Book Launch & Talk: Road to 08.08.08


A photo book launch and talk by photojournalist, Chua Chin Hon, at Objectifs

Jul 12, Saturday
- 3pm to 4pm (talk)
- 4pm to 5pm (meet the photographer and book signing)

Admission is free but pre-registration is required by email info@objectifs.com.sg or call 6339 3068 if you wish to attend the talk (please note, you must be seated by 250pm for the talk. The talk is limited to 25 and priority will be given to pre-registrants).

In conjunction with the launch, "Unseen in 08", a mini-exhibition featuring images not found in the book, will be up from Jul 12 to 16, Mon to Fri (11am to 7pm) / Sat (1pm to 5pm). Entrance is free.


In the heart of Beijing, just a stone's throw from the mausoleum holding Mao Zedong's body, a giant digital clock is counting down the seconds to the 2008 Olympic Games. It is the perfect symbol for a city that has been obsessed with all sorts of deadlines since 2001, when it won the bid to host the 29th Summer Olympiad. But in its headlong rush to build new stadiums, highways and airports, the Chinese capital is also losing many of the historic neighbourhoods which gave old Beijing much of its charm. Are these sacrifices worth it? Will the Olympics turn out to be a blessing or a disaster for Beijing and a rising China? The answers will not be known for months, or even years. This book presents a snapshot of the conflicted mood in Beijing ahead of the country's biggest coming-out party.

Chua Chin Hon has been based in Beijing for The Straits Times newspaper since December 2002. This is his first book.

During this launch and short seminar, Chin Hon will share his experiences working on this project. He will also talk about his personal process in creating a photo essay and the issues faced in publishing his first book. This talk is ideal for those looking to find out more about putting together a cohesive body of work and shooting in foreign locations.

08.08.08 is available on sale on Jul 12 at Objectifs at S$50. Chin Hon will be donating proceeds from the book sale to Nargis Action Group, a non-profit organisation that aids cyclone victims in Myanmmar.

08.08.08 is available at all major bookstores.