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BORNEO PHOTO MARATHON 2026

Terms & Conditions

Event Date: 20 December 2026
Location: Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Organiser: SIPVA - SPAS
Official Event: Borneo Photo Marathon 2026

By registering for and/or participating in the Borneo Photo Marathon 2026 (“Event”), each participant (“Participant”) is deemed to have read, understood and agreed to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, the Competition Rules, the Event Safety Guidelines and any instructions issued by the Organiser on the Event day.

Organiser

This event is managed by Reel F.X.Studio (106800) (the “Organiser”).

B426-B432, 3rd Floor, ICOME Square, Jalan Pending, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak

References in these terms to the Organiser mean this company, acting for the event.

1. Eligibility

  1. 1.1 The Event is open to photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, students, amateur photographers and professional photographers.
  2. 1.2 Participants of all nationalities are welcome to participate, subject to applicable Malaysian laws and immigration requirements.
  3. 1.3 Participants must satisfy the minimum age requirements specified for their selected category at the time of registration.
  4. 1.4 Participants below 18 years of age must obtain the written consent of a parent or legal guardian in the form prescribed by the Organiser.
  5. 1.5 Employees of the Organiser, its appointed agencies, sponsors, judges, official partners and their immediate family members may be excluded from participating in the competition where determined by the Organiser.
  6. 1.6 The Organiser reserves the right to verify the identity and eligibility of any Participant and may require a valid government-issued identification document, passport or other supporting documentation.

2. Registration

  1. 2.1 Participation is subject to successful registration and payment of the applicable registration fee, where applicable.
  2. 2.2 Registration is subject to availability and may close once the maximum number of Participants has been reached.
  3. 2.3 Registration is personal to the Participant and is not transferable unless otherwise approved in writing by the Organiser.
  4. 2.4 Registration fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation, non-attendance, late arrival or failure to complete the Event, except where the Organiser expressly determines otherwise.
  5. 2.5 Participants are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted during registration is accurate and complete.
  6. 2.6 The Organiser reserves the right to reject or cancel any registration containing false, incomplete, misleading or inaccurate information.

3. Event Format

  1. 3.1 Borneo Photo Marathon is an on-the-spot photography competition conducted within a defined period and designated competition area in and around Kuching.
  2. 3.2 Participants will be given a series of photographic themes during the Event.
  3. 3.3 The themes will be announced by the Organiser at designated times on the Event day.
  4. 3.4 Participants must capture their photographs after the relevant theme has been announced and within the specified submission period.
  5. 3.5 Each Participant may submit only one (1) photograph for each theme, unless otherwise stated by the Organiser.
  6. 3.6 Each submitted photograph must be taken by the Participant personally.
  7. 3.7 Photographs taken before the relevant theme is announced are not eligible for submission.
  8. 3.8 Participants must comply with all submission deadlines. Late submissions may be rejected automatically.
  9. 3.9 The Organiser may establish designated shooting zones, checkpoints or other geographical limitations for individual themes. Where applicable, Participants must comply with these requirements.
  10. 3.10 The Organiser may modify the Event schedule, theme announcement times, shooting areas or submission procedures where reasonably necessary for operational, safety, weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

4. Camera and Equipment

  1. 4.1 The Event is open to all camera brands.
  2. 4.2 Participants may use digital cameras including DSLR, mirrorless, compact digital and other digital still-image cameras approved by the Organiser.
  3. 4.3 Unless otherwise announced, mobile phones and smartphone cameras are not eligible for the main photography competition.
  4. 4.4 Participants are responsible for providing their own camera equipment, batteries, memory cards, lenses, chargers and other accessories required for participation.
  5. 4.5 Participants may use photographic accessories including, but not limited to, tripods, monopods, flashes, filters, remote triggers and other conventional photographic equipment.
  6. 4.6 The Organiser shall not be responsible for equipment failure, memory-card failure, loss of data, battery depletion or inability to upload an entry.

5. Originality of Photographs

  1. 5.1 Each submitted photograph must be an original photograph taken personally by the Participant during the Event and after the relevant theme has been announced.
  2. 5.2 Participants warrant that they are the original creator and copyright owner of the submitted photograph.
  3. 5.3 Participants must not submit photographs taken by another person, photographs obtained from another source, previously captured photographs or photographs submitted on behalf of another person.
  4. 5.4 The use of another person's photograph, image or photographic work as part of a submitted entry is prohibited unless expressly permitted by the Organiser.
  5. 5.5 Any photograph found to be fraudulent, plagiarised, previously created or otherwise in breach of these Terms may be disqualified.

6. Photo Editing and AI Policy

  1. 6.1 Borneo Photo Marathon is intended to test the Participant's ability to observe, create and capture an image under time pressure.
  2. 6.2 Submitted photographs must represent the scene as photographed and must not be materially altered through external image-editing software.
  3. 6.3 The following are generally permitted where performed in-camera:
    • Exposure adjustment
    • White balance adjustment
    • Picture Style / Picture Profile
    • Colour settings
    • In-camera monochrome conversion
    • In-camera cropping
    • In-camera lens corrections
    • In-camera noise reduction
    • Other standard photographic functions built into the camera
  4. 6.4 The following are not permitted:
    • Adding or removing significant objects or people
    • Compositing multiple photographs
    • Digital manipulation that materially changes the original scene
    • Sky replacement
    • Generative fill
    • Generative image creation
    • AI-generated elements
    • AI-generated photographs
    • Face replacement or body replacement
    • Cloning or healing used to materially alter the scene
    • Combining multiple exposures into a final composite, unless specifically permitted for a particular theme
    • Using another person's photograph or visual material as part of the submitted entry
  5. 6.5 Standard in-camera multiple exposure functions may only be used if expressly permitted by the Organiser for the relevant competition.
  6. 6.6 External editing applications, including AI-powered editing tools, may not be used to materially alter the submitted photograph.
  7. 6.7 Basic technical corrections may be permitted only if specifically announced by the Organiser before the competition.
  8. 6.8 The Organiser and judges reserve the right to request the original camera file, RAW file, JPEG file, EXIF data or other evidence to verify compliance.
  9. 6.9 Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of originality or compliance may result in disqualification.

7. Image Format and Submission

  1. 7.1 Participants must submit photographs according to the format, resolution, file size and submission method specified by the Organiser.
  2. 7.2 Unless otherwise announced, photographs must be submitted in JPEG format.
  3. 7.3 Participants are responsible for ensuring that their photographs are successfully uploaded before the stated deadline.
  4. 7.4 A Participant's attempt to upload a photograph does not constitute a valid submission unless the Organiser's submission system confirms receipt.
  5. 7.5 The Organiser shall not be responsible for delays caused by internet connection, equipment failure, corrupted files, incompatible memory cards, system failure or circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
  6. 7.6 The Organiser may request the original file or camera memory card for verification.
  7. 7.7 Failure to provide the requested original file or evidence within the specified period may result in the entry being disqualified.

8. Submission Limit

  1. 8.1 Only one photograph may be submitted for each theme unless otherwise stated.
  2. 8.2 Once a photograph has been officially submitted, it may not be replaced or resubmitted after the submission deadline.
  3. 8.3 Participants must not submit the same photograph for more than one theme unless expressly permitted by the Organiser.

9. Judging

  1. 9.1 Submitted photographs will be evaluated by a judging panel appointed by the Organiser.
  2. 9.2 The judging criteria may include:
    • Interpretation and relevance to the theme
    • Creativity and originality
    • Storytelling and emotional impact
    • Composition
    • Use of light, colour and visual elements
    • Technical execution
    • Overall photographic impact
  3. 9.3 The Organiser may publish the detailed judging criteria before or during the Event.
  4. 9.4 Judges may request additional information or original files for verification.
  5. 9.5 The decision of the judging panel and Organiser shall be final and binding.
  6. 9.6 No correspondence or appeal shall be entertained regarding the artistic or competitive judgment of the judges, except where the Organiser determines that a procedural or eligibility issue requires investigation.

10. Winners and Prizes

  1. 10.1 Winners will be selected from eligible entries that satisfy these Terms & Conditions and the applicable competition rules.
  2. 10.2 A Participant may win more than one prize unless otherwise stated by the Organiser.
  3. 10.3 The Organiser reserves the right to verify the eligibility of a Winner before confirming or presenting any prize.
  4. 10.4 Winners may be required to provide valid identification and other documentation for verification.
  5. 10.5 Prizes are non-transferable and, unless otherwise stated, are not exchangeable for cash.
  6. 10.6 The Organiser reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or comparable value where reasonably necessary.
  7. 10.7 Where a Winner is found to have breached these Terms & Conditions after the announcement of the results, the Organiser reserves the right to withdraw the prize and/or declare the Winner disqualified.
  8. 10.8 The Organiser reserves the right not to award a prize where no entry meets the required standard.
  9. 10.9 Where a Winner fails to claim a prize within the period specified by the Organiser, the prize may be forfeited.

11. Copyright and Use of Submitted Photographs

  1. 11.1 Participants retain ownership and copyright of their submitted photographs.
  2. 11.2 By participating in Borneo Photo Marathon, each Participant grants the Organiser and its appointed event partners a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual licence to reproduce, publish, display and communicate the submitted photographs for purposes directly related to:
    • Borneo Photo Marathon;
    • promotion and publicity of the Event;
    • exhibition of submitted and winning photographs;
    • Event reports and documentation;
    • official websites and social media;
    • press releases and media coverage;
    • promotional materials for future editions of Borneo Photo Marathon.
  3. 11.3 Where reasonably practicable, the Organiser will provide photographer credit when the photograph is published.
  4. 11.4 The licence granted under this clause does not transfer ownership or copyright of the photograph to the Organiser.
  5. 11.5 The Organiser shall not commercially sell or license a Participant's submitted photograph to an unrelated third party for purposes unrelated to the Event without obtaining the Participant's further permission.
  6. 11.6 Participants acknowledge that photographs displayed publicly may be photographed, shared or reported by members of the public and the media.
  7. 11.7 The Organiser may crop or resize photographs for technical, layout or display purposes, provided that such use does not materially alter the photograph's original content.

12. Third-Party Rights and Consent

  1. 12.1 Participants are responsible for ensuring that their submitted photographs do not knowingly infringe the copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, property or other legal rights of any third party.
  2. 12.2 Where a photograph contains an identifiable individual in circumstances where consent is legally required for the intended use, the Participant is responsible for obtaining the necessary consent.
  3. 12.3 The Organiser may request evidence of consent or release where reasonably necessary.
  4. 12.4 Participants agree to indemnify the Organiser against third-party claims arising directly from a Participant's breach of this clause, to the extent permitted by law.

13. Conduct and Safety

  1. 13.1 Participants take part in the Event voluntarily and at their own risk.
  2. 13.2 Participants must comply with all applicable laws, venue regulations, traffic regulations, safety instructions and directions issued by the Organiser, venue operators, authorities, marshals and security personnel.
  3. 13.3 Participants must not enter restricted areas, private property or dangerous locations without proper permission.
  4. 13.4 Participants must not obstruct roads, walkways, public access or emergency routes while taking photographs.
  5. 13.5 Participants must not endanger themselves or others in pursuit of a photograph.
  6. 13.6 Participants must not engage in dangerous behaviour, trespass, harassment, intimidation or conduct that may cause injury, damage or disturbance.
  7. 13.7 Participants must not operate vehicles or other equipment in an unsafe manner while photographing.
  8. 13.8 Participants must not participate while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance that may impair their judgment or physical ability.
  9. 13.9 The Organiser reserves the right to immediately remove or disqualify any Participant whose conduct presents a safety risk or materially disrupts the Event.

14. Weather and Unforeseen Circumstances

  1. 14.1 Participants acknowledge that the Event may take place outdoors and may involve exposure to heat, rain, humidity, uneven surfaces, traffic and other environmental conditions.
  2. 14.2 Participants are responsible for taking reasonable precautions regarding their own health, safety, hydration, clothing and equipment.
  3. 14.3 The Organiser may modify, suspend, postpone or cancel any part of the Event where required due to weather, natural disaster, public safety concerns, government directives, venue restrictions, technical failure or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Organiser.
  4. 14.4 Where the Event is cancelled or substantially modified, the Organiser will communicate the applicable arrangements to Participants through the official Event communication channels.

15. Release, Waiver and Indemnity

  1. 15.1 By participating in the Event, each Participant acknowledges that photography activities may involve inherent risks including, but not limited to, traffic, weather, crowds, uneven surfaces, public spaces and personal property.
  2. 15.2 To the fullest extent permitted by Malaysian law, Participants agree that the Organiser, its directors, employees, appointed agencies, volunteers, judges, sponsors, partners, contractors and venue operators shall not be liable for loss, damage, injury or expense arising from participation in the Event, except where such liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
  3. 15.3 Participants agree to comply with all safety instructions and assume responsibility for their own actions and conduct during the Event.
  4. 15.4 Participants shall be responsible for any loss, damage, injury or claim caused by their own negligent, unlawful or reckless conduct.
  5. 15.5 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions shall exclude or limit liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable Malaysian law.

16. Photography, Video and Publicity

  1. 16.1 The Organiser, its appointed photographers, videographers and authorised media representatives may photograph, film or record the Event and its Participants.
  2. 16.2 By participating in the Event, Participants consent to their image, likeness, name, voice and participation being recorded and used for Event documentation, publicity, editorial coverage, social media and promotional purposes relating to Borneo Photo Marathon.
  3. 16.3 Participants shall not be entitled to payment or compensation for such use.
  4. 16.4 Participants who do not wish to appear in general Event publicity should notify the Organiser before or during the Event. The Organiser will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests but cannot guarantee exclusion from incidental crowd or wide-angle Event imagery.

17. Personal Data and Privacy

  1. 17.1 The Organiser may collect and process personal information provided by Participants for purposes including:
    • Event registration;
    • Participant verification;
    • Event administration;
    • Competition management;
    • Prize administration;
    • Communication with Participants;
    • Event photography and documentation;
    • Publicity and marketing relating to Borneo Photo Marathon;
    • Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  2. 17.2 Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable Malaysian personal data protection laws and the Organiser's applicable Privacy Notice.
  3. 17.3 Participants acknowledge that certain information may need to be shared with appointed service providers, judges, event agencies, prize suppliers and other parties involved in administering the Event.
  4. 17.4 The Organiser will take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorised access, use, disclosure or loss.
  5. 17.5 Participants may contact the Organiser regarding their personal data using the official Event contact details.

18. Disqualification

  1. 18.1 The Organiser may disqualify a Participant or withdraw a prize where the Participant:
    • breaches these Terms & Conditions;
    • submits an ineligible or fraudulent photograph;
    • submits a photograph taken before the relevant theme was announced;
    • uses AI-generated imagery or prohibited manipulation;
    • submits another person's work;
    • tampers with the submission or judging process;
    • provides false or misleading information;
    • breaches Event safety rules;
    • engages in misconduct or unlawful behaviour; or
    • otherwise acts in a manner that compromises the integrity or fairness of the Event.
  2. 18.2 The Organiser may request supporting evidence before making a final determination.
  3. 18.3 Where a winning photograph is subsequently determined to be ineligible, the Organiser may withdraw the award and may appoint another eligible Winner at its discretion.

19. Event Integrity

  1. 19.1 Participants must not attempt to manipulate, interfere with or compromise the Event's registration, submission, judging or prize-awarding process.
  2. 19.2 Participants must not impersonate another Participant or submit work on behalf of another Participant.
  3. 19.3 Participants must not use automated systems, scripts, bots or other methods intended to interfere with the Event's registration or submission systems.
  4. 19.4 Any attempt to obtain an unfair competitive advantage may result in immediate disqualification.

20. Organiser's Rights

  1. 20.1 The Organiser reserves the right to amend the Event programme, competition mechanics, themes, judging arrangements, prizes, deadlines, submission procedures or other Event details where reasonably necessary.
  2. 20.2 Any material changes will be communicated through the official Event communication channels where reasonably practicable.
  3. 20.3 The Organiser reserves the right to cancel or suspend the Event where circumstances beyond its reasonable control make the Event unsafe, impractical or unlawful.
  4. 20.4 The Organiser's interpretation of these Terms & Conditions shall prevail in the event of any ambiguity concerning the operation of the Event, subject to applicable law.

21. Acceptance of Terms

  1. 21.1 Registration and/or participation in the Event constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
  2. 21.2 Participants are responsible for reading and understanding these Terms & Conditions before participating.
  3. 21.3 Participants under 18 years of age must also comply with the applicable parental or legal guardian consent requirements.

22. Governing Law

  1. 22.1 These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Malaysia.
  2. 22.2 Any dispute arising from or in connection with the Event shall be subject to the applicable jurisdiction of the courts of Malaysia.

Contact

For enquiries relating to Borneo Photo Marathon 2026:

Organiser: SIPVA
Email: admin@sipva.asia
Website: www.sipva.asia
Official Social Media: Facebook Sarawak International Photo and Video Awards

Borneo Photo Marathon 2026
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

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