SINGAPORE • The official song of local film-maker Royston Tan's telemovie The Provision Shop has been given the thumbs-up by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In a Facebook post yesterday, PM Lee said he played the soundtrack twice - "first to absorb the lyrics, then to enjoy the images".

The song, performed by local duo The Freshman, begins with the lyrics: "The world is constantly changing/ This place used to be full of kampungs/ But now it is a Garden City."

The telemovie, which aired on Channel 8 on Sunday night, comprises four stories of love and camaraderie involving characters such as a shop owner, his daughter, an ice delivery man and a maid.

PM Lee wrote: "It explores tensions between locals and foreigners in our communities and has attracted interest and discussion. I hope to watch it soon."

The cast features familiar faces from the small screen and stage, including Sora Ma, Marcus Chin, Li Yinzhu and Siti Khalijah.

Filmed in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information and advertising agency Tribal Worldwide Singapore, the creators hope The Provision Shop fosters greater openness, mutual understanding and respect in building a better home for all.

Sanjay Nair