Singapore’s xinyao legacy is taking centre stage in a new documentary series.
Tuesday Report: Encounter Under the Stars is a seven-part documentary that explores the evolution of Singapore’s beloved xinyao movement — the Mandarin folk-pop scene that emerged from school campuses in the 1980s and went on to shape the nation’s music identity.
Presented by Mediacorp and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, the series blends archival footage with intimate interviews to paint a vivid portrait of a generation that found its voice through song.
At the heart of the series are conversations with pioneering figures, alongside other contributors who played vital roles in the growth of the movement. Through their stories, the documentary revisits how xinyao captured themes of youth, friendship, love, and belonging.
The show also highlights how a grassroots songwriting culture among students eventually blossomed into a cultural phenomenon — one that shaped Singapore’s Mandarin music landscape and connected local artists with audiences across Asia.
Early episodes revisit the beginnings of musicians like Eric Moo and Billy Koh, who first formed bands with school friends in the 1980s and went on to create songs that would become enduring classics for generations of listeners.
Another episode spotlights Liang Wern Fook, widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in xinyao. Known for his lyrical storytelling, the songwriter captured Singapore’s evolving social landscape through works such as 'Singapore Pie' and 'The Sparrow with a Bamboo Twig'.
The series also looks at the role of television dramas and talent shows in amplifying the movement, as well as how landmark events and collaborations helped xinyao grow beyond campuses and into the mainstream music industry.
With its nostalgic tone and rich storytelling, Encounter Under the Stars invites viewers to rediscover a time when songwriting was more than just music-making — it was a shared cultural experience for an entire generation.
Where to watch:
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Time: Every Tuesday, 8:30 PM
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Channel: Channel 8
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Streaming: Available on demand for free on mewatch
