalists and vote for their favorite photo for the Popular Choice Award through the official voting page. Voting closes on 30 October 2026 and the photo that gains the most votes will receive SGD1,000.

Additionally, the photograph with the most engagement on social media will win the Influencer Award with the prize of SGD1,000.