• Open to aspiring and professional photographers
• New category for participants from Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam

Singapore, 29th July 2008 — Epson, a world leader in digital imaging, has launched an exciting photography contest which aims to encourage and promote digital imaging endeavours.

The Color Imaging Contest 2008, which is sponsored by Seiko Epson Corporation and Epson Group Companies, is being launched in Singapore and throughout Asia Pacific including Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Open to all aspiring and professional photographers, Epson is giving them the opportunity to win a fantastic total of S$100,000 in prizes.  Now in its' 15th year, the contest will also allow participants to display their creative talents to the fullest.

Color Imaging Contest
Epson believes that the contest illustrates the growing importance of imaging in people's lifestyles, and has also helped to establish Epson as a major player in the market for photo and imaging products.  With a wide range of printers, inks and paper developed to meet the stringent needs of photographers, the company appeals to both amateur and professional camera enthusiasts on the quality and usability of its products.

Within the Color Imaging Contest there are two categories, "Photography" and "Graphics". The Photography Category aims to showcase works produced digitally and that demonstrates a free approach to photographic expression.   The Graphics Category aims to showcase works exploring a wide genre of mediums ranging from digital design and computer graphics to brushwork, prints, illustrations, and typography. Renowned Japanese photographers will judge all entries in Japan. 

The Grand Prize winner will receive two million yen (approximately S$25,400) and an Epson product, the second prize winner will receive one million yen (approximately S$12,700) and an Epson product.  There are also many other prizes for those who enter the photography and graphics category.

Regional Award
Epson has also introduced a new regional award to this year's contest.  Photographers and graphic artists from Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam will compete for this award.  The Regional Grand Prize winner will receive S$5,000 and an Epson product, the second prize winner will receive S$2,000 and an Epson product. 

Award-winning entries that receive top awards will be invited to the award ceremony in Japan.   Works of winning entries* will also be published in a catalogue produced by Seiko Epson Corporation.

Collaboration between Epson Singapore and Cathay Photo
To offer more convenience for the participants in Singapore, Epson Singapore has embarked on a collaborative effort with Cathay Photo, one of the largest retailers & distributors of photographic equipment in Singapore today.

Besides the Epson Solution Centre, participants can also submit their entries to Cathay Photo's retail outlet at Peninsula Plaza (from Monday to Thursday, 11am to 6pm).

Printing services are also available at Cathay Photo, which has in recent years taken major steps in moving towards the realm of digital photography, digital imaging and IT.  For any enquiries on its range of products or services, please contact Cathay Photo at 6338 0451.

Submission of entries
All entries must be submitted either to the Epson Solution Centre, 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place, #03-18/19, Singapore 238880 or to Cathay Photo Store (Pte) Ltd, 111 North Bridge Road, Peninsula Plaza, #01-07/08, Singapore 179098 no later than 29 August 2008.
 
Epson's Color Imaging Contest award winners will be announced in mid November 2008 and announced on the Epson website at www.epson.com.sg. 

For further information about the Color Imaging Contest 2008, please contact Epson Solution Centre at 6586 5598 or alternatively, download the information and application form at www.epson.com.sg. 

Note: Winners of the top awards will be invited to the award ceremony in Tokyo, Japan which will take place on December 18, 2008.  Works will also be exhibited in Tokyo, Japan from December 18-27 2008. 

* Only works of winning entries from the main contest will be published in a catalogue produced by Seiko Epson Corporation.

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About Epson
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.

Epson is a network of 88,925 employees in 109 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1,347 billion yen in fiscal 2007.

About Epson Singapore
Epson is the world's leader in digital imaging solutions. The company's Singapore operation is also the Regional Headquarters of Seiko Epson Corporation. The company markets and supports Epson printers, scanners, projectors, electronic devices including liquid crystal displays, semiconductors and system devices in South East and South Asia.  For more details, please visit www.epson.com.sg

Media Enquiries:
Ms Charlie Loke
Epson Singapore
Tel: 6586 5536 
Email: cloke@esp.epson.com.sg

Mr Jason Lee
Citigate Dewe Rogerson, i.MAGE
Tel: 6534 5122
Email: jason.lee@citigatedrimage.com