Ocean Week Brunei has opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026, alongside nominations for the Ocean Hero Award 2026 and two youth-focused initiatives, the Ocean Youth Grant 2026 and Ocean Voices: Video Competition 2026.
More than BND5,000 in prizes, grants, sponsorships and recognition will be awarded as part of this year’s programme, offering members of the public, youth, photographers, educators, community leaders and ocean advocates the opportunity to be recognised on a national platform.
Held in conjunction with World Ocean Day and ahead of Ocean Week Brunei 2026, this year’s initiatives carry the theme “Ocean of Opportunities – Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future.” The theme highlights the ocean not only as part of Brunei’s natural heritage, but also as a source of future careers, creativity, innovation, conservation and sustainable economic opportunity.
Building on the momentum of Ocean Week Brunei 2025, which brought together government stakeholders, businesses, organisations, academic institutions and youth through a series of ocean-related programmes, this year’s competitions and awards aim to encourage wider public participation in ocean storytelling, community action and blue economy awareness.
The Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026 invites participants to capture Brunei’s ocean story through imagery, heritage and visual storytelling.
Beyond scenic photography, the competition encourages entries that document meaningful moments connected to livelihoods, coastal communities, biodiversity, culture, mangroves, Kampong Ayer and the country’s growing blue economy.
Open to photographers of all backgrounds, including professionals, hobbyists, students and first-time participants, each entrant may submit up to 10 entries across three categories: Blue Economy in Action, Mangrove Ecosystems and Water Village Life (Kampong Ayer).
Winners stand to receive cash prizes of up to BND250 per category, while selected works and winning entries will be exhibited during the Brunei Ocean Exhibition (BEX) at One City Mall from 12 to 14 June 2026 as part of the wider Ocean Week Brunei programme.
Members of the public are also invited to contribute old and archival ocean-related photographs for the Ocean Heritage Showcase, a non-competitive exhibition dedicated to preserving Brunei’s maritime memories across generations. The showcase will highlight family memories, coastal traditions, fishing heritage, water village life and personal connections to the sea.
Nominations have also opened for the Ocean Hero Award 2026, which recognises individuals making meaningful contributions to ocean education, conservation, culture and community impact in Brunei.
The award celebrates those whose efforts often take place quietly within communities, including fishermen, educators, volunteers, researchers, advocates and innovators.
The recipient of the Ocean Hero Award will receive a BND500 cash prize, a sponsored dive certification and national recognition during Ocean Week Brunei 2026. Nominations are open until 14 June 2026.
To support youth-led ocean action, the Ocean Youth Grant 2026 will provide a BND3,000 project grant to a young Bruneian or youth-led team with ideas related to marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, eco-tourism, ocean education or community-based solutions.
Beyond funding, the selected recipient will receive mentorship in sustainability, blue economy development and business innovation, as well as opportunities to network with ocean leaders, industry stakeholders and conservation practitioners. The supported project will also be featured during Ocean Gala Night 2026.
Youth aged 12 to 21 are also invited to participate in Ocean Voices: Video Competition 2026 by creating short videos that share their perspectives on the future of the ocean. Participants may choose from three themes: Ocean Jobs, Protect Our Ocean, or If the Ocean Could Speak.
Videos must be no longer than 90 seconds and submitted in MP4 or MOV format with clear English narration. The competition aims to provide a platform for young people to express ideas through storytelling and digital creativity while encouraging them to see the ocean as a space for careers, innovation and national opportunity.
Through the photography competition, Ocean Hero Award, Ocean Youth Grant, Ocean Voices initiative and Heritage Showcase, Ocean Week Brunei seeks to inspire greater public engagement and appreciation of the ocean as part of Brunei’s identity, heritage and future.
The initiatives encourage more Bruneians to participate, submit ideas, nominate deserving individuals and share their stories, contributing to stronger ocean awareness and stewardship.
Ocean Week Brunei 2026 aims to continue building a national platform for ocean conservation, youth leadership, creative expression, blue economy development and long-term sustainability.
For more information, submission details and nomination updates, members of the public can follow Ocean Week Brunei on social media.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
