IMDA partners SBS on global content co-productions and AI solutions

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean broadcaster SBS to co-produce content aimed at global audiences, as both markets look to scale their media industries through collaboration and emerging technologies.

The agreement, witnessed by Tan Kiat How, senior minister of state for digital development and information, was formalised during an industry trip to Seoul.

The partnership will see both parties collaborate across the media value chain, spanning development, production, post-production and distribution. This includes long-form dramas, variety shows, micro-dramas and non-fiction content, from concept through to international release.

Don't miss: Mediacorp takes local drama regional with Netflix deal

SBS, known for titles such as Running Man, My Love from the Star and Business Proposal, brings a global footprint of more than 300 million viewers across over 190 countries via platforms including Netflix, Disney+ and Viu.

IMDA said the collaboration aligns with Singapore’s push to develop “Made-with-Singapore” content with international appeal, positioning the country as a co-production hub connecting Asian stories to global audiences.

Beyond content creation, the partnership will explore AI-driven media solutions, including content localisation, automated post-production and AI-enabled creation tools. These initiatives may be piloted through joint projects and training programmes aimed at helping media companies and professionals adopt new technologies and improve efficiency.

Both parties will also look into new business opportunities across emerging formats, online platforms and monetisation models, alongside co-investment and market entry initiatives to drive commercial growth.

Plans for joint productions and next-generation AI media solutions are expected to be further developed at the Asia TV Forum & Market, held as part of the Singapore Media Festival in December 2026.

"South Korea has established itself as a dominant creative force in global media, driving the cultural phenomenon we know as hallyu or the Korean wave. We’re excited to embark on this partnership with SBS as it complements Singapore’s role as a hub for international collaboration, co-production, and innovation. This is the start of many collaborations between our creators and institutions, and we look forward to what we will achieve together," said Yvonne Tang, assistant chief executive at IMDA’s Media Industry Group.

In tandem, Bang Moon-shin, CEO of SBS said, "By combining SBS’s globally proven content production capabilities with IMDA’s strategic objectives, we will ensure a continuous flow of high-quality content optimised for the global market. Furthermore, by leveraging AI technology to implement multi-language services, we believe our content will expand its reach and competitiveness not only across ASEAN but also on the global stage."

The move comes as Singapore’s broader media ecosystem ramps up regional co-productions. Last week, Mediacorp unveiled a new Chinese-language series, 对你心动的预言 (loosely translated to Prophecy to love you), in partnership with TVBS. The 10-episode scripted series will bring together talent from Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, with filming set to take place in Taiwan ahead of a planned 2027 release.

First unveiled during a partnership announcement at the Asia TV Forum & Market in December 2025, the project is backed by several public sector bodies, including IMDA, Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency and the Kaohsiung Film Fund.

Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.

share on