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🕰 'No time for movies'? WP launches #MakeTimeFor National Day campaign The Workers' Party said its #MakeTimeFor campaign aims to encourage Singaporeans to show what they "make time for", whether it be hobbies and interests or spending time with families and friends. READ: https://asia1.news/4bfraxx Follow @AsiaOnecom for all the latest updates.   Full Details: Workers' Party #MakeTimeFor National Day Campaign 🇸🇬   Background   The campaign was launched Wednesday, July 15, 2026 by Singapore’s opposition Workers' Party (WP), riding on the viral phrase "no time to watch movies" — a quip made by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo during a Parliament debate on July 7, 2026.   The Origin of the Phrase   - The debate centered on the film Dear You, which was initially released commercially in Singapore only in a Mandarin-dubbed version instead of its original Teochew language, amid longstanding local restrictions on dialect content. - WP MP Kenneth Tiong asked: "What version did the ministers watch? Was it the Teochew version or the Mandarin version?" - Minister Neo replied in Mandarin: "Ministers have no time to watch movies" — drawing laughs in the House but quickly sparking widespread memes, jokes, and criticism online, with some saying the remark seemed out of touch with arts and culture matters. - Later, on July 14, Minister Neo shared photos of himself watching Dear You with seniors at Our Tampines Hub, noting the film brought people together and reminded him of the older generation’s contributions.       Campaign Details: #MakeTimeFor   Purpose   The campaign encourages Singaporeans to reflect on and share what they choose to make time for — whether it’s hobbies, arts, family, friends, or meaningful local experiences — pushing back against the common excuse of "no time".   Message from MP Jamus Lim   In the launch video, WP MP Jamus Lim said:   "No time, no time, no time… We've all heard that before. No time for movies? No time for singing? Even no time for football? Look, if we are honest to ourselves, if we really want to make the time, we will find the time."   How to Participate   - Submit a 10–15 second video clip showing what you make time for, via a Google Form linked in WP’s social media posts. - Selected entries will be featured in WP’s official National Day video.   Suggested Ideas for Entries   - Spending time with Teochew grandparents - A mukbang of your favourite hawker meal - Hiking with your pet in Maju Forest - Showcasing a hidden gem in your neighbourhood - Highlighting local arts and culture spots       Broader Context   The exchange and campaign come amid a wider review of Singapore’s dialect policy: IMDA has since approved more screenings of the Teochew version of Dear You and is reviewing guidelines to allow greater space for dialect content, while upholding Mandarin as a key language .   Source: AsiaOne, published July 15, 2026