Singapore, Dec. 26 (CNA) As part of the government's efforts to promote its "New Southbound Policy," the Ministry of Culture has earmarked a budget of US$600 million to attract international filmmakers and TV crews to produce their future projects with counterparts in Taiwan, Deputy Minister of Culture Yang Tzu-pao (楊子葆) said Monday.

Mulan (木蘭少女), a musical that made its global debut this month in Singapore, is a great example of collaboration between performers from Taiwan and abroad, Yang commented during a visit to the city-state.

"The Singapore adaptation features artists from both sides, a cultural exchange where each can learn and improve from one another," he said, expressing his hope that the initiative will also entice other international filmmakers, directors and script writers to work with Taiwan in the future.

Taiwanese culture, despite having its roots in China, is diverse, innovative and accepting, Yang said, adding that the same can be said for Singapore because of its multicultural society.

"Bilateral cooperation serves our mutual interests, such as in the economic, social and cultural realms," he said.

A fresh Singapore adaptation by Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Mulan heralds the first collaboration between RWS and the Tainaner Ensemble, one of Taiwan's most recognizable theatrical companies.

Actor Pierre Png and veteran actress Ann Kok from Singapore both perform in the musical adaptation, along with Taiwanese actress Nana Lee (李千娜), who took the Best Newcomer award at the 47th Golden Horse Awards in 2010, Kanny Lai (賴盈螢), and One Million Stars finalist Judy Chou (周定緯).

(By Huang Tze-chiang and Ko Lin)
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