MDDI's Response to PQ on Preservation of Local Cinematic Diversity and Encouraging Redevelopment of Cinema Spaces for Public or Creative Use

Parliament Sitting on 25 September 2025

Question for written answer

27. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information following the closure of The Projector and the voluntary liquidation of Cathay Cineplexes in early September 2025, what steps are being taken to (i) preserve local cinematic diversity (ii) protect stakeholding employees (iii) and encourage redevelopment of cinema spaces for public or creative use.

Answer

Cinemas are commercial entities that have to remain financially sustainable through ticket sales, concessions and advertising revenue. The Government does not prescribe the types of cinema models or the range and variety of content shown. Cinema operators are best positioned to assess audience preferences, develop concepts, and source suitable commercial spaces from landowners. When changes occur to cinema operations, the landowners will determine the redevelopment of these commercial spaces accordingly.

While the Government cannot directly intervene in these commercial decisions, we remain committed to supporting the broader cultural and creative ecosystem, for example through schemes for local filmmakers and film projects, grants for arts organisations, and key cultural programmes. Local films can also reach broader audiences through online streaming platforms. Films such as Monster Island (2024), which is available on Netflix, and Ajoomma (2022), the first Singapore film to launch exclusively on Amazon Prime, demonstrate how local productions have also found success through online streaming, beyond traditional cinema.

Employees who are displaced due to the closure of businesses can access a variety of support in the form of career services and resources, offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and its partners. Additionally, Singapore Citizens who are involuntarily unemployed due to reasons such as cessation of business and were previously earning below $5,000 per month can apply for the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme that offers temporary financial support of up to S$6,000 over six months.