In partnership with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) across Singapore, the SUSS Production Interest Group (PDIG) organised the highly-anticipated Chinese New Year Photowalk, which took place in Chinatown on 18 January 2025. This collaboration prominently featured the talents of members from SMU Photography Society (SMUAIC), NP Photography Club (NPPC), SP Photography Club (SPP) and SUSS PDIG, along with members of the public, with the intent of uniting photography enthusiasts for knowledge exchange and growing networks across the IHLs, while appreciating local culture during the festive season.
Palma Gilliana Cardenas from SUSS admiring the scenery around Chinatown. (Taken by: Wang Jae Qyiu Gautier)
Spanning across four iconic landmarks, the trail took three hours to complete and included significant places such as the Chinatown Complex and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. These stopovers were relevant in challenging participants to apply existing photography skills or learn new techniques with the support of fellow peers. Participants gathered outside Chinatown MRT early that Saturday morning and the Photowalk commenced with the first destination; the People’s Park Complex. Most attendees were drawn to this location's industrial ambience, resulting in shots incorporating the main establishment and other surrounding buildings. Others were already strategising shots at the remaining locations, facilitating a healthy knowledge exchange.
Photowalk attendees gather to take a group photo with their equipment. (Taken by: Yu Kim Reed)
Chinatown Complex was the third location participants visited. Nestled in the heart of Chinatown and surrounded by small stalls, students dispersed among the crowds as a means of capturing scenery unique to street photography. “I do a lot of street photography, so Chinatown is one of my favourite places to visit,” said SMU student, Nicholas Bay. Despite making frequent visits to this area, he believes that everyone who goes for photo taking will always have a unique perspective of Chinatown. “No photo is ever the same,” he said.
Pagoda House captured by participants during the Photowalk. (Taken by: Sneha Angelin)
Soon, students left the first destination and witnessed stunning sites along Pagoda Street. From preserved shophouses of colours to intricately hand-painted murals, it was a sight of Chinatown straight from the past—an opportunity for capturing stills representing local heritage.
For longtime hobbyists like Chester Ang, a Year 2 student from SUSS BA Sociology, visiting these locations also meant snapping the human interactions that made Chinatown heritage even more special. “Taking photos of such places feels genuine to me. Seeing snippets of authentic Chinatown is very heartening,” said Chester.
A scenic shot of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple from a higher viewpoint. (Taken by: Yu Kim Reed)
The Photowalk was wrapped up at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, where students had the chance to enter and respectfully observe the relics stored inside, afterwards with some aerial shots taken from nearby residential blocks. PDIG member Lester Thomas beautifully summarised the experience saying, “Making new friends and sharing each other’s works is the community aspect that makes these events very enjoyable. Collaborating with the other institutes was a great way for me to meet new people.”
Koh Yuan Ting from SUSS PDIG briefing the attendees before entering the temple. (Taken by: Yu Kim Reed)
Much gratitude to the students who brought along not just their phones and cameras but also their adventurous spirit and curiosity, as well as the Executive Committees of the participating IHLs, and SUSS PDIG who made the entire collaboration possible. Hope you look forward to making new memories at the next PDIG Photowalk.