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Singapore Media Festival Returns for its 13th Edition with Refreshed Industry Focus and New Creator Summit

Asia Pacific

Singapore Media Festival Returns for its 13th Edition with Refreshed Industry Focus and New Creator Summit
Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific

Singapore Media Festival Returns for its 13th Edition with Refreshed Industry Focus and New Creator Summit

2026-10-20 13:30 Last Updated At:13:36

  • Singapore Media Festival 2026 introduces Asia Creator Summit, a new event that brings together Asia's creator ecosystem to explore commercial opportunities in the creator economy
  • Asia TV Forum & Market, a leading co-production and entertainment content market and conference in Asia, returns with over 5,000 content industry players from 60 countries and regions

SINGAPORE– Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – The Singapore Media Festival (SMF) will return from 1 to 5 December 2026 for its 13th edition, reaffirming its commitment to connecting Singapore's media industry with opportunities across Asia and the world. Hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), SMF 2026 will introduce the Asia Creator Summit (ACS), a new flagship event for Asia's creator ecosystem to discover how they can build sustainable businesses, develop intellectual property, and scale effectively across markets.

Alongside the new ACS, Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) returns as a longstanding highlight of SMF and a leading co-production and entertainment content market and conference in Asia. The dual pillars of ACS and ATF demonstrate SMF's focus on supporting Singapore's media industry by creating new jobs through commercial opportunities, building industry skills and capabilities, and championing hyperlocal stories by connecting Singapore's media enterprises and talent to the world.

Ms Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive of IMDA's Media Industry Group, said: "New technologies and audience behaviours are constantly reshaping how we consume, distribute, and monetise content today. Our latest SMF 2026 programme is designed to help Singapore's media professionals and companies adapt in this evolving media landscape, by strengthening their creative and commercial capabilities through wide ranging partnerships and business opportunities."

Ms Tang added: "We also seek to reinforce Singapore's role as the heart of the world's stories by connecting local talent and stories with global expertise. We encourage our media professionals to take full advantage of the Festival and participate in its programmes, exchange ideas with industry peers and experts, and explore new avenues for collaboration and growth."

Discovering the Future of Asia's Creator Economy

ACS will take place from 4 to 5 December 2026 at Marina Bay Sands under the theme "Create. Monetise. Scale". Bringing together creators, creative entrepreneurs, brands, platforms, technology providers, and industry leaders, the two-day summit will comprise over 20 keynotes, panel discussions, master classes and hands-on sessions, focused on commercial opportunities and capability development to drive global visibility for Singapore's digital media industry.

Curated by Generation Experience (GenXP) together with Monica Khan, Founder and CEO of Creator Revolution, and developed in consultation with industry professionals, ACS will feature leading local and international creators and industry leaders sharing their journeys and the lessons behind their success. These include:

  • KIMPRO, one of South Korea's leading digital creators with over 130 million subscribers and 154 billion lifetime views;
  • ISSEI, one of Japan's leading digital creators with over 75 million YouTube subscribers, known for his engaging, non-verbal comedy content that has attracted audiences worldwide;
  • AJ Eckstein, Founder and CEO of US-based Creator Match that has helped brands such as Anthropic, Fiverr, Notion, Lovable and Zapier build and scale their creator programmes; and
  • Local personalities such as Johnathan Chua (CEO and Co-Founder, GRVTY Media), Kelvin Tan (CEO, DU Media Holdings), Althea Lim (Group CEO and Co-Founder, Gushcloud International).

Creators can also apply their creativity to real-world campaigns for leading brands. For instance, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore's Creator Pitch Challenge invites creators to develop an original content concept for its 40th Anniversary, while Bloomr.SG's "Creator Lab" pitching initiative will invite participants to pitch innovative, creator-focused ideas, with up to S$100,000 in awards up for grabs. The Call-for-Proposals (CFPs) open in early November 2026.

Ms Michelle Lim, Founder and CEO of GenXP, said: "Creators are playing an increasingly influential role in how audiences discover, engage and connect with content, brands and ideas. We are excited to launch Asia Creator Summit as part of the Singapore Media Festival, creating a platform for creators and the wider industry to learn from one another, share experiences and shape what comes next."

More information on ACS, including ticketing details and how to participate in the "Creator Lab", is available at www.asiacreatorsummit.com.

Building Asia's Stories Together

ATF, organised by RX Global, returns for its 27th edition at Marina Bay Sands from 1 to 4 December 2026 and is expected to bring together over 5,000 Asian and international content players from 60 countries and regions. Under the theme "The Attention Economy", the ATF Leaders' Dialogue on 1 December 2026 will see senior industry representatives from East West Bank, Omdia, TikTok, Unilever, WEBTOON Productions, and YouTube discuss how evolving audience behaviour and fandom are reshaping content distribution, financing, and branded entertainment, and how businesses can turn audience engagement into commercial value.

ATF will introduce "The AI Era | Entertainment Reimagined", a dedicated programme and zone examining implications for content creation, intellectual property rights and regulation, including the protection of creative works. The programme will feature perspectives from Huace Group, Moonmax and Studio Meta K, alongside the Motion Picture Association, Television Academy and World Intellectual Property Organization. ATF will also host the Grand Finals of the AI Hackathon 2026, presented by Yoywow Space and Visify, featuring a live creative challenge and screenings of selected works.

On the market front, two new pavilions from Canada and Indonesia will expand ATF's international representation, offering buyers and potential partners access to a wider range of content and creative talent. Microdramas will receive growing attention at this year's market. ATF will continue to showcase exhibitors' latest drama titles through its drama showcases, alongside accelerator and pitching programmes that spotlight emerging intellectual property and connect content producers with potential development partners.

Ms Yeow Hui Leng, Managing Director, Singapore of RX Global, said: "ATF has evolved beyond a marketplace to become a premier industry platform for strategic commercial announcements, content launches, and thought leadership from some of the entertainment industry's most influential voices. Emerging technology, including AI, will be a key part of this conversation, alongside critical issues such as regulation, financing, distribution, monetisation, and content innovation. This will give participants the insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic global industry."

More information on ATF, including registration details, is available at www.asiatvforum.com.
Hashtag: #SingaporeMediaFestival #IMDA #AsiaTVForum #AsiaCreatorSummit

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Singapore Media Festival

The Singapore Media Festival, hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), proudly returns for its 13th edition as one of Asia’s premier international media industry platforms. From 1 to 5 December 2026, Singapore will be the focal point for Asia’s media community, showcasing diverse media innovations, forging industry deals, and presenting Singapore’s world-class content. This year’s festival, themed “The Heart of the World’s Stories", aims to inspire the region's media talent to create, connect, and realise their visions. The event will bring together media professionals, industry leaders, creators, and consumers through the Asia Creator Summit and the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF).

For more information, please visit: .

Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit or follow IMDA on Facebook (IMDAsg) and Twitter (@IMDAsg).

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – Choosing a restaurant today may begin with more than the question, "What would you like to eat?" It may also mean asking, "Who would you like to spend time with?" and "What kind of meal would you like it to be?" Whether it is a family meal, a gathering with friends, a celebration of a special occasion or a romantic moment by the sea, each calls for different flavours, atmospheres and experiences.

ONYX Dining invites guests to discover dining experiences for every occasion with the people who matter

ONYX Dining invites guests to discover dining experiences for every occasion with the people who matter

ONYX Dining invites guests to discover a variety of dining experiences at Amari Bangkok and Amari Pattaya, from family meals with something for every generation and relaxed gatherings over long conversations to opportunities to discover new flavours or dine by the sea. Each offers more than a meal: "More of What You Love"

A family meal with something for everyone at the table — Prego

When dining out as a family, everyone may have a different favourite. Some may be in the mood for pizza, others may prefer pasta, while others may wish to try something new. Prego Italian Restaurant at Amari Bangkok brings a variety of Italian dishes together at one table, from wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta and Italian classics to children's menus and gluten-free options. Highlights also include Risotto alla Montanara, one of the restaurant's signature dishes, burrata and tiramisu, allowing everyone to choose a dish they love and make the most of their time together.

For those looking to swap the city for the seaside, Prego Pattaya Pasta Lab & Bar at Amari Pattaya welcomes guests with fresh pasta made in-house, pizza and contemporary interpretations of Italian classics, overlooking the curve of North Pattaya Beach. Meanwhile, Amaya Food Gallery offers familiar Thai and international dishes, making a seaside meal another opportunity to relax and spend time with family or someone special.

This November, Prego is set to open a new location at Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok, offering another choice for families looking to spend time together over their favourite Italian dishes, whether in the city, by the sea or close to the airport.

A Thai meal for moments when you want the conversation to last a little longer — ChomSindh

For meals with older family members or friends of different generations, part of the appeal of Thai cuisine lies in gathering around a table to enjoy a variety of dishes, choosing, serving and sharing as the conversation flows. ChomSindh at Amari Bangkok presents Thai cuisine inspired by rivers and the sea, with dishes such as Chaiya-style Pad Thai with River Prawns, ChomSindh Rice Soup, Naree Kansaeng, Tiger Prawns Stir-fried with Herbs and Spices using a traditional recipe, and Grouper with Three-flavour Sauce. These dishes draw on recipes passed down through generations, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, served in a contemporary setting with an open kitchen.

ChomSindh is also bringing its flavours to Amari Johor Bahru in Malaysia through a pop-up throughout October, followed by Amari Hua Hin throughout November. These pop-ups invite guests to discover Thai cuisine inspired by rivers and the sea, while sharing good food and memorable moments with family and friends. With a selection of dishes brought together at one table, everyone can explore different flavours while talking, exchanging stories and spending time together throughout the meal, bringing the pleasure of good food together with the joy of good company.

Turn an everyday meal into a special occasion with new flavours — NILA

Celebrations need not be reserved for birthdays or anniversaries. Some good news, a new beginning or simply a desire to spend time together can be reason enough. NILA at Amari Bangkok presents a contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine from across the country, drawing on the heritage, stories and memories behind its recipes. Its approachable flavours make it an inviting choice for couples and groups of friends keen to discover something new.

More than a meal: time spent together, another experience from ONYX Hospitality Group

From family meals where everyone can choose a favourite dish and longer conversations over Thai cuisine to exploring new flavours with friends or enjoying a change of scenery by the sea, food may be the starting point, but it is the time spent together that makes each meal memorable.

For ONYX Hospitality Group, which manages hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences, alongside restaurants and spas across Asia Pacific, dining is another important part of the journey. The Group has therefore developed ONYX Dining to bring together its restaurants with a variety of concepts, from Italian, Thai and contemporary Indian cuisine to seaside dining, while establishing a distinctive identity for each restaurant in its destination.

This approach aligns with ONYX Hospitality Group's More of What You Love theme, reflecting the idea of choosing to spend time on the things each person enjoys throughout their journey, from dining and relaxation to activities, discovering destinations and moments shared with the people who matter.

ONYX Rewards members can enjoy dining discounts at participating restaurants according to their membership tier, while Prego offers discounts starting from 10% and up to 30% for Platinum members, in addition to accommodation benefits, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Whatever the occasion, the question may be more than "What would you like to eat today?" It may also be "Who would you like to spend this meal with?"

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group is a leading hospitality management company in Asia-Pacific, with a complementary portfolio of brands comprising Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence. Together, these brands serve the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers across the region, where ONYX has deep market expertise. Beyond accommodation, the Group also operates spa and food and beverage businesses. Drawing on six decades of management experience, ONYX delivers innovative hospitality solutions across the region while upholding internationally recognised standards and maintaining operational agility. By building enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers distinctive experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, responding to the evolving needs of today's travellers.

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** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

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