SINGAPORE – The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore has announced a collaboration with the local media industry to produce a rich array of content and exhibitions commemorating the nation’s 60th year of independence, honoring its heritage, diverse industries, and Singaporeans from all walks of life.
In a statement this week, IMDA revealed that the theme for the media industry’s SG60 celebrations this year is “Stories made with SG, for SG and beyond.” This reflects the growth and evolution of the media industry over the decades and celebrates the efforts of Singaporean media talents who have shone on the international stage with stories that resonate both locally and internationally.
Films, dramas, and various content slated for release this year will offer fresh interpretations of Singapore’s evolving identity through the diverse perspectives of local filmmakers and creators. From veteran directors capturing the nostalgia of historical neighborhoods to digital creators portraying the experiences of young Singaporeans in the modern urban landscape, IMDA explained that this collaboration aims to showcase the multifaceted tapestry of the nation.
Various commemorative projects have already begun this year, including the highly anticipated spin-off drama of the popular series "The Little Nyonya," titled "Emerald Hill," which is set against the backdrop of a Peranakan household in old Singapore and has garnered significant attention since its release this year.
From July 2025, the omnibus feature film "Kopi Kia Days," weaving together six heartwarming stories, is set to premiere. The film promises a poignant exploration of relationships against the backdrop of a diverse Singaporean landscape. It is directed by six experienced and promising directors and produced by industry veterans, building anticipation for its release.
Furthermore, IMDA is partnering with Mediacorp to present "First Frame: SG60," a short-form drama project commemorating Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Mediacorp had earlier conducted a Call for Proposal (CFP) for short-form drama ideas, receiving over 130 submissions, including those from industry veterans looking to explore new storytelling formats. This short-form drama series is slated for release progressively from August.
Singaporeans can also look forward to the "SingaporePOP!" exhibition at the ArtScience Museum from August to December. This multi-thematic exhibition will celebrate 60 years of Singaporean popular culture, featuring a rich showcase of video and map displays, as well as immersive projections. Curated by Dick Lee, the exhibition is expected to be a tribute to Singapore’s national icons, TV shows, music, and food.
This year’s commemorations also include a book commission by the Asian Film Archive. The book will provide a comprehensive and accessible record of 125 years of Singapore film history. Exploring how film has depicted Singapore for the first time and what it reveals about the nation’s development, the book will cover topics related to Singapore’s broader film culture and is slated for publication by the Asian Film Archive next year, with support from various public and private institutions.
Other SG60 initiatives slated for release this year include a 4D virtual reality exhibition on Singapore’s history and a collaborative project led by the Association of Independent Producers (AIPRO) to produce up to 150 short-form videos for multilingual social media.
Ms. Yvonne Tham, Deputy Chief Executive (Industry Development Group) of IMDA, said, “Over the years, Singapore’s vibrant stories have been brought to life through film, drama, and digital content. Our homegrown filmmakers and content creators have not only resonated with local audiences but have also showcased our unique ‘Singaporeanness’ on the international stage.”
She added, “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 and diverse experiences. These will capture the dreams, resilience, and the unique Singapore spirit that has defined us over the past 60 years.”
Singapore has seen various SG60 campaigns rolled out over the past few months. In January this year, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) launched a new campaign titled “Life unstoppable” to celebrate Singapore’s seniors in the lead-up to the nation’s 60th year of independence. The campaign aims to foster positive mindsets and attitudes towards ageing among Singaporean seniors and the general public, raise awareness of opportunities and support for seniors to age healthily with care and purpose in the community, and leverage the national SG60 campaign to increase participation in Age Well SG programmes.
The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and DDB Group Singapore also launched a heartwarming campaign to support Community Chest’s SG Cares Giving Show (SGSGHARE). Recently rebranded from SHARE to SGSHARE, the programme aligns with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, acknowledging the nation’s progress in building a strong social infrastructure.
Most recently, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) unveiled an SG60 commemorative film series to celebrate the shared values that have united Singaporeans through six decades of challenges and enabled the nation’s progress.
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