Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing the country’s film and television talent and establishing it as a key player in regional co-productions. The three-year, SGD200 million ($154 million) Talent Accelerator Program was unveiled at the prestigious Asia TV Forum and Market, with the goal of providing structured pathways for media professionals to progress from project development to global distribution.
Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health Tan Kiat How emphasized the importance of adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape, where artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content creation and audiences have a plethora of choices. The hefty investment in the Talent Accelerator Program is a strategic move to elevate Made-with-Singapore content on the global stage, strengthen Singapore’s position as a co-production hub, and solidify its reputation as a trusted creative partner in the region.
The program targets three key phases of the media value chain. In the development phase, IMDA will facilitate connections between local professionals and industry decision-makers, providing mentorship in story development, pitching, and deal negotiation. Participants will have access to prominent global streaming platforms, as well as international production companies. For production, IMDA will co-fund regional and global co-productions spanning films, scripted and unscripted television, and intellectual property adaptations. The distribution phase includes a dedicated marketing team to promote Singaporean content and talent worldwide, with additional marketing resources allocated to select projects.
Yvonne Tang, IMDA’s Assistant Chief Executive for the media industry group, expressed the agency’s commitment to establishing an ecosystem where Singapore is seen as an indispensable creative collaborator, rather than just a filming location. The Talent Accelerator Program signifies a new era in supporting and developing local film and television talent through top-tier mentorships, masterclasses, strategic global partnerships, and a fresh wave of co-production opportunities.
This initiative builds on recent collaborations, such as the unscripted content partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. Details on how to apply for the program will be released in the first quarter of 2026, offering aspiring media professionals a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to Singapore’s growing presence in the global entertainment industry.
