SINGAPORE – 09 APR 2025
1. To commemorate the 60th year of Singapore’s independence, the local media industry will be coming together to feature a series of films, dramas, content, publication and exhibitions. The stories will celebrate ‘Singaporean-ness’, told through the lens of different media talent and personalities, ranging from veterans in the local film industry to new-generation content creators. They will also pay homage to the nation’s rich heritage, unique trades and Singaporeans of diverse backgrounds.
2. IMDA has supported the media industry through various initiatives aimed at building a thriving media landscape in Singapore and promoting our filmmakers and content creators internationally. The theme for this year’s media industry SG60 celebrations, “Stories made with SG, for SG and beyond”, reflects the industry’s growth and evolution over the decades and how our media talent has shone on the international stage with stories that resonate locally and globally.
3. As we mark 60 years of the local media industry and creative talent at home, IMDA remains committed to partnering with the industry to advance the local media landscape and embrace new content trends and formats that connect with audiences. For example, for SG60, IMDA is collaborating with content creators to put out videos that capture the heart and soul of Singapore. We have been working with Mediacorp on their first call for proposals (CFP) for Singapore-made microdrama series that will be rolled out later this year. This is a content format that has gained popularity in Asia and highlights a trend towards concise narratives and a more engaging storytelling style that aligns with the evolving preferences of viewers on digital and social media platforms.
Diverse line-up of media content all year-round to mark SG60
4. The media industry’s SG60 plans will showcase content and experiences across key themes (please refer to Annex A (144.89KB) for more details).
- Sharing iconic content and stories through dramas and film:
- “Emerald Hill”, a spin-off of the hit “The Little Nonya” series, is a drama series about a Peranakan family set in olden Singapore (March to April 2025)
- “Kopitiam Days”, an anthology feature film of six stories directed by six experienced and up-and-coming directors. It is executively produced by industry veterans Zhao Wei Films’ Eric Khoo and Tan Fong Cheng, Akanga Film Asia’s Fran Borgia, and Clover Films’ Lim Teck. (From July 2025)
- Reliving and experiencing 60 years of stories through exhibitions:
- VR60 exhibition on Singapore’s journey as a nation (September to December 2025)
- SingaPop! exhibition featuring local icons and pop culture (August to December 2025)
- Documenting and sharing Singapore stories on socials:
- Bite-sized videos on social media on topics uniquely Singapore from culture to trades, and well-known personalities (Throughout 2025)
- An industry collaboration led by the Association of Independent Producers (AIPRO), to create up to 150 multi-language short-form videos for social media (Throughout 2025)
- Launching new content and streaming formats
- Mediacorp launched its first CFP for microdramas to produce compelling short-form stories that celebrate Singapore’s journey and aspirations (Roll out from August 2025)
From left: “Emerald Hill” drama series, AsiaOne’s “Year After Year” video series, Outcasts’ “Cast Out!” series on social media
Stories told through the lens of different personalities from veterans in filmmaking to young content creators
5. Singapore’s media industry has made significant strides over the years producing many award-winning content and garnering recognition for its creative talent in telling stories that capture global audiences. From seasoned directors who have captured Singapore through films and dramas, such as Eric Khoo and Loo Yin Kam to digital-savvy creators making waves on social media, such as Tan Jian Hao and Tay Ke Xin, our storytellers span generations.
6. The suite of SG60 films, dramas and content that will be showcased this year will be told from the perspective of these diverse film and content creators, offering a fresh take on each story, and painting our nation's portrait through different lenses. A veteran filmmaker might capture the nostalgic essence of old neighbourhoods through cinematic storytelling, while a digital creator could explore the same spaces through the eyes of young Singaporeans navigating contemporary life.
IMDA has been supporting the industry to push boundaries and reinvent storytelling
7. IMDA has been working with the media industry to explore new technology and content formats. For SG60, we are working with content creators to develop fresh, digital-first stories that capture Singapore’s journey in an engaging and relatable way. These include reflections on key milestones, interactive challenges such as game shows, and content that engage today’s audiences.
8. We are also partnering with Mediacorp to produce First Frames: SG60, a microdrama initiative celebrating our nation's journey as we turn 60, a content format that has taken off in recent years in other parts of Asia. Mediacorp ran a CFP for microdramas earlier this year and received an overwhelming response of over 130 submissions from potential producers, some of whom are industry veterans and are keen to explore new storytelling formats. The microdrama series are expected to be rolled out from August 2025.
9. Ms Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media Industry Group, IMDA, said, “Over the years, Singapore’s vibrant tapestry of stories has been brought to life through films, dramas and digital content. Our homegrown filmmakers and content creators have not only resonated with local audiences but have also showcased our unique ‘Singaporean-ness’ on the global stage. As Singapore marks its diamond jubilee, IMDA is proud to support the media industry in presenting a special collection of stories and exhibitions that reflect our rich, diverse experiences. These will capture 60 years of dreams, determination, and the distinctive Singaporean spirit that makes us who we are.”
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