The annual theme for this edition is "Moments of Connection: Smiles and Hands of the Asia-Pacific." This theme aligns directly with the official 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting slogan, "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," with a specific focus on cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. Regarding the creative focus, the exhibition will center on the integration of humanity, economy, society, and nature. It aims to display real-world interactions such as collaboration, trade, mutual assistance, and cultural exchange, using the imagery of "smiles and hands" to represent a shared destiny and inclusive prosperity in the region.. Here’s what we’re looking for:

1. Exploring Asian transformations:

Through your lens, reveal the social, economic, environmental, and cultural shifts that are shaping the continent’s future. From the buzz of megacities to the quiet resilience of rural landscapes, let your images reflect Asia’s modernization, urbanization, and technological strides, without forgetting the legacy of its ancestral roots.

2. Showcasing Asian stories:

Every picture tells a story, and every story is a glimpse into the soul of Asia. We’re seeking images that articulate the tale of Asia — its people, its communities. Share the tales of resilience, of overcoming, of thriving against all odds. Let your photographs be a testament to the courage and hope that define the regional spirit.

3. Emphasizing Asian diversity:

Asia’s beauty lies in its variety. Its regions, cultures, and peoples make it a mosaic of life. We challenge you to document this diversity, to celebrate both the contrasts and the connections. Through your submissions, help the world appreciate the complexities and simplicities of Asia’s transformational journey. Join us on this quest to communicate stories of progress, aspiration and the force of transformation within the Asian region, and be part of an exciting cross-cultural exchange!