More mentorships, international partnerships to spur made-in-Singapore content: Yaacob
Minister for Communications and Information, Yaacob Ibrahim at a dialogue session. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — In an effort to spur development of innovative made-in-Singapore content, more industry mentorships and international partnerships will be offered to aspiring media practitioners here, said Minister of Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim today (March 10).
As part of the 10-year Infocomm Media Masterplan mooted in 2013 to realise Singapore’s vision as a Smart Nation, the Media Development Authority (MDA) will set up a Creator’s Space, which will offer an environment to support collaboration between digital film and video creators. Disney’s Maker Studios — one of the largest international multi-channel networks for digital video content — has come on board as its first partner under this initiative. The Creators’ Space will also give users access to a range of shared facilities, including high-end production equipment.
An annual programme called Film Lab will also allow aspiring filmmakers to learn the ropes from expert practitioners and veterans from the region.
To improve public services for citizens, the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) will spearhead a Design for Public Service Transformation programme to support companies in innovating through design. For a start, Dsg will work with the Health Ministry to enhance services for elderly in hospitals and the community.
Dr Yaacob, speaking during the Ministry of Communications and Information Committee of Supply debates, added that the Infocomm Media Masterplan’s Steering Committee will wrap up its consultation efforts and release more details later this year.
Addressing parliamentarians’ concerns of a talent gap in the ICT industry here, Dr Yaacob said the Infocomm Development Authority is exploring open online learning programmes and attachments to help professionals gain recognition through certifications and hands-on projects.
The MDA also aims to secure more partnerships with international broadcasters to co-produce television content with media companies here, he said.
Noting concerns that cyberattacks are expected to become more frequent and sophisticated, Dr Yaacob stressed that the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to be launched on April 1 will take a holistic approach in navigating an increasingly fraught cyber landscape. Among other things, the agency will work closely with the National Security Coordination Secretariat and critical sectors such as energy, transport and water, to mitigate growing cyber threats.
Stressing that tackling cyber threats is a “shared responsibility”, Dr Yaacob said the CSA will also focus on engaging the private sector and individual users to enhance cybersecurity.
