Artificial Intelligence Singapore: IMDA Launches S$48 Million Scheme to Help Media Firms Create Digital Content and Adopt AI

Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority has launched a S$48 million scheme to help media companies create digital content and adopt artificial intelligence, as short-form video consumption dominates local viewing habits.

Artificial intelligence in Singapore's media sector is getting a significant boost. The Infocomm Media Development Authority has launched the Digital Content and Capability Development programme, a S$48 million initiative to help media professionals create digital-first content and adopt AI tools.

The four-year programme was announced by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How. It aims to help local media companies and creators adapt to shifting audience behaviours in an increasingly digital-led media landscape.

The scheme comes as consumption habits evolve rapidly. According to IMDA, 87 percent of people aged 15 and above in Singapore access social video platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook on a weekly basis. Short-form videos, micro-dramas, AI-assisted production workflows and AI-generated content are also gaining traction among audiences and creators.

The programme focuses on two core areas. The digital content development pillar supports the creation and distribution of stories designed for social platforms, digital channels and mobile-first formats. This includes content aimed at different audience segments, from youths to seniors, through formats and narratives tailored to how they consume media today.

The capability development pillar supports experimentation with emerging storytelling formats and technologies, including AI-generated content, short-form episodic productions and AI-assisted workflows. IMDA said these tools can help media professionals spend less time on repetitive production tasks and focus more on creative direction, storytelling, business development and pitching.

Media companies interested in participating must undergo an accreditation exercise assessing their content development capabilities and track record. The first accreditation exercise has already seen 117 companies accredited. IMDA's inaugural Call for Proposals opened on June 18 and will run until July 31.

Alongside content development support, IMDA is also strengthening AI adoption among media professionals through the National AI Impact Programme. The broader initiative aims to train 100,000 non-technical professionals across industries to become AI-bilingual over the next three years. IMDA has curated a list of AI courses tailored for media professionals, covering areas such as AI-assisted social media content creation, audience engagement analysis and content optimisation.

Eligible professionals can use SkillsFuture Credit for these courses, while NTUC members may also tap the Union Training Assistance Programme for additional support.

The programme builds on IMDA's S$200 million Talent Accelerator Programme launched in December 2025 to strengthen the capabilities of creative producers, scriptwriters and directors across film and television.

As artificial intelligence in Singapore's media sector receives a S$48 million boost through IMDA's new scheme, The Silicon Review examines how the initiative aims to help local stories reach audiences across platforms while strengthening the country's media talent pipeline.

FAQ:

Q: What is the S$48 million IMDA programme for artificial intelligence in Singapore?
A: The Digital Content and Capability Development programme is a four-year S$48 million initiative to help media companies create digital content and adopt AI tools.

Q: Who announced the artificial intelligence Singapore media programme?
A: Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How announced the programme.

Q: How many people in Singapore access social video platforms weekly?
A: According to IMDA, 87 percent of people aged 15 and above access platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook on a weekly basis.

Q: What are the two pillars of the digital content programme?
A: The programme focuses on digital content development and capability development, including AI-generated content and AI-assisted workflows.

Q: How can media companies participate in the programme?
A: Media companies must undergo an accreditation exercise, with the first round accrediting 117 companies and the first Call for Proposals opening on June 18.

Q: What AI training is available for media professionals?
A: IMDA has curated AI courses under the National AI Impact Programme covering AI-assisted content creation, audience engagement analysis and content optimisation.