Singapore Media Festival returns on December 7-8 this year, with Singapore Comic Con joining the festival for the first time.
Visitors can expect a deluge of the latest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys and a whole host of cosplayers – as pop culture lends a hand to one of the key platforms that celebrates Asian storytelling.
A fantasy arena taking up close to 15,000-square-metres will be created at Marina Bay Sands Expo, transforming it into a pop culture haven. Fans can meet some of the biggest names in the industry, dress up as their favourite characters and get their hands on collectible products. There will also be an extensive lineup of events, panel discussions and experiential zones they can participate in.
The announcement was made by Minister for Communications and Information Mr S Iswaran, at the APOS Summit 2019. At the summit, where industry leaders had exchanged views on how technology is changing the media landscape, recognising the rise of Asian storytelling and Asia as a market. They also shared insights on how Singapore can be a valuable partner and springboard to the region.
"Pop culture is such a key component of the media sector, inspiring stories across formats and genres and capturing the pulse of the Asian fan," said Mr Rob Gilby, Chairman of the Singapore Media Festival Advisory Board.
"[The addition of Singapore Comic Con] elevates Singapore Media Festival as a platform to discover new creative talents and expand our content experiences for both industry and consumers, especially when the global focus on Asia’s talent and content has been remarkable.”
Michelle Lim, Managing Director, Reed Exhibitions, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, added, “With the evolution to Singapore Comic Con and move to be part of Singapore Media Festival, we will continue to bring the best pop culture experiences loved by fans while expanding our content to induct new fans. From the best of toys, collectibles, comics, cosplay to new segments of Asian cinema and content, Singapore Comic Con welcomes the best of Western and Asian pop culture content.”
Since its inception in 2014, the Singapore Media Festival has grown from strength to strength with new partners and constituent events over the years . With the addition of Singapore Comic Con as a key constituent event under the Singapore Media Festival umbrella, the event draw on inspiration across multiple genres and expand its offerings and reach to more audiences.