Douala: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has collaborated with the media industry to update the Skills Framework for Media. This initiative aims to provide current sector information, job roles, and skills for media practitioners in new technological areas like Virtual Production (VP) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). Additionally, a company-led apprenticeship program with media companies has been introduced to offer locals more job and training opportunities in these areas.
According to Cameroon News Agency, IMDA has been promoting VP applications in Singapore’s media industry since 2023. To date, there have been 28 VP content projects and 650 media professionals trained in VP through these projects and workshops, supported by the S$30 million VP Innovation Fund announced last year. These updates were delivered by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Ministry of National Development, Mr. Tan Kiat How, at the opening of the Asia TV Foru
m and Market, a segment of the Singapore Media Festival. Now in its 11th edition, the festival is hosted by IMDA under the theme ‘Make It Here’, motivating the regional media community to create, connect, and realize their visions.
As Singapore’s media market expands, employment opportunities are increasing, with 24,960 media professionals employed across the economy in 2023, marking a compound annual growth rate of 7% since 2018. The refreshed Skills Framework for Media offers a comprehensive roadmap for media professionals, outlining the future of media careers and talent development. This framework was developed by IMDA in collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore, industry associations, Institutions of Higher Learning, and after consultation with around 150 media representatives across industry and training providers to ensure it meets the needs of a dynamic media landscape.
The updated Skills Framework identifies 195 job roles across nine tracks, with 230 technical skills and competencies in existing a
nd emerging media skills like VP, GenAI, content production, and more. Media practitioners can use the framework to upskill and remain relevant in today’s media landscape, while employers and training providers can structure learning and training opportunities. The framework was initially launched in 2018 by IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore, and Workforce Singapore in consultation with Singapore’s media industry.
IMDA will also provide more company-led on-the-job training opportunities through apprenticeships with media companies in line with the new skills added into the refreshed framework, including VP. Initially, IMDA will partner with seven media companies to offer over 70 apprenticeship opportunities across content production, business management, and technical roles to further deepen practical skills development and ensure talent is industry-ready.
In his opening speech, SMS Tan Kiat How emphasized the importance of the Asia TV Forum and Market and the Singapore Media Festival as platforms for networking
and collaborations. He highlighted that as Asia’s entertainment content industry grows, Singapore aims to be a partner to share stories with the world and discover talents in Asia. By investing in the future of media professionals, Singapore ensures they are equipped with the right skills, technology, and platforms to excel in this dynamic industry.
The use of VP in Singapore’s media industry continues to progress with the launch of three full-scale VP studios supporting international projects developed with VP technology. These studios-Aux Infinite Studios, Oceanus Media Global, and X3D Studio-are also providing VP training. In the coming year, media professionals can anticipate specialized training opportunities for roles such as VP supervisors from local and overseas VP experts.
There have been 28 VP content projects using VP technology to explore creative possibilities and overcome physical limitations. For instance, film director Ian Wee from Reelisations Pte Ltd utilized VP in his latest project ‘Time
Apart’ to execute complex time-lapse sequences. Ian participated in the National Film and Television School Certificate in Virtual Production course in April 2023. Similarly, Glenn Chan from Sonder Films used 3D scanning technology to integrate 3D CGI characters into virtual environments for his short-form VP project ‘The Old World’, following his participation in the Aux-XON SG x Korea VP Masterclass earlier this year.
For more information on the Singapore Media Festival and the Asia TV Forum and Market, please visit www.imda.gov.sg/smf. To access the latest Skills Framework for Media, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/media-manpower-plan/skills-framework-for-media-sfw-for-media.