Dated: 28 October 2004
Animators, game developers and graphic designers in Singapore no longer need to go abroad to be trained in Academy Award-winning Maya animation software. Thanks to the efforts of the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the training course on Maya - the 3D modelling and animation special effects magic behind Hollywood blockbusters such as Spiderman, Lord of the Rings and Shrek and popular games such as Tomb Raider, The Hulk and Star Wars - is now available in Singapore through Digital Media Academy, a local media training company.
The four-day Maya training programme, a joint effort by MDA and WDA to enhance the capabilities of the local workforce in the media industry, is the first of several initiatives to grow a pool of skilled animators to meet the digital media sector's manpower and skills needs. The programme aims to train 240 animators over the next two years. It will be conducted by a Maya-certified instructor, Mr Matthew Dewees, who has previously provided consulting services to Weta Digital, the creators of Lord of the Rings, and lent technical support for films like Harry Potter and The Matrix.
Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer of the MDA said the Maya training programme would help to enhance specialist skills and develop core competencies of local creative professionals, and enable them to take on a broader and more sophisticated range of international projects. "Maya has become increasingly important in the creation of animation effects. Currently, there are only about 800 Maya users in Singapore and there is a great demand for more people to work on international projects who are proficient in Maya. Through this course, we hope to increase Singapore's pool of certified Maya users to meet this demand," he added.
Mr Leo Yip, WDA's Chief Executive, said, "The digital media sector has benefited significantly from advances in technology, allowing animators to create highly sophisticated productions. However, it is the people behind the technology who are the heart and soul of every creative production. The Maya training programme will enhance the capability of our local animators, and enable them to better compete internationally. WDA will continue to support the training and workforce development for the digital media sector through such programmes."
Other training initiatives in the pipeline by MDA and WDA for the media industry include production management skills, acting for animators, business and financial skills, pitching techniques, art direction, and e-publishing techniques.
Companies interested in finding out more or participating in the Maya training programme can contact Ms Belinda Fok (DID: 68379786 Fax: 63361170, Email: Belinda_FOK@imda.gov.sg) at MDA.
For further information, please contact:
Media Development Authority of Singapore
Ms Yvonne Poh
Assistant Manager
Corporate &Marketing Communications
Fax: (65) 6336 4142
Email: yvonne_poh@imda.gov.sg
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
Ms Liew Hui Li
Manager,Corporate Communications
Tel: (65) 6317 1953
Fax: (65) 6538 2833
Email: liew_hui_li@mom.gov.sg
Ms Chong Wan Yieng
Manager, Workforce Development Promotion
Tel: (65) 6512 1244
Fax: (65) 6512 1325
Email: chong_wan_yieng@wda.gov.sg
About the Media Development Authority of Singapore
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) aims to develop Singapore into a global media city. Its Media 21 strategy seeks to create a vibrant environment for the industry and public via five key thrusts: establish Singapore as a media exchange;export 'Made-by-Singapore' content;internationalise local media companies;nurture local media talents and develop digital media.
About the Singapore Workforce Development Agency
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) leads and drives workforce development in Singapore, to help employees and job seekers stay employable and competitive. Working closely with industry, we identify skills needs, provide employment facilitation and drive Continuing Education and Training for the workforce.
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