Story perspectives

Singapore Approves Mandarin Dub, Considers Teochew Screenings for “Dear You”

6/23/2026

Summary

Clover Films Seeks

Clover Films submitted its third request to the Infocomm Media Development Authority for approval to screen Dear You in Teochew up to 50 times.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority confirmed that a Mandarin-dubbed version of Dear You will be shown commercially in Singapore.
The Ministry of Digital Development and Information said on Monday, 22 June 2026, it will adopt a flexible approach and remain open to further Teochew screenings.

Summary

Golden Village Expands

Golden Village has applied to the Infocomm Media Development Authority for up to 50 additional “Dear You” screenings and seeks to extend them to heartland cinemas.
The film has grossed over 1.7 billion yuan (US$250 million) and sold 4,800 tickets in its first eight Teochew screenings within an hour, indicating strong demand.
Directors Eric Khoo and Jack Neo urged relaxation of the Mandarin-dub rule for dialect films.

Summary

Golden Village Applies

Golden Village applied to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for up to 50 Teochew screenings in suburbs.
The GVMax hall at VivoCity, seating 602, hosted eight sessions of the initial run.
Tickets released 16 June sold out in two hours, prompting eight additional sessions for 25–29 June.
Golden Village filed the IMDA request with co-distributor Clover Films.
The Straits Times reported on 20 June that IMDA had been contacted for further details.

Summary

Ministry Backs Dialects

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information said the government uses dialects to convey public information.
It noted Mediacorp produces dialect programmes for seniors to preserve linguistic heritage.
Arts and cultural productions receive support to maintain Singapore’s Chinese dialect traditions.
The ministry observed rising youth interest in learning dialects.
It pledged continued stakeholder engagement and policy review to support dialect appreciation.

History

Historical Context

On 7 September 1979, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew launched Singapore’s Speak Mandarin Campaign, urging Chinese Singaporeans to replace dialects with Mandarin. The campaign institutionalized Mandarin in education and media, shaping language policy for decades. Today, filmmakers Eric Khoo and Jack Neo’s request to the IMDA for Teochew screenings revives the earlier dialect restrictions debate.

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Clover Films Seeks

Clover Films submitted its third request to the Infocomm Media Development Authority for approval to screen Dear You in Teochew up to 50 times.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority confirmed that a Mandarin-dubbed version of Dear You will be shown commercially in Singapore.
The Ministry of Digital Development and Information said on Monday, 22 June 2026, it will adopt a flexible approach and remain open to further Teochew screenings.

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