Singapore cinema is set for a nostalgic and celebratory start to 2026 as homegrown film icon Jack Neo is honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Singapore Film Society (SFS). The tribute comes in the form of a special gala event aptly titled “Ah Boy To 梁导”, taking place on Friday, 2 January 2026 at Golden Village VivoCity’s GV Max.

The evening will pay tribute to Neo’s remarkable five-decade journey in local entertainment, marking a career that has shaped generations of Singaporeans through laughter, tears, and unmistakably local stories. From his early rise as a trailblazing Channel 8 television comedian to becoming one of Singapore’s most successful and culturally resonant filmmakers, Neo has long been a mirror to the nation’s evolving identity.

As part of the celebration, audiences will be treated to a special screening of Homerun 《跑吧孩子》(2003), one of Neo’s most beloved works. Set in kampong-era Singapore in 1965, the film follows two children searching for a lost pair of shoes, while gently exploring themes of family, friendship, class divides, and the social realities of a young nation finding its footing after independence. A remake of the Iranian classic Children of Heaven, Homerun remains a poignant window into a bygone Singapore.

The “Ah Boy To 梁导” gala will also reunite many of Neo’s longtime collaborators and familiar faces from fan-favourite films such as Money No Enough and the Ah Boys to Men franchise. The highlight of the night will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by an intimate on-stage conversation with Jack Neo himself, offering rare insights into his creative journey, inspirations, and enduring philosophy as a storyteller.

Adding to the festive spirit, the Singapore Film Society is inviting fans to be part of the celebration. One hundred complimentary tickets will be given away to lucky supporters who wish to attend the gala in person. Interested fans can email info@singaporefilmsociety.com by 31 December 2025, including their name, mobile number, and a heartfelt message for Jack Neo. The first 50 successful applicants will receive a pair of tickets and will be notified by 1 January 2026.

“Jack Neo is more than a filmmaker; he is a national storyteller,” said Mr Kenneth Tan, Chairman of the Singapore Film Society. “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. It is our honour to recognise his unparalleled role in building and championing Singapore cinema.”

For fans of local cinema, this promises to be a heartfelt evening of reflection, nostalgia, and celebration, honouring a filmmaker whose stories have grown alongside Singapore itself.

Jack Neo: Ah Boy To 梁导 will take place on 2nd January 2026 from 6pm at Golden Village VivoCity, GV Max. Fans can email info@singaporefilmsociety.com by 31 December 2025, including their name, mobile number, and a heartfelt message for Jack Neo. The first 50 successful applicants will receive a pair of tickets and will be notified by 1 January 2026.