CGGE: What are the functions and responsibilities of the Infocomm Media Development Authority?

L:The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. We do this by developing a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, building tech talent, business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore’s ICM infrastructure.

IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission.

CGGE: Digital technology has led to profound changes in all walks of life. How does the Infocomm Media Development Authority promote the development of the media industry and contribute to the economic development?

L:Singapore is committed to creating a vibrant and forward-looking infocomm media ecosystem. We have a vibrant media industry in Singapore that consists of local and international media companies developing innovative and compelling content.

For example:
– Singapore-based Infinite Studios’ has produced Indonesia-themed Western

Buffalo Boys, which is Singapore’s submission to the Oscars for 2019.
– Local production company Beach House Pictures has made a 4K reality series, First Man Out, in partnership with Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) and IMDA.

On the international front, global media industry leaders have set up regional headquarters in Singapore, including media giants Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, HBO Asia, and Walt Disney Company SEA. Singapore is also the regional headquarters of tech giants Alibaba, Paypal, Google, Facebook and Stripe.

Singapore offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, talent development programmes, and strong government support for the development of an ecosystem that promotes innovation, and the co-creation of content for businesses.

Through the flagship Singapore Media Festival (SMF), IMDA fosters collaborations among tech and media companies and talents from both industries. Since SMF was launched, the event has generated approximately US$1 billion worth of deals and partnerships in four years. IMDA’s digital event SMF Ignite, in its third edition this year, will focus on the impact the media-tech convergence has on storytelling.

Another way that the IMDA supports the infocomm media ecosystem is through its shared innovation facility, PIXEL, for gaming and media companies.

The IMDA recognises that there are many opportunities for Singapore’s media industry to thrive in a digital economy and leverage Singapore as a gateway to Asia.

CGG: With the new round of information technology revolution sweeping across the globe, how does the Singapore IMDA contribute to building a digital society that influences the business and people’s lives?

L: Digital transformation is a national priority for Singapore. Through the SG:D nation- wide movement, IMDA aims to unify Singapore’s digitalisation efforts through collaborations between the government, companies, organisations and individuals to thrive in the new digital economy. We want all segments of society to do well in the digital economy.

Singapore launched the Digital Economy Framework for Action in May this year. The Framework serves as a guide to help our businesses, communities and workforce to prepare for the digital economy so that they can seize the opportunities of the future.

The Tech Skills Accelerator (TeSA) programme helps mid-career adults to acquire new skills to better prepare them for jobs in upcoming industries.

The Silver Infocomm Initiative helps older citizens plug into the digital world.

Our education efforts such as PlayMaker Programme and Digital Maker Programme aims to get people to see that it’s not just about using technology for its own sake; but how using technology will benefit them in their daily lives.

Our aim is to create exciting opportunities for businesses and individuals, and build strong and inclusive communities so that everyone can enjoy the fruits of our progress

together.

CGG:How does IMDA work with other government organizations to improve people’s lives?

L:There are three pillars in Singapore’s Smart Nation vision: Digital Government, Digital Economy and Digital Society. IMDA drives the development of the Digital Economy. We work closely with the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), which fosters digital literacy among Singaporeans in Digital Society.

IMDA and MCI work alongside Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and Government Technology Agency (GovTech). SNDGO and GovTech plan Smart Nation projects, drive the digital transformation of government, build digital capabilities in the public sector, and promote adaptation and participation from public and industry, to collectively build a Smart Nation.

At the end of the day, our goal is to create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans, enabled by advancements in technology, through the development of our infocomm and media sector.

CGG: In the new wave of digitalization and the Internet, how will the Infocomm Media Development Authority further innovate digital technologies in the future to promote economic development and improve people’s lives?

(Please see reply for Q3)

CGG: Will IMDA develop more opportunities to work with Chinese companies or media industry related associations? Does IMDA has any future plans?

L: Given its strategic position as a hub, Singapore is in a prime position to be a gateway for Chinese companies to enter South-east Asia, and vice versa.

For example, the Singapore Media Festival (SMF) serves as a unique platform for Southeast Asia and China to connect talent and executives from the television, film and online video industries.

China has been participating regularly in the SMF, be it at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) or the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF). This year, ATF introduces the

inaugural ATF Chinese Pitch in partnership with GHY Culture & Media. The programme looks for innovative traditional movie, online movie and online drama series concepts in the genres of sci-fi, thriller, myths and legends, horror, and fantasy.

Chinese company GHY Culture & Media will also be launching Little Neon 2, a remake of the hit Singapore TV series at ATF.

On the ATF show floor, there has also been an increase in OTT platforms’ participation, some of them being major players in China such as Tencent and Youku. At the SMF Ignite, we are also excited to have Chen Xiao, the Vice-President of iQiyi, deliver a keynote speech.

Reporter: Raymond