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CONTENTS Mission and Vision 2 Chairman’s Message 4 Board of Directors 10 Senior Management 14 Destination Singapore 18 All Aboard the Media Express 22 Trailblazing 28 Passport to the World 31 Driving Change 33 New Media, Ahoy! 36 MDA Advisory Committees 38 Mission and Vision Mission and Vision 3
The Media Development Authority (MDA) The three desired outcomes are: was formed in 2003 to champion the - Engaging Singaporeans This includes creating new jobs, as well as developing better media content, development of a vibrant media industry innovative services and new applications that Singaporeans can enjoy. in Singapore. - Boosting Industry This encompasses nurturing all aspects of the media sector, from financing to producing, post-production and distribution, hence attracting leading A core function is nurturing homegrown international media companies and talents to Singapore. enterprises and the export of quality - Transforming the Economy Singapore content across different media This involves promoting the use of digital media in other sectors, propelling the growth of Singapore’s creative economy, improving productivity, and sectors – TV, film, interactive media & fostering collaboration and innovation across the economy. games, music and publishing. At the same time, by putting in place pro-enterprise To achieve these outcomes, three strategies were identified: policies and enabling infrastructure, 1 Making Singapore the Best City for Business MDA helps to foster a vibrant and - Investing in developing manpower and enterprise capabilities competitive sector, and increase media - Setting up enabling infrastructure - Anchoring media financing activities choices for consumers. - Embracing pro-business policies
2 Positioning Singapore to be on the Leading Edge of Digital Media In 2009, Singapore embarked on a new - Creating a critical mass of high value-adding enterprises five-year journey with the launch of the - Leveraging national research and development initiatives - Encouraging creation of new media intellectual property S$230 million Singapore Media Fusion Plan 3 Remaining Connected to the World (SMFP) that will chart the path towards the - Enhancing the international appeal of Singapore’s media content, destination of making Singapore a Trusted tools and services - Working with partners to expand Singapore’s international networks Global Capital for New Asia Media and strategic media partnerships Chairman’s Message Chairman’s Message 4 5
Going the Distance vibrancy. The media The IDM sector alone has The $230 million SMFP sector contributed S$5.49 grown at an estimated sets out three strategies billion of value-added and 25% CAGR since 2005, to propel the media S$22.4 billion in revenue adding some S$360 sector forward. The first to the Singapore economy million in VA and 3,500 Journey to the aims to provide the best in 2008. Indeed, the new jobs in the process. environment for media media sector recorded Today, Singapore-built business. The second a compounded annual IDM applications and Trusted Global Capital leverages R&D to help growth rate (CAGR) of services are being the media sector exploit 6.8% in the decade used by more than new opportunities in the starting from 1997 – 50 million users in over for New Asia Media digital media value chain. higher than the growth 200 countries around rate of 5.9% for the the world. Every journey begins with sands, uncharted waters KEY ATTRACTION The third strategy calls a step. and other challenges. for Singapore to remain overall economy over Trusted Global Capital connected to the world to the same period. Since the inception of In this light, our launch for New Asia Media. enhance the international the Media Development of the Singapore Media appeal of Singapore-made Authority (MDA) in Fusion Plan (SMFP) last content, applications 2003, giant strides year was a timely move. GETTING THERE BY THE and services. have been made to SMFP charts the way SINGAPORE MEDIA transform Singapore ahead for the media FUSION PLAN To date, we have made into a global media city. sector to thrive in a good progress. Last year, • Provide the best Our developmental media landscape that is environment for Singapore produced over efforts to nurture the driven by convergence, media businesses 60 short and feature films creation of Singapore rapid technological and over 2,200 hours content, talents and change and the historic • Invest in R&D of TV content. In the enterprises have borne rise of Asia; whilst to exploit new fast-growing Interactive opportunities in fruit, while significant leveraging on Singapore’s and Digital Media (IDM) the digital media inroads have been made strengths and strategic value chain space, a sector that was into the international location as an East-West insignificant four years market. Today, Singapore- gateway. • Connect Singapore- ago, some 600 companies made content, services made content, are now operating and applications and and applications are Armed with SMFP as serving millions of users services to the world entertaining audiences the roadmap, the media worldwide, according to a and users worldwide. industry is charging full- 2008 study by Deloitte. steam ahead towards But our quest is far a new destination – to The latest figures from the from over. transform Singapore into Department of Statistics a Trusted Global Capital show that employment As with any journey, for New Asia Media. And figures in the media unforeseen paths may the year 2009 has, in sector in 2008 were emerge along the way. many ways, seen many at least 63,000, which Travel plans have to be significant milestones was a 16% increase updated or refreshed to achieved en-route to over 2006. Other figures navigate through shifting our goal. underscore the sector’s Chairman’s Message Chairman’s Message 6 7
As testament to technologies and content. players in their fields. IDM in downstream Singapore’s status as a Notwithstanding the These include game industries. A new initiative financial hub and trusted recession, the Asian company Garena, with – Media-In-Learning – was place to do business, new Television Forum closed more than 26 million established to enhance international funds were with US$88.7 million users, and Mozat, a learning and training brought into our shores, worth of programming rapidly growing mobile through the use of digital including a landmark sales, a 20% increase social networking media such as games. strategic alliance with over the previous year’s software platform Hyde Park Entertainment record of US$73.7 million. company with a global Finally, MDA continued of Los Angeles and The performance of these user base of more than to build up the industry’s ImageNation Abu Dhabi. trade markets points to 10 million. capabilities in producing The alliance with MDA the resilience of the Asian and post-producing 3D will result in a slate of content and technology Increasingly, R&D is content. Today, Singapore cross-border feature films industries, whilst being embraced by the is one of the first worth US$75 million. underscoring Singapore’s industry to spur growth. territories in the world In all, the value of attractiveness as an Asian An example is Razer with one-stop, end-to-end private funds available gateway to international Asia-Pacific, the world’s production and post- for media projects has finance and trade. leading brand of gaming production capabilities in risen to S$1.5 billion. peripherals, which is theatrical stereoscopic 3D. setting up a 100-man Local companies such Dinosaur Train, by Singapore’s Sparky Animation and The Jim Henson Company. Despite the challenging Uncovering US$20 million lab here to as BlackMagic Design economic conditions last New Territory undertake gaming R&D. and Widescreen Media Train, by Singapore’s downloads, outdoor year, the two stalwart Continued investments are lending their skills Sparky Animation and display screens and the shows on the media in building an IDM Last year saw the and expertise to the The Jim Henson Company. internet, reaching out calendar – BroadcastAsia community fuelled by launch of our Future of filming and editing of It was the highest-rated to over 15 million daily and Asian Television research & development Media initiative to drive 3D projects. series on the United commuters and viewers Forum – continued to are paying off, with the development and States’ PBS Kids Channel in both countries. draw thousands of young Interactive Digital commercialisation of in December 2009, and trade visitors to buy and Media (IDM) companies next-generation digital Passport to has since been sold to Homegrown films sell media equipment, becoming world-class media solutions. The the World Canada, United Arab continue to be well- initiative marshalls Singapore media Emirates and countries in received internationally, industry resources through players are enlarging Europe, with broadcasters with Here by Ho Tzu partner networks to their global footprint such as Nickelodeon Nyen selected for the collaborate, experiment through international Australia, Germany’s Super Directors’ Fortnight at the and innovate, and puts collaborations, aided by RTL, Discovery Kids Latin prestigious Cannes Film Singapore in good stead government initiatives America and France 5 Festival. Giving a fillip to be the test bed for to boost the development carrying the programme. to internationalization cutting-edge applications and export of Singapore- Another landmark project efforts was the launch and technologies that made content and was the first multiplatform of the International Film enhance interactivity and services. Singapore-China drama, Fund with Distribution personalisation in the A Starry Night (星光依旧灿 Workshop as distribution consumption of media. One of our most 烂), which was broadcast partner. Amongst its slate successful animation simultaneously in trains, of projects is the first Greater emphasis was properties is animated train stations, and through Singapore-China-Korea The Singapore Pavilion at the Asian Television Forum 2009. also placed on embedding children’s series Dinosaur cable television, mobile co-production Neon Sign. Chairman’s Message Chairman’s Message 8 9
Last year saw several AUGMENTED REALITY Singapore media VERSION OF CHAIRMAN’S companies benefiting MESSAGE from our co-production You are about to treaties with Australia and embark on a whole Canada. These included new Annual Report the first Singapore- experience like never Australia co-production, before! the 3D action thriller Bait by Singapore’s To start, turn to the Blackmagic Design and inside cover of this Australia’s Arclight Film, booklet and remove as well as animated The ongoing “I made it in Singapore“ communications the accompanying TV series like Rob the campaign raised the visibility of Singapore’s media DVD and card. Robot (Singapore’s industry beyond our shores. Plug in your webcam One Animation and and install the Canada’s Amberwood programme from the Entertainment). In 2009, MDA facilitated Conclusion the introduction of more In the year since the DVD. Then flash the MDA sign on the card Also helping to boost than 30 new TV channels unveiling of the SMFP, facing the webcam. more co-productions were and radio stations, the media industry in Voila! Watch our joint calls by MDA and our 220 local publications, Singapore has gone the Chairman’s Message partners from Western 16,000 films, videos and distance to achieve the instantly come to life Australia (ScreenWest) videogames, and 484 arts goals laid out in the through augmented and United Kingdom events offering a diverse plan. The road ahead reality. (Southwest Screen). range of content across promises to be filled with all platforms. Today, new opportunities and Buttressed by the consumers enjoy adventure. I would like on-going “I made a choice of more than to express my heartfelt it in Singapore” The 3D action thriller Bait is the first film 340 TV channels and appreciation to the MDA communications co-production between Singapore and Australia. 46 radio channels, Board for their insights campaign, the media up from 57 and 28 and guidance, and to respectively in 2002. industry enjoyed regulatory framework that line with ASEAN’s the staff of MDA for Amongst other things, enhanced visibility within encourages competition, commitment to do so their hard work. With High Definition TV, IPTV and beyond our shores. promotes innovation between 2015 and 2020. continued support from and 3D movie viewing and investment, whilst This switch will free up all stakeholders, I am experiences are now addressing consumers’ broadcast spectrum that confident we are well on available in the market. Paving the concerns for more choice will allow industry players our way towards making MDA will continue to Way for Success and convenience. to develop novel digital Singapore the nexus for support the growth of Besides growing content and services, new media between East new and emerging media Singapore content, As the world gears up for while enabling clearer and West services through our capabilities and digital broadcasting, MDA and sharper wide-screen licencing framework. companies, MDA is is putting in place plans to images, and more Dr Tan Chin Nam putting in place a prepare Singapore’s move innovative and interactive Chairman, flexible and responsive to digital broadcasting, in content for consumers. Media Development Authority Board of Directors Board of Directors 10 11
Board of Directors
DR TAN CHIN NAM DR CHRISTOPHER CHIA MS ZAIHIRAT BANU RADM (NS) RONNIE TAY Chairman Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Media Development Authority Media Development Authority Oak3 Films Pte Ltd Infocomm Development of Singapore of Singapore Authority of Singapore
PROF CHONG TOW CHONG DR SUZAINA BTE ABDUL KADIR CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON HRI KUMAR NAIR Provost Assistant Professor Media Consultant Director Singapore University of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Asia and Middle East Drew & Napier LLC Technology & Design National University of Singapore Board of Directors Board of Directors 12 13
BRIGADIER-GENERAL DOUGLAS ABRAMS BILLY KOH IAN ANTHONY MACDONALD TAN MENG DUI Managing Director Founder & Managing Director President Director Expara Pte Ltd Ocean Butterflies Music Pte Ltd Hong Leong Finance Military Intelligence, Singapore Armed Forces
TAN CHOON SHIAN THOMAS MARTIN KEAVENY ASSOC PROF ADRIAN WAYNE CHOU Deputy Managing Director Executive Vice President and DAVID CHEOK Director Economic Development Board Managing Director Deputy Director (Research) Popular Holdings Ltd Discovery Networks Asia Pacific Co-Director (Keio-NUS CUTE Centre) Assoc Prof (ECE Department) IDMI Institute, NUS Senior Management Senior Management 14 15 Senior Management Dr Christopher Chia Michael Yap Valerie Cheng Cassandra Tay Kenneth Tan Yeo Chun Cheng Lim Chwee Seng Thomas Lim Chief Executive Officer Deputy Chief Assistant Chief Director Chief Operating Officer Chief Information Officer Executive Director Senior Director Executive Officer Executive Officer Communications Infrastructure Special Projects Director Director Programme Office Executive Director Director Film, Animation Broadcast & Music Director Interactive & Digital Media Community & & Publishing Interactive Media R&D Program Office International & Games Relations Director Director Singapore Film Commission Development Policy Senior Management Senior Management 16 17
Heng Li Lang Amy Chua Lim Chin Siang Pam Hu Tham Wai Kin Tow Joon Lai Director Director Director Director Director Director Media Financing Media Content IT & Technology Customer Services & Talent Development Corporate Services & Standards Operations Destination Singapore Destination Singapore 18 19
media players and private Through META, more than on the soundstage investors such as Google, 40 companies provided complex is expected to Intel, National Geographic 160 trainees with practical begin by late 2010. Destination Singapore and Benchmark Capital. learning while working on To enhance In an affirmation of significant projects in the communication links at midst a challenging Singapore’s reputation animation, broadcast, film, Mediapolis, MDA and year, Singapore for its strong intellectual publishing, games and Singtel have established a A reinforced its property rights regime, interactive media sectors. strategic partnership that reputation as a trusted MDA partnered the World will promote the strong place to do business. Intellectual Property linkage between Singtel’s Organisation Center to Super Media Broadcast Innovation establish an international Highway Centre and Mediapolis Paving the Way WIPO Mediation and Over the past year, via high-speed Singapore is emerging as Expedited Arbitration discussions have been connectivity of at least a choice partner for media Scheme for film and ongoing with international 100mbps. Through financing and distribution media Disputes. media companies this link, companies activities, with more than regarding investments at Mediapolis will be S$1.5 billion worth of in production studios, connected to major media private funds anchored MDA’s landmark alliance with Hyde Park Entertainment of Levelling Up broadcasting centres, centres in the world via here to-date. Los Angeles and ImageNation Abu Dhabi will result in a Talents are being nurtured R&D incubators and other satellite and terrestrial slate of cross-border feature films worth US$75 million. and matched to projects, facilities in Mediapolis@ fibre networks, extending Last year, MDA drew a fuelled by the presence one-north, a 19-hectare their reach and facilitating number of international March 2010. The IMG Working with international of leading media schools state-of-the-art digital worldwide access to funds to Singapore, targets to produce a partners such as IMG, including the Tisch School media hub. Construction Asian-produced content. including a strategic slate of feature films, Endemol, Darlow for the Arts, Digipen, alliance with ImageNation TV series, animation and Smithson and AETN All Chapman University Abu Dhabi, a wholly- related interactive game Asia also enabled such and complemented owned subsidiary of development content Made-by-Singapore by MDA’s ongoing the Abu Dhabi Media over a five-year period. projects to obtain global programmes that Company, and Ashok reach and distribution. have trained 30,000 Amritraj’s Hyde Park Separately, the US$20 professionals over the Entertainment Group. million production fund by Complementing these years. A key milestone ImageNation and Hyde digital media and visual efforts is active business- was the launch of Park will fund three to effects company, Infinite and-investor-matching for the Media Training four films a year, worth a Frameworks, has gone local start-ups, reaching and Attachment total estimated production into production for two out to more than 300 (META) Programme value of US$75 million projects, Future Earth international and local to provide hands-on over five years. A US$70 and Anatomy of a Crime. investors and financiers. training to local talents million Integrated Media These projects have Last year, more than through attachments Fund (IMF) managed by provided excellent 80 interactive digital with companies both SIMF Management Pte opportunities for building media companies were overseas and within Ltd, a Singapore-based capability and skills given the opportunity to Singapore for on-the- subsidiary of Salon Films transfer, especially in the pitch or showcase their job learning. Companies at Mediapolis will be connected to major Hong Kong, was formally areas of post-production business products and media centres in the world via high-speed satellite set up in Singapore in and visual effects. services to international and terrestrial fibre networks. Destination Singapore Destination Singapore 20 21
Concurrently, a Media • BroadcastAsia 2009 was CG Overdrive – a events, namely: the companies, delegates KEY ATTRACTIONS Technology Blueprint computer graphics (CG) Asia Television Forum and amount of deals is being drawn up to Businesses continued fiesta dedicated to CG (ATF), the AMF Country closed. The event closed Singapore: the trusted ensure that Mediapolis is to look towards Asia to professionals, enthusiasts, Showcase, Asia Television with US$88.7 million place to do business. powered with the most drive the new wave of students, producers, Awards and the Asian worth of programming comprehensive digital growth in the broadcast vendors and buyers. Festival of First Films. sales, a remarkable technology infrastructure and media sectors. Returning for its fourth Catering to various sectors 20% increase over the GETTING THERE to support the technology- BroadcastAsia (BCA) edition, the conferences of the industry, the previous year’s record intensive media activities 2009 returned with 647 featured a stellar line- • Landmark deals umbrella of AMF events of US$73.7 million. of the future. exhibiting companies, up of speakers from with international offered opportunities for funds of which 60 were new internationally renowned the media industry to • Serious Games Forum additions. In all, the studios such as Double • Partnership with Traffic Stoppers event attracted more Negative, Lucasfilm share best practices, forge leading media Despite the challenging than 9,000 international Animation Company strong business networks In March 2010, Singapore schools and foster international held its inaugural Serious economic conditions last and local trade visitors, Singapore B.V. and Pixar • Ultra-speed year, the two stalwart underlining its relevance Animation Studios. collaborations. Games Forum, a two-day connectivity shows on the local media as a premium platform conference that saw 125 calendar – BroadcastAsia for international, regional • Asia Media Into its 10th year, the Asia delegates forging links and Asian Television and local players to Festival 2009 Television Forum, which is between the electronic Forum – continued to source, purchase, network the trade market arm of games industry and draw thousands of trade and seize new business The Asia Media Festival the AMF, brought together projects involving the visitors to Singapore opportunities. (AMF) in December over 700 companies use of games in “serious” to buy and sell media 2009 rounded up an from more than 50 areas such as education, equipment, technologies Another successful track eventful year with its countries, including first- training, health and and content. held parallel to BCA line-up of premier trade time participants such public policy. as Discovery, HBO and Turner Entertainment and Supported by the new country pavilions of Singapore Government, Canada and Italy. Themed regional trade associations “Stereoscopic 3D and and a rich panel of Beyond”, the Singapore international speakers, Pavilion featured the the flagship event local media industry’s follows MDA’s October capabilities in the 2009 announcement of pre-production and post- its Media-in-Learning production of stereoscopic initiative to exploit 3D content and animation. the use of media such as games to enhance Notwithstanding the learning and teaching recession, the Asia Television Forum witnessed an impressive jump in figures – in terms BroadcastAsia 2009 & Asia Media Festival 2009. of participating countries, All Aboard the Media Express All Aboard the Media Express 22 23
pre-sales to 24 countries, Media, which promises audiences, Dinosaur Train even before the start co-investment of up has since been sold to of production. Lending to S$5 million for each Canada, United Arab All Aboard the their expertise and qualifying project, the Emirates and countries in skills to the production future looks bright for Europe, with broadcasters are local companies animators here. such as Nickelodeon Media Express BlackMagic Design and Australia, Germany’s Super Widescreen Media. A success story has been RTL, Discovery Kids Latin hether Made- cinemas in 2002, the children’s series Dinosaur America and France 5 in-Singapore film sector is burgeoning, Train, by Singapore’s carrying the programme. W or Made-by- with a Singapore film Animation Sparky Animation and Singapore, homegrown featured in the world- Acceleration The Jim Henson Company. Closer to home, the content and services are renowned Cannes Film Animation companies It was the highest-rated animation feature LaMB, delighting audiences Festival every year since from Singapore are series on the United produced by Imaginary worldwide. 2005. Honoured last year impressing worldwide States’ PBS Kids Channel Friends Studios and Peach was Here, by Singapore audiences with quality in December 2009, Blossom Media for Sony filmmaker and visual work and compelling topping even Dora the Pictures, went on to clinch Movie Mileage artist Ho Tzu Nyen, which Neon Sign, a Singapore stories. With the Explorer. Testament to the 2009 Golden Bell From just six films was selected by Cannes – China – Korea introduction of the MDA the ability of Singapore Award for Best Animation released in Singapore for Directors’ Fortnight. co-production. International Animation companies to produce in Taiwan. On the home front, Fund in partnership with compelling content that output has grown production, is the first distributor Fremantle resonate with world Underscoring the vibrancy steadily, with at least project supported under of the sector is the high 60 short and feature the Fund. quality of animation work films made last year. produced out of Singapore Equally significant was from leading studios. Alongside the launch the move to set aside Since its establishment in of the Singapore S$5 million to seed the 2006, Industrial Light & Media Fusion Plan at production of stereoscopic Magic Singapore, the only the Cannes Film Festival, 3D films. Today, Singapore overseas studio of Light & MDA unveiled the is one of the first Magic San Francisco under International Film Fund territories in the world Lucasfilm, has worked on to attract international with one-stop, end-to-end the visual effects for 12 players to form creative production and post- Hollywood blockbusters. partnerships with local production capabilities Its portfolio includes companies. It provides in stereoscopic 3D. Iron Man and last year’s co-investment of up to Star Trek, both of which S$5 million per project, In the pipeline is the garnered Academy Award covering all genres first Singapore-Australia nominations for best and types of feature- co-production, the 3D visual effects. Gurushetram, Singapore’s first length films including thriller Bait. About a Tamil film, is the second film animation, live action band of trapped Tsunami The Singapore branch of from the inaugural batch of and stereoscopic 3D. survivors faced with Singapore’s Tiny Island Productions and Thailand’s Shellhut Double Negative Visual selected New Feature Film Entertainment will co-produce a 3D stereoscopic animated Fund projects that have been Neon Sign, a Singapore killer shark attacks, Bait film based on popular TV series – Shelldon. Another Tiny Effects, Europe’s largest screened theatrically. – China – Korea co- has secured international Island title, Zzz-Force, was also promoted at MIPTV 2009. provider of visual effects All Aboard the Media Express All Aboard the Media Express 24 25
for film, has also worked in the form of Scrawl made inroads into the on high-profile movies Studio’s extension of fast-growing area of such as Prince of Persia its seminal Nanoboy comics and graphic and Kick-Ass and Iron Man animation property into novel publishing. 2, despite having opened e-learning and CR Media’s its doors less than two transnational digital Making waves years ago. expansion of August internationally was Man. Giving a fillip to local author Emily Lim, the publishing industry a recipient of support On the Write Track was MDA’s Inaugural under MDA’s First Time The publishing industry Graphic Novel Initiative Writers and Illustrators was augmented last year (IGNITE!), a joint initiative Publishing Initiative with the Spearheading with the Association of (FTWIPI). Her children’s Publishing Innovation Comic Artists Singapore picture book Just Teddy for New Enterprise (ACAS) that supports won the Bronze award (SPINE) initiative. Singapore talents at the 2009 Independent Aimed at nurturing the in creating original Publisher Book Award development of original intellectual property for (IPPY) in the US, making publishing properties multiple platforms. her the first in Asia to into international brands win two IPPY in the A gURLs wURLd, a US$9 million children’s live-action series supported by MDA. and franchises for In recent years, Singapore children’s book category multiple media platforms, companies such as following her earlier SPINE has given new Imaginary Friends Studios win for Prince Bear & Television programmes, totaling Singapore, Southern Star life to existing properties and TCZ Studio have Pauper Bear. Navigation 17 hours, by Channel Entertainment (Australia) Our co-production NewsAsia for international and Nord Deutscher approach has reaped distribution. Rundfunk (Germany). dividends for Singapore The producers have television producers, Several joint calls by MDA created specially-designed who have partnered and our counterparts from interactive web material leading international Australia (ScreenWest) for the show’s audiences media brands such as and United Kingdom around the world. AETN, BBC, Discovery, (South West Screen) National Geographic, have also resulted in Another project was Shanghai Media Group funding for Singapore Starry Night (星光依旧灿 and Fremantle Media to companies to co-produce 烂), the first Singapore- develop programmes that projects with partners China subway drama travel the world. from these countries. that brought the best of Increasingly, more are Singapore’s production Last year, international developing projects with capability, musical talents distributors including multi-platform appeal. and picturesque locations Bomanbridge, Electric An example is A gURLs to viewers in both Sky, ID Distribution, Indigo wURLd, a US$9 million countries. The short-form, children’s live-action series multi-episode series was FY 09/10 saw the development of an interactive e-learning platform Films and Looking Glass by Scrawl Studios based on Nanoboy, as well as CR Media’s transnational International acquired a supported by MDA and broadcast simultaneously digital expansion of August Man. slate of High Definition produced by Southern Star in Singapore and China All Aboard the Media Express All Aboard the Media Express 26 27
a one-year pilot initiative their commercialisation KEY ATTRACTIONS run jointly by the MDA prospects. Five proposals and the Infocomm have thus far been Local productions Development Authority approved, with close with global appeal. to place local games to S$5 million worth of at LAN gaming centres. investments committed There, they were given over the next two years. RIDING HIGH the opportunity to promote and get public Efforts are underway • Growing quantity feedback on their games. to spur innovation and and quality of movies growth in downstream As part of the industries. Under MDA’s • Award-winning FutureGames initiative Media-in-Learning animation abroad under the Future of initiative, educational and at home Media vision, MDA institutions are working • Higher incentives joined hands with four with MDA to facilitate for writing and local game publishing more extensive use of publishing partners – IAHGames, games and new media to • Expanding TV Mikoishi, Garena and aid learning and teaching. Starry Night (星光依旧灿烂), the first Singapore-China subway drama, reach via global Activate – to provide was one of the landmark television projects last year. partnerships newly-created game This has been boosted concepts direct access by a S$6 million • Helping hand for budding game to publishers and boost programme to support on subway platforms production, Monumental Programme, to address developers and trains as well as Challenge, was the needs of the entire the development and over other media such announced at the start of games value chain. deployment of up to as the Internet and the Asia Media Festival One initiative under 24 game titles to boost mobile devices. in December 2009. This the Programme is the learning in not only six one-hour episode provision of mentorship traditional school-based Leveraging the growing production, involving and guidance to aspiring education, but also other global interest in China, Singapore’s Oak3 Films, game developers at domains such as defence Singapore home- MediaLab and the History GAME+ Development and healthcare. Resource grown media company Channel from the UK, and Centres, which are centres will also be set MyChinaChannel also China Intercontinental collaborations between up with educational signed an agreement Communication Centre MDA and institutes institutions to equip with Shanghai Media (CICC) from China, will such as DigiPen and the industry professionals Group’s distribution arm, feature six of the world’s School of Interactive and with the right skillsets Wings Media, to co- greatest monuments that Digital Media in Nanyang and training produce two infotainment are being restored. Polytechnic. Gaming title Rocketbirds: television Series – China Revolutions! by Ratloop Trend and Foreigners Local game developers Asia was nominated for 3 in China. Game for the also benefited from awards in the San Francisco Next Stage participating and IGF 2010 (Excellence in The first-ever Singapore- To take Singapore games showcasing their Visual Art, Excellence in China-United Kingdom to the next level, MDA prototypes at the Audio, Seumas McNally HD documentary co- implemented the GAME+ Singapore Game Box, Grand Prize). Trailblazing Trailblazing 28 29
which predicts users’ aspects of IDM, including in Singapore. To date, interests and provides learning technology. GAMBIT have published relevant and timely over 68 research papers Trailblazing information. It was On the research front, in international journals/ ew business growing base of IDM became the most-visited recognised by Suzhou GAMBIT closed the conferences and books, opportunities are talents to support the Singapore website with Industrial Park as one of International Call For with 11 new papers N opening up in the growth of the industry. over 40 million registered the 12 most promising Proposals (CFP) in this quarter. interactive digital media users, of which up to enterprises for Innovations February, and the Local (IDM) sector, thanks to In March 2010, 450,000 users from all in Interactive Media. CFP in March (3 of 11 More significantly, GAMBIT cutting-edge Singapore- CarneyVale: Showtime over the world would be proposals selected for appeared in a list of built digital media developed by the online concurrently. In all, In November 2009, funding), in areas of “Top 8th Game Design applications and services. Singapore-MIT GAMBIT IDMPO’s top five projects Ufinity’s Lansin.com artificial intelligence School” by The Princeton Game Lab made the have grown a customer (蓝心网) combined in games, memetic Review. It surveyed 500 headlines as the first base of more than 55 forces with Tianya.cn framework for real-time schools before arriving Beyond the Singapore game to seal a million registered users (天涯社区), the world’s games, and prototyping at its top 50 with Beaten Path distribution contract with from over 200 countries. largest Chinese online video games with game design studies A burgeoning IDM Microsoft’s Games for community and social animation. In total, (from American and ecosystem fuelled by Windows-LIVE on the PC Some of the emerging networking platform, there are 11 on-going Canadian undergraduate innovation is taking shape. platform. It was also one new services that made to offer its psychological international and local programmes) to highlight Since its inception in of the pioneering titles an impact in Singapore evaluation service research projects. These the best schools games 2006, the IDM Programme on Xbox LIVE Community and overseas include on the latter’s site. funded research project students should attend. Office (IDMPO) has funded Games (Indie Games) PGK Media’s pioneering Lansin.com is the will further 52 industry R&D projects Channel, released in floating platform wishing world’s largest Internet contribute to the which resulted in 608 jobs December 2008, and wall used at Marina psychological evaluation yearly GAMBIT created, 69 products and fully developed by Bay during last year’s portal with the largest Summer Game services commercialised Singapore talents. National Day celebrations. number of psychology Development and S$65 million in total It was named the Best related services online. Programme (at investments realised in Local digital media New Outdoor Media at Two R&D projects MIT Lab) where Singapore. Significantly, companies, many of the Singapore Outdoor have been successfully students create the R&D programme them start-ups, have Advertising Awards commercialised in prototype games has helped start quality tapped into new business 2009 (SOAA). partnership with the to demonstrate projects addressing opportunities as pioneers National Heritage Board key concepts international markets, or innovators of new Crystal Graphics’ NCity (NHB). Virtual Factory’s behind the and establishing niche media technologies, virtual world technology, Cybermuseum, together research. sectors for which services and applications. which was built in with Magma Studio’s Singapore can be a These range from mobile Singapore, is the virtual World of Temasek, Recently, there global or regional leader. applications like BuUuk world platform for the were launched earlier are more which allows iPhone users Shanghai World Expo. this year. publications by Efforts to seed an to find any restaurant Its 3D building models the Singapore Gaming title Snap Escape by innovation culture at the quickly and easily and are being used for YOG researchers, Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game sponsored under ground have also fuelled Mozat, which offers virtual world. Flight to the Future Lab emerged runner-up in the more than 170 start-ups, novel mobile social Close collaborations the GAMBIT Best Social Game category in the supporting more than networking applications, There is Ufinity Interactive continued to be fostered grant – a positive Mochis Flash Games Awards and 550 IDM entrepreneurs to innovations like Garena, Media’s next-generation with research institutes indication of game also was nominated for People’s and helping to feed the whose gaming platform interactive online service, to deepen R&D in various research maturing Choice Award. Trailblazing Passport to the World 30 31
This year alone, 39 to co-develop and Proposals to encourage Singapore-based students distribute mobile games local developers to are selected from and applications, new research and develop among 250 applicants media technologies and innovative technology Passport to the World to the GAMBIT Summer animation co-productions, for the learning and Internship Program to for the global market. teaching of Chinese in growing network with Canada and work at GAMBIT-MIT lab, the areas of oral training, of government Australia. Besides in Boston. In an encouraging sign, mobile learning and news Atreaties and the 3D film and IDM is being embraced by education collaborations is opening Singapore-Australia In November 2009, mainstream companies. up new markets for co-production Bait, the MDA partnered the Last year, leading gaming the Singapore media these included KEY ATTRACTIONS Singapore Centre for peripherals brand, Razer industry, even as targeted animated TV series Chinese Language to Asia-Pacific, jointly set up Wider business promotions and publicity Rob the Robot by launch a joint Call-for- with the IDM Programme opportunities from create greater visibility One Animation Proposals to encourage Office a US$20 million state-of-the-art digital for Singapore companies and Amberwood local developers to lab to undertake R&D overseas. applications. Entertainment research and develop in interactive gaming (Canada), Jack by innovative technology technology and platforms, Sparky Animation for the learning and as well as create cutting- Venturing Far and PVP Animation teaching of Chinese in edge interactive gaming PUMP UP and Wide THE VOLUME Inc (Canada), Silly the areas of oral training, interfaces and devices. Cross-border Bitty Bunny by mobile learning and • Focusing on governmental Scrawl Studios and news education. The Future of Media innovation collaborations have CarpeDiem Film & initiative also rallied reaped co-production • Enabling start-ups TV (Canada), Mr Another milestone industry to collaborate opportunities for Moon by Sparky was the move by Keio and marshall resources • Experimenting with Singapore companies. new experiences Animation and University to set up its to develop and To-date, 15 film and Title Entertainment first full-scale international commercialise innovative • Gearing up for TV projects have benefited Rob the Robot by Singapore’s (Canada) and research centre outside services, tools and future needs from being accorded One Animation and Canada’s Zigby by Big Amberwood Entertainment. Japan. The S$20- applications in the areas co-production status, million Keio-NUS CUTE of Games, TV, Books, and a result of the treaties Animation and Zebra (I) Centre, an interactive Virtual Worlds. Industry and cooperation Productions (Canada). Closer to home, media lab, will focus response to the series agreements between homegrown software on connected lifestyle of calls for proposals MDA and its governmental MDA forged new developer EyePower media and Connective (CFPs) was heartening, counterparts overseas. collaborations with Games made waves Ubiquitous Technology with over 150 proposals A key benefit of this is Sweden’s Business when it introduced its for Embodiments (CUTE). received from 14 CFPs the ability to tap into Region Goteborg and ASEAN NewsMaker Japan’s Technology from MDA as well as support reserved for Brunei Darussalam’s Project to more than 500 Seed Incubation and jointly with industry and national productions Ministry of Comunications students and teachers Singapore’s Thymos demand drivers. For in the co-producing on new media, laying across 10 ASEAN countries Capital also signed an example, in November countries. the foundation for joint to produce and share MOU to identify and 2009, the MDA partnered projects on digital informational video match-make promising the Singapore Centre Last year, five Singapore media technologies content on their media companies in for Chinese Language to companies benefited from and policy exchanges rich and diverse cultures Singapore and Japan launch a joint Call-for- our co-production treaties respectively. with their peers. Passport to the World Driving Change 32 33
Next Stop: KEY ATTRACTIONS Singapore Media Fusion Essential links to Last year, MDA led some the world and for Driving Change 95 local companies to the world. DA is putting in of party political films content standards and trade shows in Singapore place a flexible that are factual, objective classification ratings across and overseas like M and responsive and do not dramatise film, videos, cable, IPTV Broadcast Asia, Cannes STAMP OF regulatory framework that and/or present a and VOD platforms. Film Market, MIPTV CONFIDENCE encourages competition, distorted picture. These and American Film promotes innovation amendments give more In addition, as part of • Fostering Market, amongst others, inter-governmental and investment, whilst room for political views its regular review of to promote and sell collaborations addressing consumers’ and debate. Since the content codes, MDA has Singapore content concerns for more choice inception of the PFCC, revised its Subscription TV and services. Mr Moon by Singapore’s • Made in Singapore, and convenience. some six films have Programme Code and TV Sparky Animation entertaining the been passed. Programme Sponsorship and Canada’s Title world Singapore media Entertainment. Code. The former now content, companies and Ears to the Ground Further to that, the gives Pay TV broadcasters capabilities continue to as an excellent media Media regulation in Censorship Review the flexibility to carry be promoted at these collaborator. For more Singapore is grounded on Committee (CRC) was rated programming on markets, sustained by information on Singapore principles of consultation convened in September all channels except those the Singapore Media Media Fusion, visit and co-regulation. While 2009 to conduct a review targeting children and a Fusion communications www.smf.sg content management of content policies and younger audience. MDA campaign. New media has gradually shifted issues across broadcast, is currently in the process icons – including Paul In all, the positive from censorship to films, videos, publications, of finalising its review of Barron, executive progress and classification, media arts and new media. advertising guidelines for producer of Stormworld developments of the content and classification The CRC has held focus TV and radio. In 2010, it and Lisa Henson, CEO of media industry were standards are continually groups sessions with both will be embarking on a The Jim Henson Company covered in more than reviewed by MDA’s eight industry and community review of the Free-to-Air – joined the growing list 6,000 tracked reports, advisory committees groups and commissioned TV Programme Code, and of advocates for Singapore worth $34 million to ensure that they a nationwide survey to MDA intends to take a reflect evolving gather public views on community-led approach community standards content standards and in this review. and social norms. areas where content regulation can be fine- In 2009 a new tuned and revised. Gearing Up to consultative panel – the the Next Phase Political Films Consultative MDA will continue to In order to address the Committee (PFCC) – was support the growth of imbalance in the pay formed to advise the new and emerging media TV market in Singapore, Board of Film Censors services through our where over 90 of the on the approval of licencing framework. A top 100 channels are political films, following major review is underway exclusively held, MDA amendments to the Films to facilitate cross- introduced the cross- Act in March 2009 to over of multi-platform carriage measure in Zigby by Singapore’s Big Animation and Canada’s Zebra (I) Productions. exempt certain categories content by harmonising March 2010. Essentially, Driving Change Driving Change 34 35
it requires pay TV to digital broadcasting, diverse range of content programmes, in four KEY ATTRACTIONS retailers to lease in line with ASEAN’s across all platforms. languages, across seven network equipment and commitment to do so Today, consumers enjoy a free-to-air channels. These A pro-business infrastructure to deliver between 2015 and 2020. choice of more than 340 programmes highlight regulatory regime exclusive content onto This switch will free up TV channels and 46 radio issues of relevance to our that also looks after another platform. broadcast spectrum that channels, up from 57 and multi-racial and multi- consumers’ interests. will allow industry players 28 respectively in 2002. cultural society, playing Beyond enhancing choice to develop novel digital Amongst other things, a critical role in building and convenience for content and services, High Definition TV, IPTV social cohesion and consumers, the measure while enabling clearer and 3D movie viewing instilling national pride. DOING IT BETTER will open up for the and sharper wide-screen experiences are now industry access to an images, and more available in the market. Last year, PSB • Enhancing choice increased consumer pool innovative and interactive programmes produced and convenience for consumers and re-focus competition content for consumers. Even as we embrace by independent to other aspects such as new media and digital production companies service differentiation technologies, the free- and MediaCorp’s in-house and competitive pricing Spectacular Views to-air television channels production units garnered and packaging, thereby In 2009, MDA facilitated continue to play a primary a total of 11 awards at creating a more vibrant the introduction of more role in entertaining various international TV market for all. than 30 new TV channels and educating the awards shows and 21 and radio stations, wider public. Last nominations at the 2009 As the world gears up for 220 local publications, year, MDA supported Asia TV Awards. These digital broadcasting, MDA 16,000 films, videos and over 2200 hours of accolades were headlined is putting in place plans to videogames, and 484 homegrown Public Service by The Little Nyonya prepare Singapore’s move arts events offering a Broadcasting (PSB) which beat entries from Japan and Australia to win the coveted Best Drama Series at the Asia TV Awards.
Beyond the region, PSB programmes too received their share of acclaim at various international awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle Award and the New York Film Festivals. The slate of achievements underscores the ability of Singapore producers to produce quality, compelling and relevant content both Reality documentaries Lifewatch and The Work Goes On – Last Dignified Moment of within and beyond the Death both won the CINE Golden Eagle Award Fall 2009 held in Washington DC. community New Media, Ahoy! New Media, Ahoy! 36 37
KEY ATTRACTIONS
Enriching lives with New Media, Ahoy! integrated media. ingaporeans are buffet of Singapore films, Knowing Your Way embracing the past and present; learn “A Day with the BFC” S digital media age new e-publishing tools workshops continue to WAY TO GO with gusto, thanks to through informative be well received by the • Bringing initiatives that equip them workshops; participate community. To-date, people together with the skills to enjoy in an inter-generational more than 800 members media in the way they game competition; and of the public including • Promoting live, work and play. enjoy an exciting pop community leaders, media literacy concert featuring the students and parents • Enjoy media in best of up-and-coming have participated in these everyday lives Bridging Gaps local talent, among educational workshops to Media Fiesta, a month- other activities. learn how films and video long festival of activities “A Day with the BFC” workshops have attracted games are classified. more than 800 members of the public to date. for Singaporeans to As part of its efforts to Conducted by our film engage and interact with promote media literacy, classifiers, these talks cyber wellness events situations where various forms of media, MDA supported a total focus on the importance and programmes. The discerning and responsible returned this year, bigger of 32 partner events of classification and how Committee has set aside use of new media and and better, spanning last year, including the it allows Singaporeans $10 million for the next the Internet should be four anchor events and inaugural National to make informed five years to support cultivated. The six one- more than 40 partner Primary School Video media choices. successful proposals. minute interstitials ran events, attracting 108,000 Games Competition, on Okto for six weeks participants and 63 Panasonic Kids Witness MDA is also leading Concurrently, MDA in April 2009, covering partners and sponsors. News, N.E.mation efforts to promote cyber commissioned a special issues on cyber-bullying, Participants had the and License2Play, wellness in the face of animation programme games addiction, dangers opportunity to enjoy a among others. the pervasiveness of new Once Upon A Cyberspace of sharing personal media in everyday life. to educate young viewers information online, As co-secretariat and and their families on online socialisation, member of the Inter- cyber wellness values, invasion of privacy and Ministry Cyber Wellness highlighting everyday Internet viruses Steering Committee (ICSC), which was formed WHAT LIES AHEAD in February 2009, MDA is helping to develop MDA has come a long way in establishing a vibrant media eco-system, but and coordinate national the journey is far from over. Armed with SMFP as a roadmap, we are well on strategies in support of course towards establishing Singapore as a Trusted Global Capital for New cyber wellness public Asia Media, powered by the drive, passion and innovation of the Singapore education for youths. media industry. In the year ahead, the MDA will continue to set its sights on Last year, the ICSC taking Singapore forward on this journey through the strategies laid out in organised its first public the SMFP blueprint. The possibilities are endless Media Fiesta returned this year, bigger and better. call for proposals on MDA Advisory Committees MDA Advisory Committees 38 39
Ms Nur Liyana Bte Md ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mrs Sarojini Padmanathan Sulaiman ON INDIAN TV & RADIO Senior Director Student PROGRAMMES (IPAC) Singapore Indian Development National University of Singapore Association (SINDA) MDA Advisory Committees Chairperson Ms Peggie Chua Ms Indranee Rajah Mr Seeni Syed Ahamed Kabeer President Legal Counsel Mr Ray Ng Ms Diviya Dharshini Director ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON The Teochew Drama Association/ Toll Global Logistics Lecturer Corporate Communications Drew & Napier CHINESE PROGRAMMES Events School of Humanities Excecutive Member of Parliament (ACCESS) Project Director Mr R Yokanathan Ngee Ann Polytechnic The Maritime and Port Authority Tanjong Pagar GRC Senior Lecturer of Singapore Chairperson Mr Phua Kok Tee School of Film & Media Studies Ms Tan Miao Ling Vice-Chairperson Associate Professor Chief Executive Officer Ngee Ann Polytechnic Educationist Mr Edmund Leow Zhen Wei Mr R Rajaram Lee Cheuk Yin Singapore Action Group of Elders Senior Operation Planning Director Department of Chinese Studies (SAGE) Ms Lavanya Raghuraman Mr Tay Tze Siong Analyst Office of Admissions National University of Singapore Tax Associate Assistant Manager PSA National University of Singapore Mr Raymond Lye Hoong Yip Pricewaterhouse Coopers Vice-Chairperson Business Communications Executive Director Members Mr Leng Chin Fai Singapore Pools Pte Ltd Ms Florence Oh Bao Jin CitiLegal LLC Mr Bala Reddy Executive Director Director Ms Shirleen Toh Shi Ling Consulus Pte Ltd Chief Prosecutor ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON Family Service Division Assoc Prof Rebecca Ang Educationist State Prosecution Division MALAY TELEVISION AND Fei Yue Community Service Associate Professor Dr Gan Su-lin Attorney-General’s Chambers RADIO PROGRAMMES Division of Psychology (MPAC) Members Mr Wan Shung Ming Director School of Humanities & Mr V Bimel Ram Mr Chia Ti Yu Executive Director Centre for Culture & Social Sciences Managing Director Chairperson Deputy Divisional Director Tin Sing Goldsmiths Pte Ltd Communication Nanyang Technological University AIM Connections Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman Management Accounting Republic Polytechnic Mr Wong Lin Tam Parliamentary Secretary & Procurement Mrs Sita Singh Ministry of National Development Managing Director Mr Goh Chee Kong Dr Chitra Sankaran ITE Headquarters Principal Wang Media Consulting Pte Ltd Vice President Associate Professor Member of Parliament Bedok Green Primary School Department of English Language Sembawang GRC Ms Peggie Chua Corporate Marketing Ms Xie Hui Qun and Communications and Literature President, Assoc Prof Susheela A. Assistant Editor SMRT Corporation Ltd National University of Singapore Vice-Chairperson The Teochew Drama Association Varghese Edipresse Singapore Pte Ltd Mr Ahmad Nizam Abbas Practice Associate Professor Ms Jacqueline Tan Kiat Ling Dr Chitra Varaprasad Associate Director Dr Foo Tee Tuan Corporate Communication Head Senior Lecturer Straits Law Practice LLC Senior Lecturer Lee Kong Chian School of Youth Outreach Centre for English Language School of Arts & Social Sciences ADVISORY COMMITTEE Business Singapore Youth Olympic Games Communication Members UniSim FOR ENGLISH TV & RADIO Singapore Management PROGRAMMES (PACE) Organising Committee National University of Singapore Mr Abdul Hamid Abdullah University Auditor Director Mr Gui Kai Chong Auditor-General’s Office Chairperson Mr Johnny Ang Boon Chee Mr M Harikrishnan Instructor Mr Sreedharan Suresh, Professor Leo Tan Wee Hin Assistant Vice President Managing Director Theories of Communication James Mr Muhammad Nazri Muhd Director Sales & Marketing International Business NUS Communications & Author/ Training Consultant Group Managing Director (Special Projects) Card Alliance Pte Ltd Management New Media Programme Training Plus Int’l Pte Ltd (Asia-Pac) Faculty of Science Consultants Pte Ltd Vector Scorecard (Asia-Pac) National University of Singapore Ms Joyce Tan Swee Yee Mr Hee Theng Fong Mr Victor Lim Kok Keng Art Therapist Ms Harnie Kumaraguru Pte Ltd Lawyer Director Members Post-graduate Student M/S Khattar Wong Dharma in Action MDM Atiqah Halim Mr Adrian Quek Mr Lim Poh Lye University of New South Wales Manager Deputy Director Senior Manager Mrs Hwang-Lee Poh See Mr Vinod Kumar M (Corporate Communications) Business Development & R&D Ms Kunawathy Counsellor Head of School South East CDC Leasing Marketing Seagate Technology International Vice Principal (Part-Time) School of Media & Singapore Sports Council Macpherson Secondary School Raffles Girls’ Primary School Communication Ms Li Jin Haw Ms Fuziah Binte Muhamad Management of Development Taha Mr Ahmad Nizam Assistant Director Mr V Maheantharan Mr Lai Kuo Cheong Institute of Singapore Principal Associate Director Corporate Communications Unit Director Self-Employed Fuhua Primary School M/s Straits Law Practice LLC Attorney General Chambers PACE Academy Ms Zalina Gazali Singapore Polytechnic Ms Low Yi Juan Senior Assistant Director Mdm Hanim Mohd Saleh Ms Annette Chong Mr Lye Fei Senior Social worker (Corporate Development) Correspondent and Head of Homemaker Chief Executive Officer Mr R Rajendram Student Care Service National Youth Council Care Corner Singapore Ltd Manager Entertainment & Lifestyle Berita Harian/ Berita Minggu/ Ms Antonia Teng Water Supply (Network) Dept Ms Samantha Loh Seow May Ms Zalina Abd Malik Sutra Magazine Principal Mr Muhd Fuadi Bin Rahmat Public Utilities Board Assistant Director Pupils Development Coordinator Singapore Press Holdings St. Gabriel’s Primary School Managing Director (Administration) Sembawang Primary School Adigital Stream Dr Rajesh Rai Centre for Culture & Mr M Ma’mun Bin H M F Dr Caroline Balhetchet Asst. Professor Communication Suheimi Director Ms Ng Geok Lan South Asian Studies Programme Republic Polytechnic Retiree Youth Service Centre Admin Officer National University of Singapore Singapore Children’s Society Ng Soh Construction Co. Pte Ltd MDA Advisory Committees MDA Advisory Committees 40 41
Mr Mohamed Faizal Bin Mr Raymon Huang Thien Hui Mr Predeep Kumar Menon PUBLICATIONS Ms Zaleha Bte Ahmad Mr Tan Kok Siang Ahmad Retiree Chief Executive Officer CONSULTATIVE PANEL (PCP) Centre Director/ AMP Lecturer Business Development Manager (Volunteer/ Rotary Club & RSP MENA Engineering Chemical & Science Education Social Enterprise Network RSVP Singapore) Consultants Chairperson Mdm Koh Teck Siew National Institute of Education Singapore Mr Basskaran Nair Educationist Nanyang Technological University Ms Kamsiah Abdullah Mr Tan Boon Beng Senior Vice President Mdm Mariah Bte Mohd Lecturer Teacher Corporate Marketing & Mr Kenneth Kwok Siew Loong Mr William Wu Teng Cheong Zainal Abideen Malay Language & Culture Hwa Chong Institution Communications Educationist Administration Supervisor Freelance Speech and Nanyang Technological University CapitaLand Limited Singapore Airport Terminal Drama Teacher Ms Vijaya d/o Nadesan Mr Mohamed Faizal Bin Services Ltd Prof Koh Tai Ann Dance Instructor 1st Vice-Chairperson Ahmad Mr Muhammad Ikram Bin Professor Mr Charles Ho Nai Chuen Business Development Manager Mrs Yang Oon Hui Audrey Mohd Ariff English Literature Mrs Sheila Moira Wee Chief Executive Officer MENDAKI nee Low Training Consultant School of Humanities and Founder, Storyteller, Storytelling On Cheong Co. Pte Ltd Retired lawyer Social Studies Trainer, Story Consultant Ms Lee Siew Gek Mdm Siti Haslinda Putri Nanyang Technological University Storywise 2nd Vice-Chairperson Manager Ms Kym Yeo Yun Ling Harun Mr Edward D’Silva Product Development & Research Officer Director Mr Borhan Bin Saini Ms Yap Foon Lyn Architect/ Director Regulatory Affairs Dept Mindef The Kids Dentist Managing Director Vice-Principal SAA Architects Pte Ltd Haw Par Healthcare Limited Wellcare Executive Concierge Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ MDM Suriati Binte Abdullah Services Pte Ltd School (Primary) Members Dr Sinderpal Singh BROADCAST, PUBLICATIONS Managing Director & Ms Lee Kuan Fung Research Fellow & ARTS APPEAL COMMITTEE Principal Consultant Ms Chua Ai Liang Mr Simon Leong Kai Chong Associate Editor Institute of South Asian Studies (BPAAC) The SuChi Group Director Senior Manager Omy.sg National University of Singapore SuChi Success Initiatives Pte Ltd Audience Development (Marketing & Facilities) Singapore Press Holdings Chairperson SuChi Media Pte Ltd National Arts Council Singapore Turf Club Ms Lee Yan Peng Mr Choo Thiam Siew Ms Triena Noeline Ong Asst Manager President Dr Suzaina Kadir Ms Yvinne Goh Ms Mona Lim President (Internal Audit) Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Assistant Professor Freelance Project/ Freelance Consultant/Educator Singapore Book Publishers & Singapore Power Ltd Lee Kuan Yew School of Logistics Manager Managing Editor, ISEAS Vice-Chairperson Public Policy Asylum Group Pte Ltd Ms Ruby Lim-Yang Ms Charmaine Lim Zheng Yuin Dr Hadijah Bte Rahmat Artistic Director Mr Chin Heng Ee Assistant Manager Associate Professor MDM Zarina Yusof Mr Indra Ali Act 3 International Quality Assurance Manager Corporate Communications Asian Languages & Cultures Deputy Director Training Consultant IBM Global Services, ASEAN/ SA Great Eastern Life Assurance National Institute of Education Youth Health Division Yellow Edge (S) Pte Ltd Mr James Ng Co Ltd Nanyang Technological University Health Promotion Board Regional Director Ms Nurul Ain Ramli Mr Kirupanantha Kumar Asia Pacific Integration Group Educationist Dr Kenneth Lyen Mrs Belinda Charles s/o Palaiyan Paediatrician Principal ARTS CONSULTATIVE PANEL Teacher Ms Norreha Sayuti Mr Johnson Davasagayam St Andrew’s Secondary School (ACP) Ministry of Education Freelance Designer s/o Paul T Mrs Lim Siew Kim Deputy Director Retired Librarian Members Chairperson Mr Lee Chee Keng Ms Pushpalatha Devi Naidu National Library Board, Singapore Mr Goh Hock Soon Mrs Laura Hwang Cheng Lin Academic Senior Executive Ms Huang Shuo Mei Director, Marketing and Managing Director (Chinese & Japanese Lee Kong Chian Reference Library Ms Esther Chua Jia Ping Director Membership Memories of The East Pte Ltd Studies) & Theatre Artiste National Library Board Research Officer Group Communications & People’s Association Housing & Development Board Service Quality Vice-Chairperson Ms Lee Kuan Fung Mr Samuel Tang Yee Kit SingHealth Mr Ong Sin Tiong Mr Toh Weng Cheong Interactive Editor Director Ms Athena D’Souza Principal Industrial Partner/ Lawyer omy.sg International Marketing Homemaker Mr Low Chee Meng Relationship Officer Low Yeap Toh & Goon Singapore Press Holdings CT Vision System (S) Pte Ltd Managing Director National Trades Union Congress Mr Gerard Ee Hock Kim Autoacc Trading Pte Ltd Members Mr Liew Chin Choy Ms Wang Chu Chiao Community Volunteer/ Dr Uma Rajan Mr Almahdi Al-Haj Bin Vice President Independent Writer/ Consultant Mr N K Rajarh Consultant Ibrahim (Administration) Researcher/ Curator Advocate & Solicitor/ Lecturer Health Care Managing Director/ Scriptwriter Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Mr Gary Goh Kok Hiong Indian Arts, Culture & Heritage Nadivision Mr William Xavier Head, Publication Ms Sreyashi Sengupta Mr Jim Lim Teck Hwee Producer/ Presenter Doby Studio Pte Ltd Founder and Partner Dr Tan Sze Wee Ms Lina Chong Lin Lin Lecturer Mediacorp 938 Live INDIBIZ Singapore Programme Director Assistant Manager Nanyang Polytechnic Mr Gilbert Yeoh Guan Hin A*Star’s Medical Technology Leadership & Personal Senior Lecturer Ms Cheryl Ng Initiative Development Mr Low Sze Wee Dept. of English Language Director Nanyang Polytechnic Deputy Director and Literature Great Expectations and Ms Wang Look Fung The National Art Gallery, Singapore National University of Singapore Adjunct Lecturer General Manager Ms Karen Goh Chia Lin National Heritage Board Ngee Ann Polytechnic Keppel Corporation Ltd HR Executive Mrs Rita Zahara Alhadi Foreign Teacher Mdm Rebecca Ng Free-lance bilingual TV news Dr Oliver Seet Beng Hean Ms Sabrina Goh Management Unit Principal presenter, producer and writer Retiree Consultant Ministry of Education School of The Arts (SOTA) Creating-me Consulting MDA Advisory Committees MDA Advisory Committees 42 43
Mdm Som Bte Mohammed Members Christopher Ong Siu Jin Members Ms Liew Chai Hoon Mr Ray Chua Swee Boon Said Dr Cherian George Deputy Public Prosecutor/ Mr Almahdi Al-Haj bin Business Analyst Senior Executive Founder/Artistic Director Head State Counsel Ibrahim @Nadiputra A-IT Software Services TOUCH Youth Ltd Sri Warisan Som Said Journalism Division, Criminal Justice Division Managing Director TOUCH Cyber Wellness & Sports Performing Arts Wee Kim Wee School of Nadivision Ms Cheryl Ng Communication and Information Ms Angela Wee Director Mr Felix Soh Mrs Tan Chee Koon Nanyang Technological University Director & Principal Lecturer Mr Elamaaran Balakrishnan FAMSPARK Pte Ltd Digital Media Editor Advisor School of InfoComm Technology Director Singapore Press Holdings National Volunteer and Dr Lim Sun Sun Ngee Ann Polytechnic Family and Youth Ms Ng Wei Chin Philanthropy Centre Assistant Professor Development Division Independent Filmmaker Ms Sharon Goon Communications and Alan Chou SINDA TheVeryQuietStudio Marketing Communications Mrs Tan Siew Piang New Media Programme Xbox and PC games Business Manager Principal National University of Singapore Lead for Southeast Asia Dr Chew Tuan Chiong Mr Adelbert Ngui Hin Liang MediaCorp Pte Ltd Unity Secondary School Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Senior Development Officer Daniel Tan Kim Khoon Frasers Centrepoint Trust Building & Construction Authority Mr Albert Tan Chong Kit Mr Venka Purushothaman Director Iris Wee Lecturer Vice President (Academic) & School of Interactive & Head Mr Chia Ti Yu Mr V. Bimel Ram School of Engineering- Provost Digital Media Marketing Divisional Director Director Manufacturing LaSalle College of the Arts Nanyang Polytechnic Starhub Finance AIM Connections Pte Ltd (SEGM) Mechatronics & Systems ITE Integration Grp Mr David Wong Cheong Fook Mrs Kiang-Koh Lai Lin Felix Soh Mr Jordan Woo Chi Yong, Nanyang Polytechnic Chairman Director Digital Media Editor Mr Gabriel Chong Yew Mun Col (NS) Ascendas Funds Management Reading Initiatives SPH, Razor TV Sector Planning Executive Self-employed Ms Zarina Yusof (S) Ltd National Library Board MCYS Adjunct Lecturer and Trainer Ng Mie Ling Mr Alan Yeo Kong Leong Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Mrs Tan Seow Peer Jawahar Kanjilal Coordinating Director Mr Philemon Loh Whee Khee Counsellor/ Psychotherapist/ Singapore Polytechnic and Lawyer Global Head Family Development Group General Manager Psychologist Singapore Institute of Partner, Lee Bon Leong & Co Emerging Market Services, MCYS Synphonics Pte Ltd Balanced Consulting Management Nokia Pte Ltd Ms Lay See Neufeld Edward Ying Ms Amy Gay Suan Choo Dr Oliver Seet Beng Hean Ms Elvynn Seetho Principal Fahmi A Rais Chief Deputy Director Retiree Business Consultant Kheng Cheng School Chief Executive Officer Content and Media Services Group Corporate Communications SecureAge Technology Pte Ltd Mr Suhardi Saaban iBrand SingTel Chief Executive’s Office Educationist Dr Chan Lin Ho National Library Board Ms Siti Aidayantie Binte Educator/Senior Lecturer James Seng Shaun Seow Ahmad Mr Lionel Wong Kok Mun King Content Pte Ltd Deputy CEO Planner SIM University Mr Idham Khalid Mohamed Lecturer (News, Radio and Print) Flight Operations Controller/ Digital Audio Video Production, Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd Mr Andrew Ong Chin Lee Grace Chng MediaCorp Pte Ltd Internal Auditor School of Electronics & Lawyer Editor Singapore Airlines Info-Comm Technology Mr Herald Bangras Rajah & Tann LLP Singapore Press Holdings Dr Cheah Horn Mun ITE College West Senior Lecturer & Internship Director of ETD Mr Jackie Goh Wei Chin (Ang Mo Kio Campus) Manager Mr Chng Kai Jin Kenneth James MOE Businessman Ngee Ann Polytechnic General Manager Technology Editor, Ms Joyz Tan Dunlin Symphonia Co Ltd The Business Times Dr Angeline Khoo Senior Social Worker Ms Ng Geok Lan Singapore Press Holdings FILMS CONSULTATIVE PANEL Associate Professor Project 180 (Youth Services) Admin Officer Dr Ong Teck Chin (FCP) Psychological Studies Fei Yue Community Services Ng Soh Construction Co. Pte. Ltd. CEO/Principal Nicholas Khoo National Institute of Education Anglo-Chinese School Co-Founder Chairperson Nanyang Technological University Prof Tan Hun Tong Mr Koh Yiak Kheng (Independent) SCOGA Mr Vijay Chandran Director Educationist Director Mr K Kannappan Centre for Accounting & John Ang Elasticity Retiree Auditing Research Mr Wong Yu Han INTERNET AND MEDIA President National Technological University Executive Director ADVISORY COMMITTEE Fei Yue Community Services 1st Vice-Chairperson Ms Yvonne CL Lee TAS Theatre Co. (S) Ltd (INMAC) Dr Christine Yap Asst Professor Dr Tan Su-Ming Effendy Ibrahim Consultant, Obstetrician and Faculty of Law Private Practitioner Mr Lim Tat Kuan Chairperson Internet Safety Advocate & Gynaecologist National University of Singapore Changi Clinic General Counsel Eugene Seow Norton Business Lead IVF Clinician Jurong Port Pte Ltd Executive Director Asia South Region Women’s Health and Fertility Mr Lee Tiong Peng Ms Jacqueline Keh TOUCH Community Services Symantec Centre Senior Vice President Category Strategy Manager Ms Mona Lim CapitaLand Pfizer Freelance Consultant and Vice-Chairperson Tan Kim Kee 2nd Vice-Chairperson Educator Ms Tan Yen Yen Group Director Dr Jasbir Singh Ms Anna Leong Mr Joseph Ong Hock Chye Senior Vice President (Grassroots) Research Scientist Homemaker Technical Officer Mr JT Koh Application AP People’s Association – Deputy Director MINDEF TV Writer and Producer Oracle Corporation (S) Pte Ltd Science and Engineering Mr Li Ching Liang Research Council Media Producer Mr Wu Wai Tuck Mr Edward Ong Keng Wan A*STAR Ministry of Education Educational Technology Officer Managing Director Ministry of Education V.C. Edwardt Pte Ltd MDA Advisory Committees 44
Mrs Murgiana Haq Films Appeal Committee Mr Wong Lin Tam Lawyer (FAC) Managing Director/ HSLegal LLP Media Consultant Chairperson Wang Media Consulting Pte Ltd Mr Douglas Foo Peow Yong Mr Tan Boon Huat Chief Executive Officer Singapore Administrative Service Apex-Pal International Ltd (Retired) Political Films Consultative Committee Ms Foo Soo Jen Members (PFCC) Senior Therapist Professor Walter Woon Counselling and Care Centre David Marshall Professor of Law Chairperson Faculty of Law Mr Richard Magnus Ms Lynette Lim Qing Mei National University of Singapore Chairman Senior Operations Executive Casino Regulatory Authority Tan Tock Seng Hospital Mr Manogaran s/o Suppiah Deputy Director Members Mr Sherwin Lim En Teck Teachers’ Network Professor Lily Kong Undergraduate Ministry of Education Vice-President National University of Singapore (University & Global Relations) Mrs Joni Ong National University of Singapore Ms Nor Hidayah Binte Mohd Managing Director Amin (Hidayah Amin) ThYnk Consulting Muhammad Haniff Bin Media Producer Hassan Ministry of Education Mr Chandra Mohan Associate Research Fellow s/o K Nair S. Rajaratnam School of Mr Warren Fernandez Advocate & Solicitor International Studies Regional Director Tan Rajah & Cheah Nanyang Technological University Communications Strategy Asia Pacific Mdm Lim Hong Peng Terry Lee Kok Hua Shell Eastern Petroleum Principal President Temasek Secondary School Singapore Insurance Mr Harris Rusdi Chai Employees’ Union Undergraduate Dr Abdul Razakjr Bin Omar National University of Singapore Consultant Cardiologist Lim Jim Koon National University Hospital Editor Mr Quak Hiang Whai Lianhe Zaobao Director Ms Ang Bee Lian Multimedia firm Chief Executive Officer M. Rajaram Potato Productions National Council of Social Service Senior Director Straits Law Practice LLC Ms Evelyn Woels Dr Chin Kwee Nyet Curriculum Specialist Senior Lecturer Daniel Yun (Theatre Studies & Drama, Centre for Language Studies CEO Debates and Oracy) National University of Singapore Homerun Pictures Pte Ltd Ministry of Education Mr Daren Shiau Mr Ng Tee Lim Lawyer/ Partner Undergraduate Allen & Gledhill National University of Singapore Mr Edmund Phang Chin Sian Mr Errol Reynold Manager, Family Services Goodenough Ministry of Community Retired Civil Servant Development, Youth and Sports
Dr Edna Lim Mr Lim Huan Chiang Lecturer Vice President Department of English Language Cultural Industry Promotion and Literature Chinese Newspapers Division National University of Singapore Singapore Press Holdings
Ms Aidaroyani Adam Mr Raymond Lye Hoong Yip Manager Executive Director, Centre for Research in CitiLegal LLC Pedagogy and Practice Nanyang Technological University Mdm Siti Haslinda Putri Harun Director The Kids Dentist 3 Fusionopolis Way #16-22 Symbiosis Singapore 138633. Tel: (65) 6377 3800 Fax: (65) 6577 3888 www.mda.gov.sg www.smf.sg
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2010
MDA registered a higher net surplus of $39.8m, as compared to the net deficit of $64.5m in FY08, mainly attributable to the higher net investment income following the market recovery.
Income & Expenditure FY09/10 FY08/09 $’000 $’000 Operating Income 161,119 159,501 Net Investment income/(loss) 71,461 (45,365) Operating Expenses (173,558) (160,878) Surplus/(deficit) before industry 59,022 (46,742) development expenses Industry development expenses (36,263) (33,992) Surplus/(deficit) before grants 22,759 (80,734) Government grants 17,056 16,274 Surplus/(deficit) before contribution to 39,815 (64,460) consolidated fund Contribution to consolidated fund - - Net surplus/(deficit) for the year 39,815 (64,460)
The better-than-expected investment position, which was represented by an increase in cash and investments of $49.8m from 31 March 2009, improved MDA's accumulated surplus funds to $144m as at 31 March 2010, from $104.2m a year ago.
As at 31 Mar 10 As at 31 Mar 09 Financial Position $’000 $’000 Fixed Assets 30,473 37,113 Cash and Investments 368,125 318,334 Receivables 42,989 30,372 Other Assets 4,272 3,302 Total Assets 445,859 389,121 Payables 59,104 64,756 Provisions 31,852 19,325 Advances and deposits 78,066 68,018 Net assets of Trust and agency funds (552) (1,941) Total Net Assets 276,285 235,081 Capital 132,815 132,815 Accumulated Surplus 144,022 104,207 Total Capital, Funds and Accumulated 276,837 237,022 Surpluses Trust and agency funds 1 (552) (1,941) Total Fund Position 276,285 235,081
1 This refers to monies received from government and other organizations where MDA act as custodian, trustee or agent, and include Singapore Film Commission (SFC) film development funds, as well as Interactive Digital Media (IDM) R&D development funds.