SINGAPORE, 9 July 2026 – Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Mediacorp jointly present a new special exhibition, Singapore TV: From Local to Global, tracing the development of locally produced Chinese dramas from the 1960s to the present day – and how they have grown in ambition, scale and international reach over the decades. Featuring original costumes, artefacts, photographs, magazines, multimedia installations, and interactive experiences, visitors are invited to rediscover the stories, sets and stars that have long become part of Singapore’s shared cultural fabric.
Divided into five chronological zones, the exhibition invites visitors to journey through the history of local Chinese dramas, from its early beginnings to contemporary developments and future possibilities. Each zone showcases a distinct period of development and explores key themes, milestones and creative practices that have shaped the industry.
The first zone focuses on the origins of local Chinese drama, tracing its formative years from the 1960s through the early 1980s. Visitors can have a go at dubbing a scene from Good Morning, Sir!; learn about local talent discovery programme Star Search; browse a display of vintage television magazine covers; and take photos with props against a backdrop inspired by the iconic drama The Awakening.
The second zone highlights the 1990s, widely regarded as a defining era of local Chinese dramas. This section features a collection of 12 costumes seen in iconic dramas such as The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Legend of Ji-Gong, as well as a showcase of Star Awards trophies across different eras. Visitors can also step into recreated sets from The Golden Pillow, The Unbeatables and The Return of the Condor Heroes.
The third zone examines the 2000s, an era that unfolded amid intensifying competition and an increasingly globalised media landscape. Through timelines, magazine displays, and behind-the-scenes video interviews with industry professionals, visitors can gain insights into the evolving production ecosystem and international influences.
The fourth zone spotlights the craft of scriptwriting, showcasing original and reproduced scripts from selected dramas alongside video clips illustrating how actors interpreted scripts and brought them to life on screen. A video interview with Mediacorp scriptwriter, Ms Cheong Yan Peng, also highlights her creative process, the challenges of the job, and her aspirations for the local entertainment industry.
The final zone looks at the present and future of Chinese dramas via a TV installation wall with television sets across different generations. In this zone, visitors can also engage with vertical format micro-dramas and an interactive voting wall, at which they can vote on the kinds of content and genres they hope to see in the future.
SCCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alvin Tan, said, “Through this exhibition, we hope to bring visitors on a nostalgic trip back in time by tracing the evolution of local Chinese dramas, and to highlight the dynamism of the industry by charting out the future of local Chinese dramas both on the small screen locally and across digital platforms internationally. In doing so, we hope to showcase how local Chinese dramas often serve as a bellwether of prevailing societal norms, and as social glue through the creation of shared viewing experiences, while contributing to Singapore’s distinctive local Chinese culture and identity.”
Mediacorp Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tham Loke Kheng, said, “Chinese dramas are a major part of Mediacorp’s storytelling legacy. More than entertainment, they reflect Singapore society, capture the spirit of their times, and connect viewers across generations through shared stories and memories. Even as audiences discover and consume content in new ways, our commitment remains the same: to tell Singapore stories that resonate locally and travel further. This exhibition is proof of that journey – and a preview of where we are headed next.”
In conjunction with the exhibition, SCCC will also present two talks in August and September 2026. The first talk will feature Mr Su Zhangkai, a researcher in the fields of media, entertainment and history, who will discuss the formative years of Singapore Chinese dramas from 1963 to 1982. The second talk will feature award-winning scriptwriter, Mr Ang Eng Tee; Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story Executive Producer Ms Loh Woon Woon; and artistes Chen Liping and Richie Koh, who will share insights on how scriptwriting and acting have evolved across generations. Registration for both talks will open nearer to the dates.
Admission to Singapore TV: From Local to Global is free. The exhibition will run from 9 July 2026 till 26 January 2027 from 10am to 6pm at SCCC Creative Box, Level 6. For more details on the exhibition, please refer to our website here. Photos of the exhibition can be found in the media kit here.
