Connect with us

Media OutReach

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

Published

on

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).

Advertisement

Media OutReach

A First in the Asia-Pacific – Taiwan Leads the Launch of the Early Kidney Disease Annual Report, Opening a New Era in Advancing Kidney Care

Published

on

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – Taiwan’s chronic disease care is once again at the forefront internationally, taking new strides with the release of the Asia-Pacific’s first “Early Chronic Kidney Disease Annual Report,” jointly published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Health Research Institutes, and the Taiwan Society of Nephrology. This report not only comprehensively covers the information on various stages of chronic kidney disease but also provides timely and internationally relevant data that has garnered high attention from the Asia-Pacific medical community.

Domestic and international leaders gathered at the launch ceremony of the 2025 Early CKD Annual Report Press Conference, symbolizing the formal release of the first early kidney disease annual report in the Asia-Pacific region and showcasing Taiwan’s international leadership position in precise kidney care. From left to right are:

  • Yung-Ho Hsu, Secretary General of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
  • Shang-Jyh Hwang, Honorary President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
  • Masaomi Nangaku, Immediate Past-President of the International Society of Nephrology
  • Marcello Tonelli, President of the International Society of Nephrology
  • Mai-Szu Wu, President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
  • Chung-Liang Shih, Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Ching-Fen Shen, Director General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Chih-Cheng Hsu, Professor at the National Health Research Institutes
  • Hyeong-Cheon Park, President Elect of the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology
  • Rajnish Mehrotra, President of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis

The complete and immediate analysis aids in reversing the past trend where most patients were diagnosed at late stages and required dialysis, ushering in a new era of early detection and treatment. Minister of Health and Welfare, Chung-Liang Shih, stated at a press conference that this annual report serves as a new engine for promoting precise care, integrating complete data and risk classification indicators for Early CKD P4P(Pay for Performance) and Pre-ESRD P4P. This fills the gap in early kidney disease data and strengthens the quantitative basis for policy and clinical decision-making, facilitating early intervention and delaying disease progression. The goal is to achieve the Healthy Taiwan Policy target of reducing the standardized mortality rate for chronic diseases by one-third by 2030, and for Taiwan’s care model to become an example in the Asia-Pacific, establishing a sustainable and precise new framework for kidney care.

The early kidney disease annual report reveals several key trends. According to KDIGO risk classification, the proportion of high-risk and very high-risk patients in the P4P program has gradually decreased in recent years, reflecting a shift in treatment strategies toward early intervention and prevention. This trend not only highlights the medical team’s emphasis on the care of early-stage chronic kidney disease patients but also helps delay disease progression and reduce the incidence of later-stage complications. In terms of controlling the “three highs” (hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), data shows that approximately 80% of patients meet lipid targets and nearly 60% maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, only about 30% meet the target for blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, indicating significant challenges remain in blood pressure control. The “three highs” are important risk factors for the progression and deterioration of chronic kidney disease, making it crucial to further improve control rates. The implementation of the P4P program has already shown preliminary results, and there are expectations for more immediate, comprehensive, and rigorous data collection and tracking, which will more fully demonstrate the long-term benefits of this care model.

Data-Driven: Taiwan’s First Early Kidney Disease Annual Report Fills Care Gaps

Professor Chih-Cheng Hsu from the National Health Research Institutes pointed out that past domestic kidney disease care has primarily focused on dialysis and end-stage disease, with limited understanding of early stages and delayed updates on data. This annual report breaks through traditional reporting frameworks and represents the first integration of complete data and risk classification indicators for Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P. Utilizing big data for in-depth analysis, it outlines the disease progression and comorbidity trends of patients at different risk levels, successfully filling the long-term gap in early kidney disease care. He noted that grasping information on early stages of disease helps clinicians intervene earlier and delay deterioration while providing quantitative evidence for health policies to promote proactive and timely kidney care strategies, enhancing Taiwan’s international competitiveness in precise health governance.

Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P are two phased quality-based reimbursement programs promoted by the National Health Insurance Administration, addressing key care needs for early chronic kidney disease and pre-dialysis patients, respectively. Early CKD P4P primarily targets patients in CKD stages 1-3a, aiding healthcare institutions in early identification of kidney deterioration risks through disease tracking and integrated care models, providing personalized management. Pre-ESRD P4P focuses on patients in CKD stages 3b, 4-5, enhancing control of complications, medication, and nutritional management while utilizing data feedback to support treatment decisions, aiming to delay dialysis and improve care efficiency. Both programs link the complete processes from early prevention to pre-dialysis intervention, contributing to improved overall CKD care quality and patient long-term prognosis.

Precise Kidney Care: Holistic and Continuous CKD Care as a Model for Chronic Disease

Taiwan centers its approach on “precise care,” continuously optimizing the integrated chronic kidney disease care system to implement policy blueprints in clinical practice. Director General of National Health Insurance Administration, Lian-Yu Chen, mentioned that Taiwan has progressively refined various measures, from educational programs for pre-end-stage renal disease patients to integrated care plans for early chronic kidney disease. The medical team can adjust personalized treatment strategies based on patient risk classification and clinical data, strengthening disease management and follow-up effectiveness for early-stage patients. She indicated that by integrating and providing feedback across units, care gaps could be minimized to ensure that patients receive consistent medical services across different levels of care. Director General of Health Promotion Administration, Ching-Fen Shen, remarked that grassroots health education and community health advocacy go hand in hand to enhance public awareness of kidney health. Years of efforts have significantly slowed the deterioration of early kidney disease progression, with patients participating in integrated care exhibiting a lower future risk of dialysis compared to those who do not participate, showing tangible effectiveness of the Taiwan model.

Policy Linkage and Sustainable Vision: Achieving the Healthy Taiwan Goals and Leading the New Landscape of Asia-Pacific

In response to the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” policy, Taiwan is implementing a preventive kidney care model based on the Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P systems and the Early Kidney Disease Annual Report. President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology, Mai-Szu Wu, stated that investing in early chronic kidney disease management not only contributes to health sustainability but also reduces waste of medical resources, achieving dual benefits of health outcomes and environmental sustainability, assisting the government in its goal to reduce chronic disease mortality by one-third by 2030.

During the Asia-Pacific Nephrology Conference (APCN) held in Taipei this year, the Asia-Pacific’s first Early Kidney Disease Annual Report was officially unveiled. President of the International Society of Nephrology, Marcello Tonelli, and Immediate Past-President , Masaomi Nangaku, along with the President Elect of the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology Hyeong-Cheon Park and Honorary Secretary Sunita Bavanandan attended as witnesses, attracting experts from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additionally, various important domestic academic societies, including the Taiwan Academy of Family Medicine, Taiwan Society of Cardiology, the Diabetes Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taiwan Association of Clinical Diabetes, and the Taiwan Medical Clinics Association also participated and supported the event. Minister Chung-Liang Shih expressed gratitude for the collective efforts and emphasized that this kidney annual report showcases Taiwan’s leading position in medical data integration and clinical evidence, hoping that real-time and comprehensive data analysis will once again showcase Taiwan’s precision care model to the international community, working together with other countries to create a new global framework for chronic kidney disease prevention and treatment.

Hashtag: #TaiwanSocietyofNephrology

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

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

The Government of Angola Launches an International Public Tender for the Management of the Namibe Corridor

Published

on

LUANDA, ANGOLA – EQS Newswire – 12 December 2025 – The Ministry of Transport of The Republic of Angola (www.MinTrans.gov.ao) has today launched, 5th December, the Public Tender for the Concession of the Right to Operate, Manage and Maintain the Namibe Corridor. Interested entities may submit their proposals until 4 May 2026.

The concession, with an initial duration of 30 years, extendable up to 50 years, covers the operation, management, maintenance and preservation of the Moçâmedes–Menongue Railway Line, including rolling stock, associated infrastructure, workshops and the training centre. It further encompasses the possibility of designing and constructing new sections, extensions and branch lines, as well as railway connections to the Republic of Namibia and, at a later stage, to the Republic of Zambia.

The Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue, noted at the launch event that the process constitutes a strategic opportunity for international operators with a proven track record in the railway sector. “The Namibe Corridor has the potential to strengthen Angola’s role as a regional logistics platform, enhance supply chains, foster new investments, and increase the competitiveness of exports. We anticipate a dynamic tender process with strong participation from established industry operators,” he stated.

Jorge Bengue further emphasised that Angola has carried out structural reforms in recent years that have strengthened legal certainty and created a more competitive business environment. The success of the concession of the Lobito Corridor has demonstrated the country’s capacity to implement partnership models that stimulate private investment and accelerate the modernization of transport infrastructure.

Individual companies or consortiums of competitors with proven experience in the management of railway infrastructure and freight operations are eligible to apply. The detailed technical and financial requirements are set out in the tender documents, which are available for a fee of USD 20,000, or the equivalent in kwanzas at the exchange rate of the National Bank of Angola at the time of the transaction.

The Namibe Corridor encompasses the Moçâmedes Railway, with a total length of 855 km, and the Port of Namibe, forming a strategic logistics axis for the export of minerals, ornamental stones, agricultural products, and other goods. The infrastructure allows for a theoretical capacity of up to 5 million tonnes per year, serving as a connection point for landlocked countries in the region, in coordination with the Lobito and Walvis Bay corridors.

This corridor also contributes to tourism development and regional integration, strengthening Angola’s position in Atlantic–Indian trade routes and consolidating the country as a significant commercial hub within the African context.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Transport of Angola.

Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/48GQeet
Caption: The official launch of the Public Tender, presided over by the Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue

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

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

VinFast VF 8 – Crafted for high-expectation markets in the GCC

Published

on

Premium design meets industry-leading warranty and long-term support

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2025 – The Middle East’s electric vehicle market is still developing but advancing quickly. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, EV sales penetration doubled from about 2 per cent to roughly 4 per cent in just one year, placing the region among the fastest-growing EV markets globally. 91% of battery-electric vehicle owners here say they plan to buy another EV, above the global average of 87%.

Amid that backdrop, buyers are seeking vehicles that match or exceed the space, performance, and refinement expected from premium SUVs. VinFast VF 8 arrives as a direct response to these elevated expectations, combining sophisticated design, robust capability, and a comprehensive ownership framework built around long-term confidence.

The VF 8 is shaped by VinFast’s “Dynamic Balance” design philosophy, a deliberate interplay between flowing curves and precise, angular lines that creates a sense of energy and visual structure without sacrificing harmony. This design language feels both contemporary and enduring. The result is a vehicle that projects presence without aggression, offering an aesthetic that balances boldness with sophistication, qualities that resonate with Middle Eastern consumers who view their vehicles as reflections of personal standards.

Under the sculpted exterior lies engineering tuned for high-demand regional driving. The VF 8 Plus variant delivers all-wheel drive with up to 402 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in under 5.5 seconds. This translates to confident overtaking on high-speed highways, assured merging in dense urban traffic, and the capability to handle extended cruising. Range reaches up to 493 km (NEDC) in the Eco configuration, a practical threshold aligned with intercity travel patterns across the region.

The 15.6-inch infotainment display provides intuitive access to navigation and vehicle settings. Crucially for the region, dual-zone climate control paired with ventilated seats are essential features designed to maintain cabin comfort even during peak heat.

The VF 8 integrates a comprehensive suite of smart systems designed to reduce driver workload. Traffic Jam Assist manages stop-and-go driving in congested environments, easing the fatigue of gridlock. Highway Assist supports sustained motorway cruising, helping drivers maintain lane position during long-distance travel. These systems work together to create a driving experience that feels more secure and less demanding.

Where the VF 8 truly distinguishes itself is in VinFast’s approach to long-term ownership. Addressing anxieties around battery longevity and service maturity, VinFast offers what may be the industry’s most comprehensive warranty structure. The VF 8 comes with a 10-year/200,000-km vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty, and 5-year/100,000-km of free service, eliminating one of the primary concerns of electric vehicle ownership. It’s also supported by practical service infrastructure: mobile service capabilities bring maintenance to customers’ locations, while 24/7 roadside assistance ensures support is available whenever needed.

The VF 8 represents VinFast’s understanding that success in sophisticated markets like the GCC requires vehicles that genuinely align with how people live, drive, and make long-term decisions. For Middle Eastern buyers navigating the transition to electric mobility, the VF 8 offers confidence in all aspects: design, performance, comfort, and warranty support. From the first drive to years down the road, it’s an electric vehicle crafted to deliver peace of mind alongside capability.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

Continue Reading

Trending