Have you ever wondered how the next generation of artists will shape Singapore’s cultural identity? As the nation celebrates its diamond jubilee, two groundbreaking initiatives are putting that question directly into the hands of tomorrow’s creative talents.
Mapletree and UAS Launch First SG60 Arts Initiatives for Student Composers and Filmmakers
As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, a powerful collaboration is emerging to nurture the country’s artistic future. Meanwhile, Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd and the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)—an alliance of LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)—have officially launched two transformative arts initiatives dedicated to supporting students in music composition and film.
Formalised on 14 July 2025 at a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony held at the National Design Centre, this partnership introduces the Mapletree Young Composers Initiative and the Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative. Together, these programmes offer over S$30,000 in funding, professional mentorship, and public platforms for student-led showcases.
Exploring Singapore’s Cultural DNA Through Art
Centred on the compelling theme “Essence of Singapore”, these initiatives provide LASALLE and NAFA students with meaningful opportunities to explore national identity, heritage, and community through original artistic projects. As a result, these efforts aim to cultivate a new generation of creative talents poised to contribute to the development of Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape.
“Mapletree is proud to drive new initiatives for young creatives, underscoring our commitment to our Corporate Social Responsibility pillars of education and art,” explained Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree. “These works of art will be in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday and are made even more meaningful as we experience the essence of Singapore through the eyes of tomorrow’s trailblazers.”
Two Distinctive Creative Pathways
The partnership encompasses two carefully structured programmes, each tailored to different artistic disciplines:
- Mapletree Young Composers Initiative 2025
Running from August 2025 to May 2026, this music initiative welcomes students and alumni (aged 29 and below as of 31 December 2025) from both LASALLE’s School of Contemporary Music and NAFA’s School of Music. Participants are challenged to compose original works of five to seven minutes, incorporating at least one ethnic instrument to represent Singapore’s rich and diverse sonic identity. Furthermore, six selected proposals will be awarded S$2,500 each, with professional mentorship by industry experts leading to live performances at a public concert in late May 2026. - Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative 2025
Spanning from May 2025 to March 2026, this initiative opens exclusively to Year 2 and 3 students from the BA(Hons) Film programme at LASALLE’s Puttnam School of Film & Animation. The programme supports the production of narrative or documentary short films—up to 10 minutes in length—inspired by Singapore’s cultural essence. Three selected proposals each receive S$5,000 production grants, mentorship from industry professionals, and additional faculty guidance.
From Student Vision to Public Platform
For example, the filmmaking initiative demonstrates the comprehensive support structure built into these programmes. Selected films will be presented at a private screening in December 2025, followed by a six-month premiership period allowing students to submit their works to festivals. Subsequently, the films will reach broader audiences through the Mapletree Arts in the City YouTube Channel from March 2026.
The programme has already generated significant interest, receiving eight short film pitches. Following rigorous evaluation rounds, three exceptional projects have been selected for development and production support.
Building Singapore’s Creative Legacy
Both LASALLE and NAFA, as founding members of UAS, will lead these ambitious projects to completion. Faculty members from both institutions participate in judging sessions, guide and mentor students throughout the creative process, and oversee projects through to their public presentations.
Mr Jose Isidro “Lito” Camacho, Chairman, University of the Arts Singapore, captured the initiative’s broader significance: “Our university community is grateful to Mapletree for this partnership that will nurture young creatives to tell stories rooted in our shared heritage. The arts play a vital role in shaping how we understand identity and belonging.”
This SG60 partnership represents more than funding—it’s an investment in Singapore’s cultural future through student-led creativity, professional mentorship, and public celebration. For emerging artists exploring arts education opportunities, these initiatives demonstrate how institutional collaboration can transform creative potential into lasting cultural contributions. As Singapore enters its seventh decade, these young voices will undoubtedly shape how the nation sees itself and shares its story with the world.
