IMDA partners local media to spotlight Singapore's history this SG60

To commemorate Singapore's 60th year of independence, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is collaborating with the local media industry to produce a range of content and exhibitions to pay homage to the nation’s heritage, trades and Singaporeans of diverse backgrounds.

In a statement this week, IMDA said 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 the media talent has shone on the international stage with stories that resonate locally and globally.

This year’s slate of films, dramas, and content will aim to highlight stories told through the diverse perspectives of local filmmakers and creators, offering fresh interpretations of Singapore’s evolving identity. From veteran directors capturing the nostalgic charm of historic neighborhoods to digital creators portraying the experiences of young Singaporeans in today’s urban landscape, IMDA noted that the content produced aims to present a multifaceted portrait of the nation.

Don't miss: SG60 campaign launches celebrating Singapore's nation-building journey

Some of the initiatives have already begun rolling out this year, including the blockbuster drama Emerald Hill released this year, a spin-off of the hit series The Little Nonya, a drama series about a Peranakan family set in olden Singapore. 

Kopitiam Days, an anthology feature film of six stories, will be released from July 2025, showcasing heartfelt stories that speak of mending relationships while celebrating Singapore as a home to diverse narratives. The series is directed by six experienced up-and-coming directors, and produced by industry veterans. 

Additionally, IMDA has also partnered with Mediacorp to produce First Frames: SG60, a microdrama initiative celebrating the nation's journey as it turns 60. Mediacorp ran a call for proposals (CFP) for microdramas earlier this year and received over 130 submissions from potential producers, some of whom are industry veterans, looking to explore new storytelling formats. The microdrama series is expected to be rolled out from August.

Singaporeans can also look forward to the Singapop! exhibition at the ArtScience Museum, which will run from August to December this year. The multi-thematic showcase pays tribute to 60 years of Singapore's pop culture, consisting of video and cartography displays and immersive projections for all the experience. 

Curated by Dick Lee, the exhibition will pay tribute to Singapore's national icons, TV shows, music and food. 

This year's celebrations will also include a book, commissioned by the Asian Film Archive, that will provide a survey and accessible account of 125 year of Singapore's cinematic history. 

For the first time, the book will explore how films have portrayed Singapore and what they reveal about the nation's evolution. The topics in the book will relate to the broader film culture in Singapore and will be published by the Asian Film Archive next year with the support of several public agencies and private institutions. 

Other SG60 initiatives expected to roll out over the year include a 4D virtual reality exhibition on Singapore's history and an industry collaboration led by the Association of Independent Producers (AIPRO) to create up to 150 multi-language short-form videos for social media.

"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.," said Yvonne Tang, assistant chief executive of Media Industry Group, IMDA. 

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, diverse experiences. These will capture 60 years of dreams, determination, and the distinctive Singaporean spirit that makes us who we are."

Singapore has seen a slew of SG60 campaigns over the last few months. In January this year, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) launched its new campaign titled "Life unstoppable", to celebrate Singaporean seniors ahead of the nation's 60th birthday this year.

The campaign aimed to engender positive mindset and attitudes towards ageing among the seniors and general public in Singapore, increase awareness of opportunities and support for seniors to age well in the community with care and purpose, and increase participation in Age Well SG programmes by leveraging the national SG60 campaign.

The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and DDB Group Singapore also launched an inspiring campaign to support the Community Chest's SGSGHARE donation program. Recently rebranded from SHARE, SGSHARE is a part of Singapore's SG60 celebrations, which recognises the nation's progress in building a robust social infrastructure.

Most recently, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) unveiled a series of films as part of SG60 celebrations, with an aim to celebrate the shared values that have united Singaporeans and enabled the nation to thrive against the odds over the past six decades.

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