(Singapore, 28.06.2025)A new chapter in Asia’s film industry is being written in Singapore, as established investor Ng Tse Meng, Honorary Chairman of Ruifeng Wealth Management, throws his support behind the inaugural Golden Singa Awards, a Chinese-language film awards ceremony set to debut on December 1, 2025.
Announced on 23 Jun and organised by NoonTalk Media, the Golden Singa Awards aims to become one of the most prestigious accolades for Chinese-language cinema in the region, rivalling the likes of China’s Hundred Flowers and Golden Rooster Awards, Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, and the Hong Kong Film Awards. The event will coincide with the Singapore Media Festival, hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
For Ng, the initiative is more than an entertainment milestone — it’s a strategic move that blends cultural vision with investment foresight.
“While investors look at returns, the first priority is to do the job well — profits will follow,” Ng said at the press launch. “What we are investing in is not just a film award, but a platform with long-term brand value and cultural significance.”
Ng believes Singapore’s neutral global standing, international credibility, and regional connectivity make it an ideal base for such a cross-border cultural initiative. As Asia’s leading financial and business hub, he said, Singapore must also deepen its investment in the creative and cultural economy, an area that speaks not just to economics, but to identity, narrative, and soft power.
“Film is a unique convergence of culture, capital, and storytelling. Its influence goes beyond screens — it shapes perceptions, builds international visibility, and creates exportable intellectual property,” he said. “Singapore has the infrastructure and talent. Now it needs to lead in content.”
Backed by an estimated S$4 million to S$5 million in production costs, the Golden Singa Awards will present 22 awards across categories such as Best Feature Film, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Roles, Screenplay, and Art Direction. A special award for Best Asian Feature (Non-Chinese Language) will also be introduced to foster regional dialogue.
Veteran film producer Tsai Sung-lin — whose credits include Farewell My Concubine, In the Mood for Love, and A Chinese Odyssey — serves as an advisor to the organising committee, adding cinematic gravitas to the new initiative.
The event is being spearheaded by Dasmond Koh, CEO of NoonTalk Media, who also chairs the awards committee. He called the initiative “a milestone” for Singapore’s media sector and praised Ng for his clarity and commitment.
“When we first discussed the project, we agreed upfront that it would take three to four years of consistent effort before seeing returns. Ng didn’t hesitate — he understands this is a long-term game,” said Koh.
Ng echoed that sentiment, “This is a long road. But the convergence of culture and capital is the future. We are proud to walk this road from Singapore.”
The official website — goldensingaawards.com — is now open for entries. Eligible Chinese-language films must be over 60 minutes in length and have been released via cinema or major streaming platforms between January 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. The submission deadline is July 31, 2025, with nominations announced in October, judging in November, and the gala ceremony on December 1.
As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, the launch of the Golden Singa Awards reflects a broader ambition: not just to honour cinematic excellence, but to claim a rightful place in shaping the cultural future of Asia.
