Singapore has approved 100 [1] additional screenings of the Teochew-language version of the film "Dear You" and is reviewing its film-classification guidelines.
This move signals a potential shift in how the city-state balances the preservation of Mandarin with the cultural visibility of Chinese dialects. For decades, Singapore has prioritized Mandarin as the primary lingua franca for the Chinese community, often restricting the use of dialects in official capacities and media.
Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said the authorities are reviewing the current film classification framework with respect to the use of dialect in films [3]. The review comes amid public debate regarding the role of dialects in local cinema and identity.
Tan Kiat How said there is scope to consider how to "expand the space for dialects," while continuing to uphold the importance of Mandarin [1]. The Infocomm Media Development Authority is managing the process to determine how these changes will be integrated into the broader regulatory framework.
The decision to grant more screenings for "Dear You" follows a surge of interest in the Teochew-language production. The government said it will adopt a more "flexible approach" toward the screening of dialect films in cinemas [5].
These adjustments follow a specific approval granted on July 7, 2026 [4], which allowed the film to reach a wider audience through its original dialect version rather than relying solely on Mandarin subtitles or dubbing. The review aims to modernize the classification system to better reflect contemporary cultural preferences, and the desire for linguistic diversity in the arts.
“"The authorities are reviewing the current film classification framework with respect to the use of dialect in films."”
This policy shift suggests a gradual relaxation of Singapore's strict linguistic engineering. By expanding the visibility of Teochew and other dialects in cinema, the government is acknowledging a growing public demand for cultural heritage preservation that exists alongside the official promotion of Mandarin.
