With S$2.5 million in funding, Season 2 of the SG Stories Content Fund aims to showcase Singapore’s unique aspects through the eyes of local and international content creators
13 April 2021 – Following the success of the inaugural SG Stories Content Fund (SGSCF) last year, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is launching the second season of SGSCF with a funding pool of S$2.5 million.
With a new theme “Singapore: The Unique and The Unknown”, the upcoming season encourages local and international content creators to create compelling stories about interesting and lesser known facets of Singapore, while building on STB’s SingapoReimagine initiative. Projects should highlight extraordinary and authentic ‘Singapore-only’ experiences by going beneath the surface to uncover the spirit of what makes Singapore truly special.
Singapore or overseas-based individuals and registered businesses in areas such as production, media, tourism, digital marketing and influencer marketing can apply for the fund. Each application may take the form of a single video or a series of videos.
Catalysing the creation of Singapore stories
The first season of SGSCF was launched in April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With an initial funding pool of S$2 million, its aim was to spur tourism enterprises, content creators and individuals to craft authentic stories around the themes of “Strength, Resilience, Solidarity and Unity”.
It attracted a total of 559 proposals, spanning a variety of formats such as mini-documentaries, narratives, profile features and animation. Due to the overwhelming response, the funding pool was raised to S$2.5 million, and 20 applicants were awarded. Awardees include production houses One Dash 22 and The Hummingbird; media platforms Viddsee and South China Morning Post; tourism partners Changi Airport Group, Klook and Let’s Go Tour Singapore; and freelancers Bernard Lau and Yeo Kai Wen. The winning videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB_24kfkb9Dq8kj9A9QJBU0rE25aufrvE.
Ms Georgina Koh, Director, Digital and Content, STB, said, "During the first season, we were humbled by the wealth of passionate content creators within and outside of Singapore, and their unique perspectives of what our city has to offer. With the second season, we hope to uncover more stories and fresh perspectives, that will encourage travellers and locals alike to experience Singapore in new ways.”
“It was one of the best things that happened to us in 2020. The fund breathed life into our ideas and gave us the opportunity to venture into uncharted waters, especially during the pandemic,” said freelance documentary filmmaker Yeo Kai Wen, awarded in Season 1 for his creation “From Singapore, For Singapore”.
Robin Loh, Founder of Let’s Go Tour Singapore, awarded for “The Mysterious & Magical Tan Ah Huat”, added, "SGSCF is a great initiative that allows content creators to produce meaningful stories dear to Singapore and more importantly, resonate with the global and local communities. These stories showcase different sides of Singapore that we can explore and rediscover."
Applications for the second season of SGSCF will open on 10 May 2021, 0900h SGT and close on 24 May 2021, 1700h SGT. The fund will support 90 per cent of qualifying costs in categories such as creative development and conceptualisation, production and execution, and marketing and distribution, capped at S$150,000 per project, or whichever is lower. Successful applicants filming in Singapore are required to adhere to the Singapore Government’s prevailing Safe Management Measures, and any additional guidelines as advised by STB. More details can be found at www.go.gov.sg/sgstories.
About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.
More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: facebook.com/STBsingapore or linkedin.com/company/singapore-tourism-board