The Southern Glory wreck. - Photo: Poni Divers
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Ocean Week Brunei is organising the first-ever underwater and land photography competition, Brunei Ocean Shootout (BOSH) 2025 – a landmark event that combines underwater and above-water photography, videography, and ocean-inspired art workshops to showcase the Sultanate’s rich marine biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism.
BOSH 2025 is organised by Ocean Week Brunei in partnership with Brunei Tourism under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) with support from Poni Divers and international diving equipment brands Inon Japan, X Adventurer, MiniGear and WeeFine.
The inaugural event invites photographers – professional, amateur or beginner – as well as divers, videographers and marine enthusiasts to compete for top prizes while highlighting the importance of ocean conservation.
This year’s Ocean Week Brunei theme ‘Beneath the Waves: Careers and Creativity in the Deep’ aims to highlight the diverse career paths and artistic opportunities tied to marine environments – from science and photography to storytelling and ocean advocacy.
In line with this, the marine life spotlight for 2025 is sea turtles, drawing attention to their ecological significance and the importance of their conservation in Brunei and the region.
Flying in for BOSH 2025 are acclaimed underwater photography and art experts Ram Yoro from the Philippines and Zul Ng and Pauline Wong from Singapore. Their presence offers a rare opportunity for local participants to learn directly from some of the region’s most respected creatives in the field.
The programme will begin with a workshop led by Ram Yoro from May 3 to 12 focused on wide-angle underwater photography and videography, as well as land-based videography including action cam and mobile phone use.
The official Brunei Ocean Shootout competition period will take place from May 29 to June 5, providing an extended window for the participants to capture compelling underwater and coastal imagery across Brunei’s diverse marine and shoreline environments.
From May 30 to June 5, participants can also join workshops with experts Zul Ng and Pauline Wong, covering advanced underwater photography, land-based techniques and ocean-themed art sessions.
The event will culminate in the Brunei Ocean Exhibit from June 6 to 8 at OneCity Shopping Centre, where selected entries will be showcased to the public alongside art demonstrations.
The winners will be announced on World Ocean Day, June 8. BOSH 2025 is not limited to divers – it is also open to land-based photographers and videographers through the above-water categories, including scenic coastal photography and photojournalism.
Participants do not need to enter the water to capture powerful stories celebrating Brunei’s connection to the ocean.
The participants will compete for top honours in the categories of best underwater macro, best underwater wide-angle, best above-water photojournalism, best above-water scenic shot, and best 1-minute ocean film – underwater and above-water.
The winning entries will be recognised for technical skill, creativity and impact.
Prizes valued at over BND5,000 will be awarded with support from Inon Japan, WeeFine, MiniGear, X Adventurer and Poni Divers, with winners receiving professional-grade media equipment.
To broaden public engagement, BOSH 2025 will feature a series of ocean art workshops open to youth, aspiring creatives, and non-divers.
These hands-on sessions – including realistic sketching, scratch art, and wood burning on driftwood – offer accessible, creative pathways for the public to connect with the ocean and marine conservation.
By linking art and storytelling with the ocean, these activities support Ocean Week Brunei’s wider goal of inspiring awareness and participation from all walks of life – not just divers – through the theme ‘Beneath the Waves: Careers and Creativity in the Deep.’ - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
