Singapore: IMDA launches SGD 200 million talent development program to support the local media industry

29 Dec 2025    2 minute read
Talent Development Media Industry Co-production Partnerships Intellectual Property Global Distribution AI Artificial Intelligence Digital Transformation

In brief

On 3 December 2025, the Singapore Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched the Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP), a new development program to support Singapore’s media industry.

The TAP is an SGD 200 million, three-year initiative to develop local creative talent, strengthen co-production partnerships and build a more resilient media industry. Through the TAP, the IMDA aims to bring sharper focus to global distribution and genre-driven intellectual property (IP) development in the industry.

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In more detail

The TAP is designed to support Singapore’s media industry across the entire value chain, covering development, production and distribution.

It introduces structured pathways to grow talent in Singapore’s media industry, with the aim of providing talent with a clear roadmap to grow their craft and commercial skills at each stage of the media value chain, which the IMDA has defined in three stages:

  • Development stage: The IMDA will matchmake media professionals with commissioners and buyers. The IMDA will also provide access to mentorship and masterclasses in areas such as story development, pitching skills and deal negotiation. This allows companies to strengthen both the creative concepts and commercial foundations of their projects, including IP ownership structures, thereby enabling local talent to gain exposure to the global market and increase their chances of penetration.
  • Production stage: The IMDA will offer co-production co-funding for a variety of projects, including regional and global projects, scripted and unscripted film and television projects, and adaptations of existing IP for screen. This support is intended to position Singapore as a co-production hub in the region.
  • Distribution stage: The IMDA will establish an in-house marketing team dedicated to promoting and elevating the profile of “Made-with-Singapore” content, helping local productions reach new markets and expand their global footprint. A marketing fund will also be structured to increase visibility for select projects.

The TAP will respond to the evolving media landscape, including the impact of AI on content creation, and aims to ensure that Singapore’s media professionals remain competitive and relevant worldwide.

Key takeaways

The TAP represents a major investment in Singapore’s creative sector, with significant opportunities for IP development, international collaboration and global distribution. It signals the IMDA’s commitment to supporting Singapore’s film and television talent, and to rejuvenating the media ecosystem, through world-class mentorships and masterclasses, strategic partnerships and co-production opportunities.

Media companies and creative professionals should consider engaging with the TAP to leverage its support for original content and partnerships.

The TAP expressly covers IP adaptations for the screen. Rights owners should audit option/renewal windows, media/territory carve‑outs, sequel/spin‑off and remake rights, and clear underlying encumbrances (e.g., talent, life story or music rights).

Interested companies and professionals can apply for TAP initiatives through the IMDA’s industry calls. More details on the application process will be released in Q1 2026.

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