Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
The Singapore Film Society (SFS) has announced that it will confer its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on iconicSingapore film maker Jack Neo, marking a historic moment for local cinema. The award ceremony will take place at a special gala event titled “Ah Boy To 梁导” on Friday, 2 January 2026, at Golden Village VivoCity, GV Max, followed by a screening of Neo’s acclaimed film Homerun 《跑吧孩子》(2003).
This landmark event celebrates Jack Neo’s extraordinary 50-year contribution to Singapore’s entertainment industry. Over the decades, Neo has shaped the national cultural narrative as an actor, writer, director, and producer. From his early rise as a groundbreaking television comedian on Channel 8 to becoming the creative force behind some of Singapore’s most successful and culturally resonant films, his career reflects the evolving Singaporean experience with humour, heart, and sharp social insight.
Moreover, SFS Chairman Mr Kenneth Tan 陈继贤 described Neo as more than a filmmaker. “Jack Neo is a national storyteller,” Tan said. “For five decades, he has held up a mirror to our society—making us laugh at our foibles, reflect on our challenges, and cherish our shared memories. His films, from Money No Enough to I Not Stupid and the Ah Boys to Men series, are not just movies; they are communal touchstones that have shaped generations.”
In addition, the Ah Boy To 梁导 gala will feature appearances by Neo’s longtime collaborators and cast members from beloved productions such as Money No Enough and the Ah Boys to Men franchise. The evening will culminate in the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by an on-stage dialogue with Jack Neo. As a result, audiences will gain rare insights into his creative journey, personal philosophy, and enduring influence on Singapore cinema.
The event will also include a special screening of Homerun (2003), a film that remains one of Neo’s most critically acclaimed works. Set in 1965 Singapore, just after independence, Homerun is a remake of the Iranian classic Children of Heaven. The story follows children living in a kampong as they search for a lost pair of shoes. At the same time, the film explores deeper themes of friendship, family, socio-economic divides, and early political relations between Singapore and Malaysia, offering viewers a poignant window into old Singapore.
To further engage the community, the Singapore Film Society is giving away 100 tickets to lucky fans who wish to attend the event in person. Interested participants can write to info@singaporefilmsociety.com by 31 December 2025, including their name, mobile number, and a goodwill message for Jack Neo. The first 50 qualified applicants will be selected, allowing fans to celebrate this joyous occasion alongside the filmmaker and his peers.
Event Details
- Event: Jack Neo: Ah Boy To 梁导
- Date: Friday, 2 January 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM onwards
- Venue: Golden Village VivoCity, GV Max
- Screening: Homerun (2003)
Ultimately, this celebration not only honours Jack Neo’s lifetime of achievements but also reaffirms his lasting role in building, championing, and preserving Singapore’s cinematic heritage.
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