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IMDA Refreshes Skills Framework for Media and Continues to Support Virtual Production Capabilities and Training

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Developed in consultation with industry, refreshed Skills Framework for Media introduces new technical skills and competencies for emerging technologies like virtual production and generative artificial intelligence.
New company-led apprenticeship programme with media companies to expand job and training opportunities in the industry
28 Virtual Production projects supported, and 650 media professionals trained to date under the Virtual Production Innovation fund

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 December 2024 – The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has worked closely with the media industry to introduce a refresh to the Skills Framework for Media, which will provide up-to-date sector information, job roles and existing and emerging skills for media practitioner, in new tech areas such as Virtual Production (VP) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). To provide locals with more job and training opportunities in new tech areas, another new initiative is the company-led apprenticeship programme with media companies.

2. IMDA has been advancing 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 content projects and workshops, supported by the S$30 million VP Innovation Fund announced last year. These updates were made by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information (MDDI) & Ministry of National Development (MND), Mr Tan Kiat How at the opening of the Asia TV Forum and Market (ATF) today, an event of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF). Hosted by IMDA, the SMF celebrates its 11th edition with the theme “Make It Here“, inspiring the region’s media community to create, connect, and realise their visions.

Refreshed Guide for the Future of Media Careers
3. As Singapore’s media market expands, employment opportunities are also on the rise. There were 24,960 media professionals employed across the economy in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7% since 2018[1]. The refreshed Skills Framework for Media provides a comprehensive roadmap for these media professionals, charting the future of media careers and talent development. This framework was developed by IMDA in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), industry associations like the Singapore Association of Motion Picture Professionals, Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs), after extensive consultation with around 150 media representatives across industry, training providers, IHLs and freelancers. This ensures the framework meets the needs of a dynamic media landscape.

4. The refreshed Skills Framework identifies 195 job roles across 9 tracks, with 230 technical skills and competencies in existing and emerging skills in Media like VP, GenAI, content production, production technical services, and more. Media practitioners can use the Skills Framework to upskill and remain relevant in today’s media landscape, while employers and training providers can tap on it to structure learning and training opportunities. The framework was first launched in 2018 jointly by IMDA, SSG, Workforce Singapore (WSG) and in consultation with Singapore’s media industry.

5. IMDA will also offer 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. This is a new initiative and, as a start, IMDA will partner seven media companies to offer over 70 apprenticeship opportunities across content production, business management and technical roles that will further deepen practical skills development and ensuring talent is industry ready.

6. In his opening speech, SMS Tan Kiat How said, “The Asia TV Forum and Market and the Singapore Media Festival are platforms for networking and collaborations. As Asia’s entertainment content industry grows, Singapore will be your partner to tell our stories to the world, and for the world to find discover the talents and gems in Asia. Today, we are taking an important step to do so by investing in the future of media – our media professionals so that they are equipped with the right skills, technology, and platforms to excel in this dynamic industry.”

New Virtual Production Projects and Talent Supported
7. The use of VP in Singapore’s media industry continues to progress with the launch of three full-scale VP studios that can support international projects developed with VP technology. These are Aux Infinite Studios, Oceanus Media Global and X3D Studio and they are also providing VP training. Next year, media professionals can look forward to specialised training opportunities for job roles such as VP supervisors from local and overseas VP experts.

8. There have also been 28 VP content projects which leveraged VP technology to open creative possibilities and overcome physical limitations. For example, film director Ian Wee from Reelisations Pte Ltd tapped on VP in his latest content project “Time Apart”, to execute challenging time lapse sequences across different time periods. Ian was a participant of the National Film and Television School (NFTS) Certificate in Virtual Production course in April 2023. Another example, Glenn Chan from Sonder Films used 3D scanning technology to develop and integrate 3D CGI characters into virtual environments for his short-form VP project “The Old World”. Glenn was a participant of the Aux-XON SG x Korea VP Masterclass conducted earlier this year.

9. For more details on the Singapore Media Festival and the Asia TV Forum and Market please visit www.imda.gov.sg/smf. To read 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.

Hashtag: #SGMediaFest



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Singapore Media Festival

The Singapore Media Festival, hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), proudly returns for its 11th edition as one of Asia’s premier international media industry platforms. From 28 November to 8 December 2024, Singapore will be the focal point for Asia’s media community, showcasing diverse media innovations, forging industry deals, and presenting Singapore’s world-class content. This year’s festival, themed “Make It Here,” aims to inspire the region’s media talent to create, connect, and realise their visions. The event will bring together media professionals, industry leaders, creators, and consumers through the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), Singapore Comic Con (SGCC), and Nas Summit Asia (NAS).

For more information, please visit: .

About Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) 2024

3 December 2024: The ATF Leaders Dialogue

4 – 6 December 2024: Market & Conference

Into its 25th edition, – the region’s co-production & entertainment content market and conference – is the proven industry platform to acquire knowledge, network, buy, sell, finance, distribute and co-produce across all platforms. It is the premier stage in Asia to engage with the entertainment industry’s top players from around the world. It’s where the best minds meet, and the future of Asia’s content is shaped.

For more information, please visit www.asiatvforum.com

About Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).

Media OutReach

Chinachem Group Attains International Recognition for Sustainable Development Efforts

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Achieves GRESB Five-Star Rating

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2025 – Dedicated to achieving a sustainable, zero-carbon future by prioritising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors across its businesses, Chinachem Group (“Chinachem”) has been recognised as a Global Sector Leader for 2024 in the prestigious Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving the highest possible five-star rating in both the Development Benchmark and Standing Investment Benchmark categories.

Chinachem has been recognised as a Global Sector Leader for 2024 in the prestigious Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving the highest possible five-star rating in both the Development Benchmark and Standing Investment Benchmark categories.

Having received a four-star rating from GRESB in 2023, Chinachem has taken it up a notch by achieving the five-star rating for the first time. This recognition marks a milestone for the Group, highlighting the significant progress it has made in governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and the green performance of its properties.

Over half of all annual carbon emissions globally are generated by the built environment, making it a major contributor to climate change. Chinachem has addressed this challenge by implementing an ambitious Carbon Reduction Roadmap – CCG 3050+ – which commits it to reducing carbon intensity by 51.8% by 2030, compared with the 2020 baseline. As of this year, Chinachem has already achieved a 33% reduction in carbon intensity.

Chinachem has been an industry pioneer in introducing green building technologies in Hong Kong. It has promoted the adoption of a smart site safety system, and is the first private developer in the city to adopt Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology for a private residential development, helping to reduce construction waste, noise and carbon emissions.

Lee Garden Eight, a joint venture commercial property project by Chinachem and Hysan Development at Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, is the first private construction project in the city to extensively adopt the Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (“MiMEP”) technology. This innovative approach not only reduces on-site construction waste and carbon emissions but also shortens construction time and reduces the need for mechanical and electrical manpower.

In addition, Chinachem has partnered with CLPe to build and operate the first Net Zero Carbon Chiller in Hong Kong at the NINA MALLs to enhance energy efficiency. It also encourages its tenants to contribute to a sustainable future by offering partial management fee waivers to promote their participation in carbon reduction initiatives.

Chinachem Sustainability Conference in November 2024 attracted over 5,000 participants in-person and online. With the theme “Integrating Sustainability Solutions towards a Resilient Future”, the Conference brought together stakeholders from government, business, academia and research, and provided constructive recommendations for the interim review of Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050.

GRESB is a leading sustainability assessment and benchmark organisation for the global real estate industry. Each year, it evaluates companies’ sustainability performances and examines their progress toward achieving global sustainability goals. A total of 2,223 real estate portfolios participated in the GRESB assessment in 2024.

To learn more about Chinachem’s sustainable development initiatives, please visit this webpage.

Hashtag: #ChinachemGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Key trading trends to watch in 2025: insights by global broker Octa

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2025 – Developments such as Forex market volatility, rising commodity prices, and Southeast Asia’s economic growth are poised to reshape the trading landscape in 2025. Market participants need to be aware of these trends to develop strategic approaches and mitigate risks. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, highlights key trading trends to expect in 2025.

Global changes in currency pairs
Currency markets are bracing for heightened volatility in 2025, driven by shifting global economic conditions and monetary policy adjustments. According to S&P Global’s Economic Outlook, slowing global growth, rising inflation, and divergent interest rate policies among major central banks are expected to weigh heavily on currency pairs like EURUSD and GBPUSD. These factors, combined with trade uncertainties, could disrupt Forex market liquidity, increasing short-term volatility and widening spreads.

The U.S. dollar is expected to maintain its status as a safe-haven asset amid continued global uncertainties. Emerging markets, however, face potential pressure as currency depreciation risks rise, particularly in regions reliant on external financing. As a result, traders are likely to focus on hedging strategies and closely monitor monetary policy decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England.

Commodity trading: new opportunities
Commodity markets are set for dynamic shifts in 2025, shaped by inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and the global energy transition. Gold, which saw strong demand in 2024 as a safe-haven asset, is projected to maintain its upward trajectory as global economic uncertainty persists. Analysts point to ongoing geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in economic growth as key drivers of gold’s appeal in the coming year.

Meanwhile, oil markets are likely to experience continued volatility. Supply constraints, coupled with shifts in energy demand, could push prices higher. Additionally, green energy-related commodities like lithium, copper, and nickel are increasingly valuable as governments accelerate their renewable energy initiatives. Reports highlight that commodities essential for electric vehicle production and energy storage will see sustained demand growth, creating new opportunities for commodity traders.

Growth of trading in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia remains a focal point for global trade and investment, driven by strong economic fundamentals and rapid digital transformation. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are leading the charge, with the region’s GDP growth forecasted to outpace global averages in 2025.

Indonesia’s digital economy continues to expand, supported by strong consumer adoption and increased investments in infrastructure. By 2025, Southeast Asia’s internet economy is expected to reach $330 billion, reflecting a steady rise in e-commerce, fintech, and online services. Malaysia, on the other hand, remains a significant player in electronics and renewable energy, with government policies aimed at enhancing infrastructure and attracting foreign investment. Singapore, as a financial hub, maintains its strategic role in driving innovation and green technology adoption.

Risks and challenges for 2025
While trading opportunities are abundant, 2025 brings its share of challenges. Rising global debt levels, coupled with higher borrowing costs, present risks to both developed and emerging economies. Bain & Company’s 2024 report highlights concerns over potential recessions in major markets, which could disrupt trade flows and investor sentiment.

Geopolitical conflicts and protectionist trade policies also remain key risks. Tensions in global supply chains, particularly between the U.S. and China, could impact commodity prices and currency markets. Traders must rely on robust risk management strategies, incorporating both technical and fundamental analysis to navigate these uncertainties.

Trading in 2025 will be defined by the volatility of the Forex market, rising demand, and the strength of Southeast Asian economies. Traders are advised to acknowledge these and other trends in advance to adjust their long-term strategies accordingly. To facilitate trend watching, market players can rely on advanced tools that allow for faster and more accurate decision-making. Such tools include Space from OctaTrader, which provides predictive insights and expert strategies for traders. Such an approach allows for improved risk management amidst volatile markets.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

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Dah Sing Bank and Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association Join Hands to Support SMEs to Better Understand and Practice ESG

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“SME ESG Charter” 2024 enhanced brand image and expanded business opportunities for participating SMEs

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2025 – Close to 90% of small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) participating in the SME ESG Charter 2024 (“ESG Charter 2024”) have acknowledged that they have benefited from enhanced brand image, reflecting the significance of the ESG Charter 2024 jointly launched by Dah Sing Bank, Limited (“Dah Sing Bank” or “the Bank”) and the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association (“HKSMEA”). The Bank and HKSMEA have confirmed to continue their collaboration with the SME ESG Charter 2025 (“ESG Charter 2025”) to encourage more SMEs to improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and accelerate the transition towards economic sustainability.

HKSMEA surveyed 302 SMEs in December last year on their business challenges and their knowledge and implementation of ESG. The survey results showed that the top challenge faced by SMEs in the past year was rising cost of business (57.7%), followed by increased competition (46.5%), loss of customers (42.3%) and manpower shortages (36.6%). Meanwhile, 77% of SMEs considered ESG practices to be ‘very important’ and ‘important’, while 85.2% of the surveyed companies indicated willingness and interest to participate in the ESG Charter.

Dah Sing Bank launched its partnership with HKSMEA when the ESG Charter 2024 was introduced last year. The initiative was well received with 35 SMEs having participated, of which 26 qualified to receive free independent assessment and certification. The participating SMEs acknowledged that the initiative has helped deepen their understanding of ESG, and that gaining certified in the ESG Charter 2024 not only improved their corporate image but also helped to increase business opportunities.

“Dah Sing Bank has always been committed to supporting SMEs and helping them seek opportunities. Whilst the climate change driven ESG megatrend may seem remote, it is in fact shaping the development of a sustainable economy, presenting both challenges and potential opportunities for companies. We hope to encourage different industries and stakeholders to participate in this megatrend, and to help more SMEs transition towards economic sustainability so that they may progress further with enhanced competitiveness to capture new opportunities. We joined forces with HKSMEA to provide SMEs with hands-on training and support in the ESG Charter 2024. In 2025, we hope to enhance the scope of the ESG Charter to reach out to more local SMEs,” said Ms. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director and Group Head of Personal Banking of Dah Sing Bank.

Through the ESG Charter 2024, Dah Sing Bank and HKSMEA provided comprehensive support to SMEs which included publicity, workshops, technical advice, auditing and certification, public education and business liaison. Dah Sing Bank will award SMEs that have successfully qualified for the ESG Charter 2024 an incentive of up to HKD1,400 in account opening fee rebates. The Bank also plans to introduce various product and service incentives in the coming year to encourage customers to implement ESG practices.

Mr. Andrew Kwok, President of HKSMEA, said, “The transition towards economic sustainability is an important global trend. HKSMEA is committed to encouraging more SMEs to participate in the ESG Charter and to achieving our long-term goal of enabling more SMEs to understand the importance of learning and practicing ESG. We support local SMEs to integrate ESG elements into their operating structures and governance mechanisms, and meet the long-term development needs of Mainland China and Hong Kong.”

HKSMEA’s SME survey also showed that 88.9% of SMEs participating in the ESG Charter 2024 acknowledged that their brand image has improved, 72.2% acknowledged funding support for certification and 50% for professional advice.

Furthermore, 62% of SMEs surveyed have started to implement ESG-related initiatives. Among the areas that SMEs have started to implemented, social responsibility ranked highest at 95.5%, followed by environmental protection at 93.2% and corporate governance at 86.4%. Meanwhile, 84.1% of SMEs agreed that good ESG practices can increase customer trust and build a positive brand image, while 54.5% of SMEs believed that implementing ESG practices can help them gain access to large companies’ supplier lists, thereby increasing business opportunities. Similarly, 54.5% of SMEs believed that they can effectively reduce operating costs through savings in electricity, water and waste management costs.

Among the SMEs surveyed, 77% saw adopting ESG practices as “very important” and “important”; 61.5% said it would help to attract investors; 46.2% said it could reduce operating costs through environmental protection measures; 46.2% believed it could increase employees’ sense of belonging and morale; 30.8% said it has improved their own operational management systems, and 30.8% said it could increase customer loyalty and trust.

According to the survey, 85.2% of companies surveyed indicated willingness and interest to participate in the ESG Charter. The key reason for not yet implementing ESG measures was a lack of human resources (48.1%), followed by a lack of financial resources (40.7%). Tight cash flow has prevented SMEs from investing in the necessary resources to implement ESG measures.

The ESG Charter 2024 is a not-for-profit assessment framework that references the sections of the ESG Reporting Guide in Appendix C2 of the HKEX Listing Rules that are applicable to SMEs. Participating SMEs will be assessed by and will receive an assessment report from a third party professional consultancy. SMEs who have successfully attained the ESG Charter 2024 status will be placed in the SME ESG Register by HKSMEA, and will enjoy priority when large corporations supporting the charter consider their products and services.

Hashtag: #DahSingBank

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association

Founded in 1996, Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association was one of the most important SMEs chamber of commerce in Hong Kong. As an non-profit making organization, we have been working for the development of SMEs from manufacturing, food & beverage industry, professional service sectors, marketing and allied industrial / business sectors for almost three decades.

Our main mission is to serve as a bridge of communication between SMEs and HKSAR Government, increasing the competitiveness and productivity of SMEs, assisting them in upgrading, restructuring, entering GBA market and developing globally.

About Dah Sing Bank Limited

Dah Sing Bank, Limited (the “Bank”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group (HKG:2356). Founded in Hong Kong over 75 years ago, the Bank has been providing quality banking products and services to its customers with a vision to be “The Local Bank with a Personal Touch”. Over the years, the Bank has been rigorous in delivering on its brand tagline to grow with its customers in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond – “Together We Progress and Prosper”. Building on our experience and solid foundation in the industry, our scope of professional services now spans retail banking, private banking, business and commercial banking. Meanwhile, the Bank is also making significant investments in its digital banking capabilities to stay abreast with smart banking developments in Hong Kong and to support financial inclusion at large.

In addition to its Hong Kong banking operations, the Bank has wholly-owned subsidiaries including Dah Sing Bank (China) Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, S.A., and OK Finance Limited. It is also a strategic shareholder of Bank of Chongqing with a shareholding of about 13%. Dah Sing Bank and its subsidiaries now have 64 operating locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.

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