GEORGE TOWN: STARBUCKS Malaysia and Nikon Club recently announced the winners of the second segment (Q3) of the photography competition organised by Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company (Starbucks Malaysia) and Nikon Malaysia at the newly-opened Starbucks Drive-Thru outlet in Bandar Sri Pinang, Jelutong, here.
The three-part competition has separate themes for each segment.
The theme for the second segment was Rich Penang Heritage and the first-prize winner was Loo Chee Ming from Kuala Lumpur who received a Starbucks hamper worth RM1,000, 365 days of coffee, and a Nikon D3300 with kit lens 18-58mm for his shot of the Cheong Fatt Tse mansion in Leith Street.
More than 400 photographs were received for the Q3 stage of the competition organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.
The first stage (Q2) was held in Kuala Lumpur with the theme Green Kuala Lumpur.
Loo, 32, said: “I was surprised to win as this is only my second attempt.
“I sent in a few entries for this contest and I am glad this picture of the heritage mansion won the top prize.
“I will share my good fortune with my family and continue to participate in future photography contests,” said the graphic designer.
Muhamad Norli Amir Hamzah came in second, and won a Starbucks hamper worth RM700 and a Nikon J1 with 10mm lens, while Ngu Dik Sen picked up a Starbucks hamper worth RM500 and a Nikon Coolpix P330 for coming in third.
Seven other participants each received Starbucks hampers and Nikon merchandise as consolation prizes.
The winning photographs will be displayed at Starbucks outlets to promote the rich heritage of Penang.
Starbucks Malaysia public affairs and digital marketing senior manager Salleharon Ahmad said there are 174 Starbucks outlets in Malaysia and 17 are in Penang.
“Many of our stores are at tourism destinations, so we wanted to play a role in VMY 2014.
“The Starbucks Drive-Thru outlet in Bandar Sri Pinang has a panoramic view of the Penang Bridge and the coast which our customers can enjoy over coffee and other Starbucks products.
“We wanted to give photographers a platform to display their pictures and, through them, visitors can appreciate the rich heritage of Penang.”
He said Starbucks has operated for 15 years in Malaysia.
“The Drive-Thru stores allow customers to enjoy their favourite coffee as they travel around the country,” said Salleharon.
Nikon (M) general manager consumer products David Ng said Penang’s unique culture and heritage had a distinctive charm not found in other parts of the country.
“There are plenty of opportunities for shutterbugs to capture the essence of the Pearl of the Orient with their lens.
“With quality Nikon products, photographers can snap precious moments and inspire others with their the photographs,” he said.
Also present was state exco for Tourism Development and Culture Danny Law Heng Kiang.
The theme of the last stage (Q4) is Colours of Sarawak.
Those interested to participate can visit www.nikonclub.com.my for details.
