OREANDA-NEWS. January 27, 2012. UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL, MICEX and RTS: RUALR), the world’s largest aluminium producer, is proud to launch the “Russia in Your Eyes” Photo Contest (the “Photo Contest”) to celebrate the second anniversary of its listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (“SEHK”). Entries for the Photo Contest are to be accepted starting from tomorrow, 27 January 2012, until 29 February 2012. Winning and selected photos are to be displayed at Statue Square in Central during a two-week exhibition from 26 March to 8 April 2012.

As the first Russian company to list on the SEHK, RUSAL is dedicated to bringing the best of Russia to Hong Kong and promote a mutually beneficial relationship between the two regions. Following a series of successful events during the cultural programme themed “From Russia with Love,” and an informative five-part TV series “Hong Kong • Moscow: Everyday Heroes” in 2011, RUSAL is excited to launch the photo contest with the theme of “Russia in Your Eyes” to mark the beginning of 2012 as well as its listing anniversary.

The “Russia in Your Eyes” Photo Contest aims to encourage the Hong Kong community to discover for themselves authentic Russian culture or elements which may go unnoticed in our everyday's life. Contestants are invited to capture their unique photos portraying any element of Russia in inspirational and wholly creative ways, displaying an endless capacity to view Russia from a fresh Hong Kong perspective. Adding to the fun and excitement, the creative snapshots will also be uploaded on the “Friends of Russia” Facebook page and displayed for online voting! Contestants can compete for the “My Favourite Photo Award” category by calling on their friends and families to vote for them online.

Contestants are required to submit the photos for entry with a caption including a maximum of 15 words in English or Chinese by email  to rusal.photo@sprg.com.hk from tomorrow until 29 February 2012. Exciting prizes await the winners including FREE air tickets and accommodation for two to Moscow along with a photography master class, a trip to Lake Baikal for two, and cash coupons for additional prizes with a total value of HKD 26,000.

Delighted with the launching of the Photo Contest, Ms. Vera Kurochkina, UC RUSAL’s Deputy CEO and Director for Corporate Communications, said, “The ‘Russia in Your Eyes’ photo contest is the extension of UC RUSAL’s commitment to strengthening ties and building lasting friendships between the peoples of the two regions.  Having provided a general introduction to Russia during last year’s ‘From Russia With Love’ cultural campaign, we hope to provide a more personalised insight this time. By encouraging participants to shoot creative photos, they can more closely look at and more personally experience the myriad fascinating facets of Russia past and present in their daily life. This meaningful event is the best way to celebrate and share the joy of the second  anniversary of the listing of UC RUSAL.”

The panel of judges is made up of respected local authorities in the field of photography. Among the guest judges are Professor Anthony Fung, Director of The School of Journalism and Communications at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr Leong Ka Tai, Chairman of Hong Kong Photographic Culture Association; and Ms Veronica Lam, a Hong Kong-based creative photographer. Winners will be announced at the Award Presentation Ceremony during the photo exhibition period, and the winning and selected images will be displayed during the public exhibition at Statue Square in Central.