In praising it, Minister Lee Boon Yang also said his Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica) would encourage The Straits Times to expand the scope of the awards.

Now in its eighth year, the awards recognise not just actors and actresses, but also directors, playwrights and designers who produce the best work in the local theatre scene.

A total of 13 awards will be given out at this year's ceremony on March 24.

Dr Lee said his ministry will also encourage more private-sector initiatives for similar awards relating to the arts and culture.

He was responding to a suggestion from Ms Penny Low (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC), to expand recognition of deserving artists. She chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Information, Communications and the Arts.

Similarly, Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tanjong Pagar GRC) called for monetary incentives for artists who win regional or international awards, to draw attention at home to their accomplishments.

Such incentives are offered in the sporting arena to athletes who win medals at such international meets as the Olympic, Asian and SEA Games.

In response, the minister said he would ask the National Arts Council to consider new ways of publicising artists who win recognition overseas.