Proposal to Review Decision for "Dear You" Film to be Dubbed in Mandarin for General Commercial Release

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry will review the Film Classification Guidelines to allow Chinese dialect films, including the film “Dear You,” to have a general commercial release with their original audio instead of restricting them to niche screenings; (b) why foreign language films face no equivalent linguistic audio restrictions; and (c) whether the historical rationale for mandatory Mandarin dubbing remains relevant to Singapore.

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry will abolish the guideline that Chinese films for general release be in Mandarin and allow dialect films on general release in their original dialect with subtitles; and (b) whether the Speak Mandarin Campaign rationale for the guideline still applies, given that dialect use at home has fallen below 12%.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the framework for classifying dialect language films for general release includes any assessment of Intangible Cultural Heritage value; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry will work with the National Heritage Board to incorporate such an assessment.

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what factors are taken into account in Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA) decision for the film "Dear You" to be dubbed in Mandarin for general screening instead of the original Teochew version; (b) whether heritage and cultural preservation value formed part of the assessment; and (c) whether IMDA will consider giving greater weight to heritage and cultural preservation value in future assessments.

Dr Neo Kok Beng asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information whether the Ministry will consider reviewing its policy to liberalise or abolish its language requirements with respect to Chinese dialects for media such as films and theatre, since the bilingual policy has reduced the use of dialects to less than 0.8% of Chinese households.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what is the percentage of households that primarily speak Chinese dialects at home today as compared to 1979 when the Speak Mandarin Campaign was launched; (b) whether the Government sees the need to review the relevance of the Chinese dialect policy in its current form; and (c) if so, what considerations will be taken into account in any such review.

Mr Speaker, my response will cover the questions raised by Mr Cai Yinzhou, Mr Gerald Giam, Mr Kenneth Tiong, Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Mr Dennis Tan, Ms Valerie Lee, Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Dr Neo Kok Beng in today's Order Paper, as well as related questions by Mr Darryl David1 and Ms Mariam Jaafar2 for subsequent Sittings. If Members are satisfied with the response, they may wish to withdraw their questions after this session.

Guidelines on language use in media are implemented by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). They support the Government's longstanding policy to promote Mandarin as one of four official languages and have generally served us well. However, as noted in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's (MCCY's) earlier reply today, Singapore's language environment has evolved. Recognising this, in implementing the guidelines, IMDA has exercised greater flexibility to allow more dialect content in films.

Each year, around 30 to 40 dialect films are screened at film festivals. At the same time, IMDA has allowed unrestricted screenings of films with substantial use of dialect, such as "881", "Long Long Time Ago" and "Wonderland". For the film "Dear You", IMDA has approved a total of 272 screenings of the Teochew version and is prepared to approve additional screenings should the film distributor request them in response to audience demand.

Beyond these implementation changes, several Members have called for the guidelines themselves to be reviewed. We recognise that the circumstances have changed since the guidelines were first introduced. There is, therefore, scope to consider how we can expand the space for dialects, while continuing to uphold the importance of Mandarin. In doing so, we should also take into account the different media platforms. For example, there are no dialect restrictions for arts performances or content available on the Internet and online streaming services. On free-to-air television and radio, we believe that Mandarin should continue to be the mainstay. For cinemas, we are prepared to allow more screenings of dialect-language films, so as to provide audiences with greater access to such content. We appreciate the feedback from Members and will carefully consider what further steps are appropriate.

Thank you, Speaker. I would like to declare my interest as Advisor to Chinatown Heritage Centre, an attraction referencing 1950s' Singapore, with our exhibits featuring dialect content. "Parasite" sparked conversations on inequality. "How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies" spurred end-of-life conversations. "Dear You" has renewed interest in the sacrifices of our forefathers and personal heritage. Locally, "Parasite" screened close to 12,000 sessions. "How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies" around 5,000. "Dear You", in Mandarin, 2,570; while its Teochew version, the original, a mere 126 public screenings as of early-July.

My first question to the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) is, today, cinema is the only mainstream medium in Singapore where Chinese dialect content is restricted. Over-the-top (OTT) streaming on social media platforms and YouTube all already carry dialect content without equivalent restrictions. Should cinema remain subject to the campaign's dialect restriction rationale?

There is also a commercial case, our cinema operators have been under real pressure. "Dear You" shows that original dialect programming can be an asset, not a niche indulgence. "Dear You" has drawn families off their sofas and back into theatres, together across generations, including older Singaporeans, who, otherwise, might not step into a cinema at all. Would the Ministry go further in the review to consider removing this default restriction? In Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] As the saying goes, "The master leads you through the door, but the practice is yours to pursue." Yet dialect arts face a more fundamental problem today – the masters are growing old and no young people are walking through that door. Dialect artists are gradually passing on, with no one to carry the torch, and the flame risks being extinguished. What concrete plans does the MCCY have to support the preservation of dialect arts and ensure that they continue to thrive in Singapore?

Mandarin is the bridge that connects us in society. Dialect is what connects us, heart to heart, with our grandparents at home.

Sir, I thank the Member for his clarifications on the review of the use of dialect in cinema and films. As I have explained in my reply, we are getting feedback from different parties – industry stakeholders and community partners. We appreciate and welcome the conversations that have arisen from the "Dear You" screening.

Actually, just yesterday, I had a screening in my constituency for my residents – one theatre in Teochew, one theatre in Mandarin. I went by, spoke to my residents before my Meet-the-People Session.

It was very interesting. For the Teochew hall, almost all seniors, maybe some of the middle-aged people, like me, were there. Some were there because they wanted to hear the original Teochew dialect, some had watched the Mandarin one and wanted to hear the Teochew one. When I went to the Mandarin hall, it was very interesting. Some had actually watched the Teochew one and wanted to watch the Mandarin one because they could not quite understand the Teochew dialect, especially for non-Teochew speaking or non-native-Teochew speaking individuals.

But in addition to seniors, I was very pleasantly surprised to see many young people – children, secondary school, even primary school. They were there, accompanying their grandparents, parents and it was very good to see that it was a family affair. The young people, when I spoke to them, wanted to understand more about the environment in which their great-grandparents or grandparents had lived through in the early days of Independence.

The Member talked about screening of the original Teochew dialect of the film being popular. We have said that we will provide flexibility and we will continue to provide flexibility, in fact, the number that the Member cited has been updated in my reply, I said, 272, if the Member listened carefully just now. The film distributor knows that we will continue to provide flexibility.

So, in practice, if the film distributor feels that audience demand is there for the Teochew original film, we will provide flexibility. But more importantly, having a Mandarin version creates a bigger access to many more audiences in Singapore. Not just those who are speaking the dialect, especially our young people. So, there is value in having a Mandarin version of the film, in addition to being aligned with our broader language policy.

The Member mentioned OTT platforms, Internet streaming for example. Different platforms have, historically, been regulated differently based on different reach of audiences. Cinemas, being a public-regulated exhibition space in Singapore, ought to be seen closer to mainstream media. Having said that, as I have explained in my reply, we appreciate that the language environment has changed and we are prepared to see how we can expand access to dialect movies as we undertake our review.

Sir, I would just add that, over the years, it is not as if our guidelines have been static. We have been updating it, refining it, adapting them – for example, providing more flexibility of dialect use in films and in some of the mainstream radio stations and television channels. So, our policy, whilst remaining true to the policy intent of the larger language policy in Singapore, the implementation of it has evolved, has been flexible, pragmatic, taking into consideration the language environment. I mentioned earlier in my reply, some of the local movies, like "881", have substantive dialect content in the film. We look at the historical context, the heritage value and if it reflects Singapore stories. IMDA has taken a flexible, pragmatic approach and we will continue to do so.

Mr Speaker, to answer the Mandarin portion of the Member's question and in the spirit of the Speak Mandarin Campaign, if you would allow me to take this supplementary question in Mandarin.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Chinese dialect art forms are an important part of the traditional arts. Over the years, the National Arts Council (NAC) has nurtured and supported Chinese dialect art forms through funding arts groups and help them engage audiences. For instance, NAC funds the Traditional Arts Centre (Singapore), which encourages the younger generation to engage with Chinese opera in different dialects.

NAC also invests in the next generation of dialect art form practitioners through scholarships. For example, NAC supported Tan Wei Tian, a young Chinese Opera artist, who has performed with Nam Hwa Opera from a young age, to pursue a Bachelor’s in Chinese Opera Performing at the Shanghai Theatre Academy in China in 2024.

Last year, NAC and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre co-presented the inaugural Chinese Opera Festival, featuring five local troupes performing across different opera styles. In 2025 alone, NAC funded 10 productions, spanning Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese and Hainanese opera. In addition, several productions of Chinese dialect art forms are on SG Culture Pass, connecting Singaporeans to our distinctive heritage and culture.

We will continue to expand the space for our Chinese dialect art forms and nurture the next generation of practitioners.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am very heartened to hear Senior Minister of State Tan confirm that IMDA is indeed looking to expand space for dialects while upholding Mandarin. I am also very heartened to hear Minister Neo then respond to this by saying that dialects are no longer seen in competition with Mandarin. In fact, they play a role in deepening cultural appreciation of our Chinese heritage.

I would like to echo the Promote Mandarin Council's position that we do not need to pick sides between Mandarin and dialects. So, I would like to ask whether MCCY will be working with IMDA to review the relevance of the policy, which still requires permission for us to screen dialect films. Instead of trying to see where we can exercise more flexibility, why not consider offering the freedom of simply just screening these dialect films? Because if dialect is always the one that requires permission, then have we not already chosen a side?

Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for her support. As I explained earlier, MCCY and MDDI are open to ideas about how can we preserve dialect cultures while upholding the importance of Mandarin, and we will continue to take in all the feedback and consider carefully the appropriate next steps on how to do this well.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have raised issues relating to the preservation and use of dialects in this House several times in the past, including requests to lift the broadcast ban. Indeed, I am heartened to hear the Ministers speaking on this.

In my view, the main competitor to Mandarin today is not dialect, but English. I would like to ask the Government: given that the media is the primary vehicle for youth cultural engagement, whether either Ministry agrees to review the lifting of the 1981 dialect broadcast restrictions to allow meaningful dialect-rich content that connects young Singaporeans to their grandparents, to their family and importantly, to their cultural heritage?

And I say this, as I said before, we are reaching a tipping point with an ageing population, younger generation with limited exposure to dialects. And once this culture and heritage die off, there is no way of rebuilding. I would therefore like to ask the Government to really consider putting more effort to work with the clans and other civic groups to promote our dialect heritage.

And a question for Senior Minister of State Tan. I do not think you have addressed my Parliamentary Question directly. I would like to ask relating to my Parliamentary Question, a supplementary question: will the Ministry consider establishing a standing institutional arrangement between IMDA and the National Heritage Board (NHB), with regard to a consultation on the heritage aspects for dialect films?

Sir, I can take the Member's question first, about the institutional arrangement. IMDA works very closely with different Government agencies including the NHB. In fact, we work closely on films, the classification of films. So, there is no need for an explicit institution arrangement as they are already doing so.

More importantly, I think the Member's earlier point was whether we consider heritage, artistic merit and the context in which dialects are used in film. And I would like to reply in the affirmative. As I explained earlier in my reply, and I gave some examples of some of the locally made firms like "881", "Long Long Time Ago" and many others. We do consider the context in which the dialect is used in the film – whether it is appropriate, reflects the cultural context of the movie of that time. For example, "881" was telling the story about the getai culture and some of the nuances of it, the texture of it, requires dialect to be used. So, we do take these into consideration. I want to assure the Member that we do so.

I have two supplementary questions, one for MCCY. With fewer Singaporeans speaking dialects, the rich heritage tied to these dialects risk being lost. What steps is MCCY taking to ensure that Chinese-dialect cultures are being systematically documented, preserved and transmitted, particularly to younger Singaporeans?

The second supplementary question is for MDDI. Will the Ministry publish clearer guidelines incorporating the said flexibility for dialect general screenings and share them in advance, so that film distributors will know what criteria will apply to these films?

Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for her questions. Chinese dialect cultures are an integral part of our distinctive Singapore Chinese culture. When it comes to documentation, the NHB works very closely with heritage practitioners, clan associations and all who are keen, and they fund them as well, to research and to document our dialects and cultural heritage.

One example is the Singapore Amoy Association, which recently published a book on the essays about the Hokkien culture in Singapore. Another example is Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre's Culturepaedia. That is a repository on Singapore Chinese culture and it has documented specific expects of the Chinese dialect cultures, with articles ranging from languages, all the way to music.

When it comes to transmission and education, we also safeguard and we expand the space for our dialect cultures through initiatives such as the Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award. I think the Member was with me last year at these awards. These awards are to recognise individuals and organisations who take on the strong role in promoting dialects within our context. I am also very glad to note that one of the winners of the youth award is Mr Adrian Ong, who practises and promotes Hokkien string and glove puppetry.

We will continue to work with all our clan associations, heritage practitioners and all who are keen to document and to expand the space for our Singapore Chinese dialect culture.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The focus of my supplementary question will be on the film classification guidelines, which currently state that, quote, "Chinese films meant for theatrical release should generally be in Mandarin, in line with the Speak Mandarin Campaign. Films with dialect content are allowed on a case-by-case basis."

For the past 40 years or so, has the Speak Mandarin Campaign not been geared more towards encouraging English-speaking Chinese Singaporeans to speak Mandarin, instead of changing the language speaking habits of dialect-speaking Singaporeans? If so, why do the film classification guidelines still hold on to the past focus of this campaign by restricting the screenings of dialect films in Singapore?

And be that as it may, can case-by-case basis in the guidelines be interpreted as allowing certain dialect films a general commercial release, without restrictions on the number of screenings?

Sir, let me take a step back and answer Mr Giam's question. As earlier articulated by the Minister for MCCY on the broader language policy, Mandarin is one of the four official languages in Singapore and is the mainstay. The historical context of the Speak Mandarin Campaign is about promoting the use of Mandarin. At that point in time, the language environment was different. And because it succeeded, that is why the language environment today is different. Our young people are proficient, competent with English and many with Mandarin as well. So, it is a success.

The policy's objectives remain because they are important, as articulated by MCCY earlier. But our implementation of the guidelines, of the regulations have evolved with the changing language environment. And I gave many examples earlier. Today's conversation or debate here in Parliament around "Dear You" is a step in that direction.

As I have said earlier, we welcome views from stakeholders, industry members, community partners, people who are enthusiastic about the dialect culture, enthusiastic about on trying to understand the roots, their identity, including the younger ones.

We welcome it as part of a conversation. And as part of this conversation, we are reviewing our current film classification framework with respect to the use of dialect in films. We will take some time to do so because it is an evolution, it is a thoughtful approach, speaking to people, making adjustments, not abrupt changes, like all good policies are.

So, I want to assure Mr Giam that for "Dear You", we have given flexibility. The film distributor knows that we are giving him flexibility. I had earlier mentioned, we approved another 100 screenings today, that brings up the number of screenings to 272. If there is more demand, we will discuss it with the film distributor and see how we can provide additional flexibility. But we will take a review as it comes along and it is certainly something for which we will speak to all members, industry partners, community partners about, and take their views on board.

I have two supplementary questions. For my Parliamentary Questions that the Senior Minister of State answered earlier, I thank him for answering them because those are questions that my dialect-speaking seniors in Toa Payoh East and their families have raised to me.

My first supplementary question is: as Singapore's population ages, does the Government regard original language Chinese dialect films as supporting active ageing, social inclusion and in particular, inter-generational bonding? If so, how is this reflected in IMDA's policy?

The second supplementary question is: has IMDA assessed audience demand for original language Chinese dialect films, particularly among seniors and younger Singaporeans, and if not, will such an assessment inform any future policy review?

Sir, I thank the Member for his two supplementary questions. Firstly, I must say I empathise with his Toa Payoh East residents. In Bedok, we have one of the oldest estates and many seniors, and of course, they hold dialect and engagement with dialect as a very core part of their identity, their life experiences.

I must add that beyond just films and cinema, there are many other venues for which seniors and those who are not so old, the younger ones, to engage with the dialect culture. Clan associations, programmes, different streaming applications or even activities in the community. So, it is not just isolated or confined to films.

As I mentioned earlier in my reply, when I visited the theatre that screened the Mandarin version of the "Dear You" show, there were actually more young people, more inter-generational engagements – because the grandchildren, the children came together with their parents and grandparents. And because it was in Mandarin, it was more accessible to younger people.

When we talk about inter-generational cohesion, engagement, it really goes beyond just language. It is about creating the shared experiences and a space which these conversations and dialogues happen.

So, we will certainly consider the different inputs as part of the review. But rest assured, to the Member, that there are many other options and venues for seniors or younger ones to get engaged with the dialect culture.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Thank you, Mr Speaker. Last month, I spoke with Teochew residents in my constituency and they asked me, (In Teochew): "Zuo-ni buay sai toi teochew hee?" (做呢唔使睇潮州戏?") Which means: why can we not watch Teochew movies?

Mr Speaker, I have three questions.

First, a simple one: which version did the Ministers themselves watch? The Mandarin version or the Teochew version?

Second, I would like to ask the Minister to clarify the objective behind this rule. Is the Government's goal to promote Mandarin, or to restrict dialects? These are two different things. If the goal is simply to promote Mandarin, will the Government review all measures that exist purely to restrict dialects, including those relating to film and broadcasting, and remove restrictions that are no longer necessary?

Third, dialect courses run by clan associations are currently open only to members of the respective dialect group. Will the Government consider expanding eligibility to a wider audience?

(In Mandarin): First of all, we Ministers have no time to watch movies. [Laughter.]

(In English): But to the Member's question about the Hokkien and dialect classes, I think we work with the clan associations all the time and they are very interested in promoting their dialects, as well as all our own respective cultures, because like I said, they contribute very distinctively towards our Singapore Chinese culture. And if there is a demand, I think they will be more than happy to extend their classes to more people.

Sir, in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I would like to thank IMDA for its flexibility in allowing the filming of "Dear You" in the Teochew dialect, and for approving additional screenings to meet public demand. The film's reception reflects a genuine desire among many Singaporeans to connect with their cultural heritage through dialect movies. I am, therefore, very glad to hear that the Government intends to continue with this approach.

I would like to ask a further question: will IMDA consider adopting a more open and transparent approach when it comes to dialect films going forward?

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Thank you, Mr Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the policy objective of the Speak Mandarin Campaign, and we have remained consistent and united on this objective over the years. The question is our measures – how might we show some flexibility when it comes to movie screenings?

In fact, we have always maintained a practical and flexible approach. As I mentioned in my replies to other Members, we have our own local productions such as "881", which contain substantial dialect content, and we have been able to adopt a flexible approach in allowing them to be screened.

"Dear You" has generated a warm response among many of us. We will continue to approach such films with a flexible attitude. If demand grows, we can allow more screenings of Teochew dialect films. I would like to reassure Mr Liang that we will look at these films in a very pragmatic manner.

But what is equally important is that we do not lose sight of our original objective – and that objective is to promote the speaking of Mandarin.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. We have all been talking about movies, but I would like to take a moment to talk about radio stations. As our society ages, seniors naturally want to listen to songs from a bygone era. The problem, however, is that they are currently unable to listen to dialect songs due to existing restrictions.

I wonder whether we might consider designating one of our six radio stations to play songs from the olden days – perhaps with around 50% in Mandarin and the remaining 50% in dialects. In this way, we can better look after our seniors by allowing them to enjoy their favourite songs in their leisure time. I must confess, though, that I am not much of a listener myself.

Sir, in respect to the Mandarin supplementary question, let me also try to address it in Mandarin.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] What Members discussed earlier encompassed not just movies, but television and radio stations as well. We feel that Mandarin should remain the mainstream language. The primary purpose of the Speak Mandarin Campaign is, after all, to encourage the speaking of Mandarin.

Over the past few decades, the entire linguistic landscape has changed significantly.

When I was a child, it was very difficult for me to learn Mandarin, because the various Chinese dialects share certain similarities in pronunciation with Mandarin that can create confusion. When I was at The Chinese High School, I had classmates who came from Malaysia. They had attended primary school there and later came to do secondary school in Singapore. They could write Chinese well, but when they tried to speak Mandarin, their pronunciation was not standard due to the influence of Cantonese.

Our television and radio stations should not lose sight of their original purpose and must keep Mandarin as the mainstream language. That said, there is some flexibility. On Channel 8, for instance, there is a designated morning slot for dialect broadcasts, particularly for the news. Similarly, at 10.30 am, 11.30 am and 12.30 pm, dialect news broadcasts are available on a radio station to cater to the needs of our seniors.

We do want seniors to have avenues to stay informed about what is happening in the world around them, hence the flexibility. More importantly, we have taken note of the warm reception that "Dear You" has received from our people, and we will look into this film policy further.