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Speech at Creative Industries Career Fair

Mr Gan Kim Yong, Acting Minister , Marina Square Atrium

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1.   Good morning. I am very pleased to join you this morning for the first-ever Creative Industries Career Fair.

2.   The global Creative Industries has been growing in recent years. In developed countries such as the US and the UK, it is among the fastest growing sectors in the economy. Developing countries such as China have also been devoting resources to grow the creative cluster. Indeed, the Creative Industries can also serve as a key competitive advantage for the broader economy. Here in Singapore, we have recognised the new and exciting economic opportunities in Creative Industries.

3.   To support the growth of the Creative Industries, the Government has put in place a number of initiatives. These include the Singapore Media Fusion Masterplan, which promotes industry collaborations and talent development, and the upcoming Mediapolis@one-north, which will house international and local media companies, schools and R&D firms under one roof. There is also generous funding for digital media projects and startups, as well as funding support for SMEs in design innovation. These efforts will ensure a bright outlook for the Creative Industries in the long term.

Employment Opportunities Amidst the Downturn

4.   But the driving force for the growth of this industry in Singapore lies in nurturing creative talent to generate new and innovative ideas. That is why I am very heartened to know that despite the global downturn, employers in the Creative Industries are still looking to hire people with the passion and skills to pursue a career in this sector. 350 jobs are immediately available in positions ranging from animators, game designers and arts managers, to e-publishing editors, media sales associates and public relations associates.

Professional Skills Programme (PSP)

5.   Some of you here today might have been from a different industry previously and are looking to enter the Creative Industries. Others might already be working in this sector and are looking to upgrade skills and explore new opportunities.

6.   MOM and WDA have introduced a new umbrella programme, the Professional Skills Programme (PSP) for Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs). Let me touch on how the Professional Skills Programme for the Creative Industries will be of help to Singaporean PMETs.

7.   This programme will cater to PMETs looking to switch sectors and occupations, as well as those seeking to upgrade their skills within the same industry. I am pleased to announce that eight new conversion and upgrading programmes will be launched to provide some 400 training and apprenticeship opportunities over the next year. These programmes will help Singaporeans gain industry-relevant knowledge, skills and work experience in the arts and culture, design, media and communication sectors. The aim – to help PMETs convert to new careers with ease and successfully. In addition, tertiary upgrading through selected degree and post-graduate courses will soon be included. These courses will all receive enhanced funding under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience initiative or SPUR for short.

Skills Conversion and Upgrading Progammes in the Creative Industries

8.   I am confident that the PSP will benefit many Singaporean PMETs. Take Mr K R Jeevan for example. Mr Jeevan, a Diploma graduate, had always wanted to be an animator. He worked with a cable channel and produced commercials before he was retrenched in 2003. For four years, he worked as a freelance consultant in audio engineering. It was only in 2007 that he found a permanent job as a Development Executive. To realise his ambition to be an animator, he is now upgrading his skills and working towards a WSQ Advanced Certificate in Animation.

9.   The opportunities in the creative industries are not restricted to PMETs only. While Mr Jeevan is working towards completing his course, 15 younger trainees have already passed their three-month WSQ course at the Singapore Media Academy. Many of them will be starting out as Production Assistants at media production companies.

Promoting Creative Entrepreneurship

10.   There are other skills upgrading programmes available including upgrading courses in animation and game development, Arts Education, Publishing and Design.

11.   Some PMETs who have been working in the Creative Industries for a number of years may aspire to start up their own businesses. Recognising this, WDA and MICA had jointly rolled out a WSQ Professional Diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship last year. This programme equips entrepreneurial individuals with the necessary competencies to develop their creative ideas into a business enterprise. Trainees were taught how to develop prototypes and conduct test trials, and take their creative ideas from concept to reality and then to market. 40 people have already completed this specially tailored programme. Another 40 trainees are currently undergoing training and will graduate by this September.

Conclusion

12.   Apart from the jobs and training opportunities that are available at today's Career Fair, we can expect more jobs to be created in the years ahead. Through upgrading, conversion and even entrepreneurship training programmes, we hope Singaporeans will be able to seize the many opportunities available in the Creative Industries.

13.   I would like to thank the employers, industry partners, training providers and government agencies that have contributed to this Career Fair. These include the Singapore Workforce Development Agency, the Ministry of Information, Communications & the Arts and SPRING Singapore. I wish all of you an enjoyable and fruitful weekend at the Career Fair.