NDR 2026: Limits on number of dialect film screenings, dialect content on pay TV removed
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Singapore's bilingual policy and efforts to promote Mandarin must continue, but the country can also make room for dialects, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday (April 23).Speaking at the 2026 National Day Rally at the Institute of Technical EducatioNDR 2026: Limits on number of dialect film screenings, dialect content on pay TV removed
Singapore's bilingual policy and efforts to promote Mandarin must continue, but the country can also make room for dialects, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday (April 23).Speaking at the 2026 National Day Rally at the Institute of Technical Education College Central, he noted that Teochew film Dear You had sparked lively debates.«I believe it is because it reminded us of our pioneers, the sacrifices they made and the hardships they endured, as well as the values they lived by,» he said, adding that he agreed dialects are cultural heritage worth preserving.But that cannot come at the expense of the hard-won gains of the Speak Mandarin campaign, making Mandarin now the common language among Chinese Singaporeans and laying a strong foundation for the country's bilingual policy.PM Wong also pointed out that the language connects Singapore with Chinese communities worldwide.«Therefore, our bilingual policy and efforts to promote Mandarin are moving in the right direction and must continue,» he said. Read more
