Hello Singapore | Did Dear You Help Drive Change? Minister Shares How Singapore Relaxed Restrictions on Dialect Films

Dr Wong Lung Hsiang, Senior Research Scientist at the National Institute of Education, was featured on Mediacorp’s Hello Singapore in a discussion about the relaxation of restrictions on dialect films.

The segment examined how the popularity of the Teochew-language film Dear You (A Letter to Amah) renewed public interest in dialects and contributed to a wider conversation about language, culture and identity in Singapore. Dr Wong shared his perspectives on the significance of dialects in connecting younger Singaporeans with their family histories and cultural roots.

The discussion also explored how Singapore can create more space for dialect content while continuing to support Mandarin as a common language among Chinese Singaporeans.