NEWS
Gengis AI launch – Singapore’s next push into AI-led production; “AI promises transformation... teams struggle to deploy AI on set,” co-founders say
26 January 2026
Production in Singapore takes another step into the AI universe today (26 February) with the official launch of Gengis AI. The privately owned studio is a first for Singapore, which has long prided itself on being on the future-facing edge of tech and continues to position itself as a regional hub for AI and media innovation.
Launch initiatives involve a slate of microdramas and short-form projects. This includes an unscripted vertical reimagining of Refinery Media’s "SupermodelMe" IP, which Gengis AI describes as a “live production showcase for how AI can compress development timelines and expand visual scope while maintaining operational efficiency”.
The studio embeds AI across development, virtual production and post, integrating emerging AI into proven production systems for film, commercials and short-form content.
The company was set up by producers and filmmakers Karen Seah and Tan Sian Ju – co-founders of Singapore-based Refinery Media – together with virtual production specialist Joel Lim, who will run Gengis AI as CEO.
In the run-up to today’s launch, Lim said AI “promises transformation for media, yet most teams struggle to deploy it safely and effectively on set”.
He also emphasised prioritising “what actually ships”, talking about “keeping human creators at the centre” of a process that supports faster iterations and bolder creative risks.
Gengis AI starts with a focus on two areas – AI-driven VFX generation for rapid creation and enhancement of digital assets, and intelligent virtual set extensions that optimise LED walls for dynamic, real-time environments.
“These capabilities help productions scale visual ambition, shorten iteration cycles and reduce post-production costs without disrupting established pipelines,” Lim said.
The studio draws on filmmaking experience and access to X3D Studio, Singapore’s largest independent LED virtual production facility.
“As a production company, we want to reformat our I...
Production in Singapore takes another step into the AI universe today (26 February) with the official launch of Gengis AI. The privately owned studio is a first for Singapore, which has long prided itself on being on the future-facing edge of tech and continues to position itself as a regional hub for AI and media innovation.
Launch initiatives involve a slate of microdramas and short-form projects. This includes an unscripted vertical reimagining of Refinery Media’s "SupermodelMe" IP, which Gengis AI describes as a “live production showcase for how AI can compress development timelines and expand visual scope while maintaining operational efficiency”.
The studio embeds AI across development, virtual production and post, integrating emerging AI into proven production systems for film, commercials and short-form content.
The company was set up by producers and filmmakers Karen Seah and Tan Sian Ju – co-founders of Singapore-based Refinery Media – together with virtual production specialist Joel Lim, who will run Gengis AI as CEO.
In the run-up to today’s launch, Lim said AI “promises transformation for media, yet most teams struggle to deploy it safely and effectively on set”.
He also emphasised prioritising “what actually ships”, talking about “keeping human creators at the centre” of a process that supports faster iterations and bolder creative risks.
Gengis AI starts with a focus on two areas – AI-driven VFX generation for rapid creation and enhancement of digital assets, and intelligent virtual set extensions that optimise LED walls for dynamic, real-time environments.
“These capabilities help productions scale visual ambition, shorten iteration cycles and reduce post-production costs without disrupting established pipelines,” Lim said.
The studio draws on filmmaking experience and access to X3D Studio, Singapore’s largest independent LED virtual production facility.
“As a production company, we want to reformat our IP quickly for new platforms, but we can’t keep hiring more people and we don’t have unlimited budgets,” Seah added. “An AI-enabled workflow lets us move faster and do more with what we have.”
Gengis AI aims to support hybrid human-AI production across the Asia-Pacific region, bridging rapid technological advances with the practical realities of commissioning, production and delivery.
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