Hit Malay Drama 'Gunting' Returns in Collaboration with Tribal Worldwide Singapore

The long wait for enthusiastic fans of the Gunting series is finally over. Gunting: A New Beginning launched on 30 September as not one, but two drama-filled editions – a six-part web series and a telemovie. Produced by the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), in collaboration with Tribal Worldwide Singapore and acclaimed filmmaker M. Raihan Halim from Papahan Films, the highly anticipated comeback follows Hisyam, played by Hisyam Hamid, taking helm at the gentleman’s barbershop Salihin & Sons (S&S) after the relocation of his childhood friend and co-founder, Taufik, formerly played by Taufik Batisah. This new instalment will bring back familiar characters played by Sheiryn Aisiqa, Firdaus Rahman, Shane Mardjuki, Jasmi Ahmad as well as new characters played by other acclaimed artists such as Mariana Yati, Eswari Gunasagar, and Soundrarajan J.

Gunting: A New Beginning aims to engage Singaporeans on Government initiatives such as the SGUnited Jobs & Skills programme and Screen for Life, as well as support measures like CDC vouchers. This year’s instalment also seeks to guide Singaporeans on how they can protect themselves from falling prey to various scams. 

Gunting: A New Beginning is adopting a dual-format presentation: with two episodes of the web series released weekly, starting from 30 September 2022, on Gov.sg’s YouTube channel, and a telemovie version airing on Suria on 21 October 2022.

The web series, which targets the younger audience, includes English dialogue as well as youth-targeted sub-plots. The telemovie, meanwhile, is a compendium of the web series, with some additional scenes curated for Suria’s audience.

Aaron Lye, director of campaigns and productions at MCI said: “MCI is constantly exploring how to enhance public awareness and understanding of Government policies in a lighthearted and compelling way for viewers of all ages. We are building upon the strong foundation from the previous instalments of Gunting to connect with our audiences on a wide range of issues concerning the community. With Gunting: A New Beginning, we hope to further our engagement and grow our audiences in Singapore."

Benson Toh, executive creative director at Tribal Worldwide Singapore also shared more on the dual approach: “In always striving to create content with strong audience resonance, understanding the characteristics and viewing habits of the various demographics has always been a crucial element. This strategy also helps us further hone powerful scripts that are true-to-life and relatable to the everyday heartlander – be it young or old - while being culturally sensitive at the same time.”

M. Raihan Halim, Filmmaker and Director at Papahan Films added, “Gunting’s enduring success would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of the people in front of and behind the camera in bringing to life the messages and themes of the story we have to tell. And it is this unity in the face of any adversity that also underscores the core importance of ‘Family’ in this instalment – be it the family at home or the familial bonds you nurture with those of the same vision and mission at work. Ultimately, we believe that we have created yet another fresh and exciting run of Gunting, showcasing the characters’ ever-evolving journey of growth...with perhaps more stories to come.”

The first episode of the web series will be available on Gov.sg’s YouTube channel on 30 September 2022 at 6pm while the telemovie will air on Suria on 21 October 2022 at 9pm, with a repeat telecast on 22 October 2022 at 4pm. The telemovie will also be available on Gov.sg’s YouTube channel.