A Royal Invitation to Experience Terengganu
I extend my sincere appreciation to all who have participated in the Sultan Mizan International Photography Awards, and my congratulations to our winners. Your contributions have helped share the beauty of Terengganu with the world.
Through underwater and topside photography, I hope the awards will continue to inspire photographers to capture not only the wonders beneath our waters, but also the landscapes, wildlife, traditions and daily lives of our people.
As we look towards Visit Terengganu Year 2027, I warmly invite visitors to discover our state's many treasures, from the crystal-clear waters of Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Redang and Kapas, and the vibrant marine life of Tenggol, to the peaceful wetlands of Setiu, majestic Lake Kenyir and the charm of Kuala Terengganu.
Terengganu's heritage is equally precious. The artistry of batik and songket, the craftsmanship of traditional brassware and boatbuilding, and the colourful beauty of our wau reflect the skills and traditions passed down through generations. Our fishing villages, local cuisine and golden sunrises over the South China Sea offer glimpses into the daily lives of our people and the enduring character of our state.
Through photography, we have an opportunity to preserve precious moments, celebrate our heritage and share the stories of Terengganu with the world. I hope the Sultan Mizan International Photography Awards will continue to nurture this appreciation and encourage photographers to see and capture our state in their own distinctive ways.
May your time in Terengganu bring meaningful experiences, lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of the beauty of our land and the warmth of our people."
AL-WATHIQU BILLAH
SULTAN MIZAN ZAINAL ABIDIN
Sultan of Terengganu
Founder and Royal Patron
ABOUT
‘A Non Profit Initiative’
SULTAN MIZAN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS is an annual competition celebrating the artistry of photography across various categories, capturing the essence of Terengganu as a whole. Established in 2023 by His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan of Terengganu and chaired by Mr. Eric Goh, the awards have evolved into one of the major events on the annual calendar, now organized by Terengganu Tourism.
Originally launched as SULTAN MIZAN UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS, the event initially focused on showcasing the breathtaking underwater beauty of Terengganu. However, following successful editions in 2023, 2024 and 2025, it expanded beyond its underwater roots to include topside categories, highlighting heritage, people, nature, craft, culture, and wildlife. This transformation allows photographers to capture Terengganu’s rich traditions, remarkable landscapes, and diverse ecosystems, both above and beneath the water.
As a non-profit initiative, the competition continues to foster appreciation for marine and terrestrial conservation while celebrating artistic excellence in Terengganu.
The prize presentation ceremonies will be graced by the esteemed presence of His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan of Terengganu
ABOUT
‘A Non Profit Initiative’
SULTAN MIZAN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS is an annual competition celebrating the artistry of photography across various categories, capturing the essence of Terengganu as a whole. Established in 2023 by His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan of Terengganu and chaired by Mr. Eric Goh, the awards have evolved into one of the major events on the annual calendar, now organized by Terengganu Tourism.
Originally launched as SULTAN MIZAN UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS, the event initially focused on showcasing the breathtaking underwater beauty of Terengganu. However, following successful editions in 2023 and 2024, it expanded beyond its underwater roots to include topside categories, highlighting heritage, people, nature, craft, culture, and wildlife. This transformation allows photographers to capture Terengganu’s rich traditions, remarkable landscapes, and diverse ecosystems, both above and beneath the water.
As a non-profit initiative, the competition continues to foster appreciation for marine and terrestrial conservation while celebrating artistic excellence in Terengganu.
The prize presentation ceremonies will be graced by the esteemed presence of His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan of Terengganu
5 CATEGORIES ENTRY
How to Join
UNDERWATER
WIDE ANGLE
UNDERWATER
MACRO
NATURE &
WILDLIFE
HERITAGE,
CULTURE & PEOPLE
SHORT
FILM
ASPIRATION
Harnessing the Transformative Power of Photography
The Sultan Mizan International Photography Awards harness the transformative power of photography to celebrate Terengganu’s breathtaking landscapes, pristine islands, thriving marine life, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From its vibrant ecosystems to its cherished artisanal traditions—including boat building, batik, songket weaving, and brasswork—the awards inspire photographers and travelers to explore and document the region’s beauty. Through these images, we hope to cultivate appreciation, love, and understanding—igniting a commitment to conservation and sustainable stewardship that safeguards Terengganu’s natural and cultural legacy for generations to come.
ASPIRATION
Harnessing the Transformative Power of Photography
The Sultan Mizan International Photography Awards harness the transformative power of photography to celebrate Terengganu’s breathtaking landscapes, pristine islands, thriving marine life, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From its vibrant ecosystems to its cherished artisanal traditions—including boat building, batik, songket weaving, and brasswork—the awards inspire photographers and travelers to explore and document the region’s beauty. Through these images, we hope to cultivate appreciation, love, and understanding—igniting a commitment to conservation and sustainable stewardship that safeguards Terengganu’s natural and cultural legacy for generations to come.
Meet Our Judges
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
COORDINATORS
Discover Terengganu through the knowledge of local specialists who can help photographers connect with the state’s heritage, birdlife, wildlife, underwater world and natural landscapes.
01 | HERITAGE & CULTURE
Alex Lee
Alex Lee Yun Ping is the founder of Terrapuri Heritage Village and Terramalai, and has worked closely with Terengganu Tourism on numerous events. His knowledge of Terengganu’s heritage spans traditional Malay architecture, historic houses and local craftsmanship.
Alex can connect photographers with wau makers, Terengganu brassware artisans, songket weavers, batik makers and other cultural practitioners. As a Photography Experience Coordinator for the Sultan Mizan International Photography Awards, he helps visitors discover heritage photography opportunities, connect with local communities and arrange cultural visits where permitted. His local knowledge offers photographers a meaningful way to explore Terengganu’s traditions, craftsmanship and cultural identity through photography.
02 | BIRDS OF TERENGGANU
Anuar McAfee
Anuar McAfee is an academic, conservationist and ornithologist at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), where he has served as Director of the International Centre since 2014. An active member of the Malaysian Nature Society for over 20 years, he has co-organised Terengganu’s Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest for more than a decade. He is the author of Birds of Terengganu, published in English and Mandarin, which received the Anugerah Buku Negara 2025.
Anuar can help photographers discover Terengganu’s birdlife by sharing knowledge of birdwatching locations, habitats, resident and migratory species, and seasonal opportunities. His experience in conservation and bird research offers valuable guidance for visitors seeking to photograph the state’s rich avian biodiversity.
03 | UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Eric Goh
Eric Goh is a professional underwater photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing the beauty and biodiversity of the marine world. He dives frequently in Terengganu’s waters, giving him first-hand knowledge of its dive sites and marine life. He is the author of Terengganu Islands & State Parks, published with the support of the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation.
His photography has featured in international publications and tourism and conservation initiatives, including billboard campaigns promoting Terengganu tourism. Eric has served as a judge for international photography competitions, including the Sultan Mizan International Photography Awards, and regularly delivers seminars and talks at international photography events. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Royal Photography Foundation. Through his experience and local knowledge, he helps photographers discover Terengganu’s underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity.
04 | NATURE & WILDLIFE
Mohd Khairul
Mohd Khairul bin Abu Bakar has 27 years of experience in ecotourism and outdoor recreation. A licensed Nature Guide since 2006, he has received multiple national and state awards, including the Malaysia Gold Award – Nature Guide in 2022. Based at Tasik Kenyir, he has extensive experience in cave exploration and was involved in notable discoveries, including the Bewah New Chamber and work associated with the discovery of “Bewah Man”, Malaysia’s oldest known prehistoric human remains.
Khairul helps visitors discover Terengganu’s natural landscapes, wildlife and hidden wonders. Through his extensive field experience, he can also help arrange nature-guiding experiences, cave explorations, climbing activities and other outdoor adventures, offering photographers opportunities to explore and capture Terengganu’s natural environment.
Organizer
(Tourism Terengganu)
Principal Sponsor
Official Sponsors
