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But whereas Hong Kong television productions continue to be popular around the world, local shows appear to languish in relative obscurity, and are sometimes criticized by Singaporean viewers for being predictable or tame.
Ha Yu described the local artistes he had worked so far as being "very punctual and professional", pointing out that they had the talent, even though they would benfit from more overseas exposure to improve and discover new ways of doing things.
If the actors aren't the main problem with local television, what is?
The 65-year-old actor, who is famed for his roles in the hit TVB dramas "Moonlight Resonance" and "Heart of Greed", cited the unusual media landscape here as a factor.
He also believed that regulators need to loosen up for the local television scene to become more vibrant.
"There is less variety here and it's understandable.
"It is my observation that Singapore's television broadcaster is not a purely driven organisation, but also a platform for education and the promotion of values," said Ha Yu earnestly.
"There are a lot of government regulations in place that prevent it from doing highly commercial things or feature themes related to, for example, organised crime, spicy love affairs or anything that implies police impropriety."
"So when it comes to the variety of themes featured in their shows, Singapore television shows simply cannot compare to Hong Kong and overseas productions," Ha Yu added.
"There is a limit because of the regulatory climate."
Who wields the key to good TV?
Making a reference to "Love Thy Neighbour", a drama which also shines a spotlight on the friction between Singaporeans and immigrant neighbours, Ha Yu said the answer was "neighbourliness".
"They should be more like neighbours, accommodating each other. The regulators can loosen the rules [while the television broadcaster] keeps some features the regulators want," said Ha Yu of the ideal relationship between regulator and broadcaster.
The veteran actor, who has spent some 37 years in showbiz and picked up numerous acting awards along the way, expressed that looser regulation could result in more variety and colour, which would help take Singapore television to the next level.
"People will know shows from Singapore aren't necessarily restricted to just the same few themes and it helps establish Singapore productions on the world stage.
"If people buy your shows and it's the same sort of love, the same sort of themes again and again, naturally your competitiveness will not be there," Ha Yu noted.
The actor further pointed out that Korean drama serials have enjoyed growing popularity throughout the world as a result of the massive support they have from the government and looser regulations.
"Korea has much looser regulations than Singapore.
"If you want to be competitive you have to pay the price. But you are unwilling to pay the price and yet want to be better than everyone else … It is rather difficult," said Ha Yu pensively.
"Love Thy Neighbour" airs every weeknight at 9pm on Channel 8. Previous episodes can be viewed on Xinmsn.com's Catch-up TV service.
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