Empowering New Creatives: Mapletree and UAS Launch first SG60 Arts Initiatives for Student Composers and Filmmakers – Press release

As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence (SG60), Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd (Mapletree) and the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)—an alliance of LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)—have launched two new arts initiatives dedicated to supporting students in music composition and film.

Formalised on 14 July 2025 at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held at the National Design Centre, the partnership introduces the Mapletree Young Composers Initiative and the Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative —offering over S$30,000 in funding, professional mentorship, and public platforms for student-led showcases.

Centred on the theme “Essence of Singapore”, these initiatives offer LASALLE and NAFA students meaningful opportunities to explore national identity, heritage, and community through original artistic projects. These efforts aim to cultivate a new generation of creative talents poised to contribute to the development of Singapore’s arts and cultural identity.

Mapletree is proud to drive new initiatives for young creatives, underscoring our commitment to our Corporate Social Responsibility pillars of education and art. We are grateful for the collaboration with UAS, LASALLE and NAFA to empower young Singapore-based artists in pursuing their passion,” said Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree. “These works of art will be in celebration of Singapore’s 60^th birthday and are made even more meaningful as we experience the essence of Singapore through the eyes of tomorrow’s trailblazers. We look forward to exploring further collaboration opportunities with UAS.”

Two SG60 Arts Initiatives

1. Mapletree Young Composers Initiative 2025
   
   Composition and showcase phases: August 2025 to May 2026
   
   The first SG60 music initiative for 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 invites participants to compose original compositions of five to seven minutes, incorporating at least one ethnic instrument to represent Singapore’s rich and diverse sonic identity.
   
   Six selected proposals will be awarded S$2,500 each, with professional mentorship by industry experts. The works will be performed live at a public concert in late May 2026.


2. Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative 2025
   
   Content creation and showcase phases: May 2025 to March 2026
   
   Open to Year 2 and 3 students from the BA(Hons) Film programme at LASALLE’s Puttnam School of Film & Animation, this initiative supports the production of narrative or documentary short films — up to 10 minutes in length — inspired by the theme “Essence of Singapore”.
   
   Three selected proposals will each receive S$5,000 production grants, mentorship from industry professionals, and additional guidance by faculty members. The films will be presented at a private screening in December 2025. There will also be a six-month premiership period (from September 2025 to February 2026) for the students to submit their films to festivals, prior to the public release of the films on the Mapletree Arts in the City YouTube Channel from March 2026.
   
   A total of eight short film pitches were received. Following two rounds of pitching, three short films have been selected. For more information and an image of the students, please refer to Annex A and the digital media kit.
   
   LASALLE and NAFA, as founding members of UAS, will lead and complete the projects under both initiatives. Faculty members from both institutions will participate in judging sessions, guide and mentor students as they work towards the realisation of their original work and oversee the projects to completion at their public presentations.