Global Economic Times

Singapore Aims to Become Asia's Film Hub with the Launch of International Chinese Film Awards, 'Golden Singa Awards': KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-06-24 18:30:37

Singapore is taking an ambitious step to emerge as a new center for the Chinese-language film industry, not just in Asia but globally. In December 2025, Singapore will host the inaugural International Chinese Film Awards, the Golden Singa Awards. Organized by local Singaporean media company NoonTalk Media, this event is expected to elevate Singapore's cultural and artistic standing and serve as an important platform for the development of the Chinese-language film industry.

The Golden Singa Awards will take place on December 1, 2025, in conjunction with the Singapore Media Festival, organized by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). This linkage is expected to enhance the awards' prestige and international visibility, while also creating synergies with various media content. The awards will be supported by Ng Tse Meng, honorary chairman of RuiFeng Wealth Management Pte Ltd.

Singaporean Media Company's International Leap: NoonTalk Media's Ambition
NoonTalk Media, the organizer of the Golden Singa Awards, is a Singapore-based media and entertainment company specializing in artist and talent management, multimedia, film and drama production, and event planning and management. Dasmond Koh, CEO of NoonTalk Media and Chairman of the Golden Singa Awards Committee, emphasized that hosting these awards is "a significant milestone in our strategic growth and our first foray into hosting an international event." He added that the timing is particularly meaningful as 2025 marks Singapore's 60th anniversary of independence (SG60).

Koh stated that the Golden Singa Awards will "serve as a high-level platform to showcase cinematic excellence, honor outstanding talent, and foster creative exchanges across borders." He also explained, "This Singapore-based initiative reflects our broader strategy to enhance the company's brand recognition and expand our footprint in the Chinese media and entertainment market." He stressed that the awards will strengthen Singapore's international standing and enhance its appeal as a premium destination for tourism, lifestyle, media, and the arts.

Singapore: A New Hub for Asian Cinema

Vincent Zhou, Vice Chairman of the Golden Singa Awards Committee, asserted, "Chinese-language cinema, with its rich cultural depth and increasing global influence, deserves a dedicated platform that can inspire inter-market collaboration." He explained, "As an international hub with strong Chinese cultural roots, Singapore is ideally positioned to be a strategic center for the Chinese film industry," adding that this is a shared vision between V Picture and NoonTalk Media. The Golden Singa Awards aim to spotlight filmmakers across Asia, elevate Chinese cinema globally, and strengthen Singapore's role as a regional media and creative hub.

The Golden Singa Awards are expected to stand alongside Asia's most prestigious film awards, including mainland China's Hundred Flowers Awards and Golden Rooster Awards, Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, and Hong Kong's Hong Kong Film Awards, becoming one of the region's most important cultural and entertainment platforms within the next five years.

Participation of Chinese Film Industry Icons and Collaboration with Singaporean Brands
The awards will gain further prestige with the participation of Tsai Sung-lin, a key figure in the growth of the Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland Chinese film industries, as an advisor to the organizing committee. Tsai Sung-lin, founder of the film production company 'xué zhě yǐng yè' (Scholar Pictures), has contributed to the box office success of internationally acclaimed films such as Journey to the West, In the Mood for Love, Ashes of Time, and Farewell My Concubine. His involvement is expected to significantly enhance the professionalism and impartiality of the Golden Singa Awards.

Furthermore, the Golden Singa Awards will elevate their prestige through collaborations with proud local Singaporean brands. RISIS, a Singaporean jewelry brand renowned for its 24K Swiss gold craftsmanship, will participate as the official trophy partner, crafting custom trophies that reflect the prestige and spirit of the awards. RISIS, a globally recognized brand founded in Singapore, will add authenticity and national pride to an event that celebrates excellence in regional cinema.

For legal counsel, Allen & Gledhill LLP, a prominent Singaporean law firm with a strong reputation in Southeast Asia, will serve as the official legal advisor. They provide top-tier legal services, internationally recognized in various fields, and will contribute to the successful execution of the awards.

The Golden Singa Awards are expected to be a significant turning point for Singapore to emerge as a leading cultural and artistic hub in Asia and to spearhead the development of the global Chinese-language film industry. With Singapore's strategic location, active government support, and the leadership of capable media companies, the Golden Singa Awards are anticipated to grow into an impactful event that will reshape the landscape of Asian cinema in the future.