MDA launches its first series of public talks, connecting Singaporeans to the media

Dated: 18 June 2003

What goes on behind every movie? What makes a good animator? A good voice - is that all that is needed to be a radio deejay? How will multi-media impact TV? Can I write and make a living at the same time?

These are some questions that will be answered during the first series of public talks organised by the Media Development Authority (MDA). Scheduled for launch on Monday, 23 June 2003, the first series titled, "The Media and You", aims to connect Singaporeans to the media, helping them gain a deeper understanding on what goes on behind the media scenes and what it takes to be a media practitioner. The public talk is organised as part of MDA's Media 21 blueprint of raising the level of media awareness among Singaporeans so that they can make informed media choices.

"The Media and You" will bring together industry personalities and experts to speak on different areas over five nights. These experts are well-known in their fields and have contributed much to promote the local media industry. They are Ms Petrina Kow, ex-Class 95 DJ, Mr Tony Chow, Managing Director of Media Hive, Mr David Kwok, Chairman of Singapore Animators Connection, Mr Jonathon Foo, Managing Director of MegaMedia and Mr Felix Cheong, NAC Young Artist Award Winner for Literature 2000. The following lists the schedule of talks lined up.

​*Refer to Annex A for a summary of each speaker's CV and the synopses of their talks.

These talks, supported by the Central Singapore Community Development Council, will be held from 7.30pm each evening, at the Theatrette, Level 3, Toa Payoh Central Community Club​. Admission is free. For registration, do contact MDA at ​ 6837 9361 or               6372 2842        6372 2842 or e-mail mda_input@imda.gov.sg. Registrations are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

"The Media and You" is a great opportunity for everyone to better understand the media industry. This series is especially helpful for graduating students who may are contemplating their careers after graduation. The media experts will definitely be able to share their experience in media industry and how they balance between passion and business viability," said Ms Cecilia Yip, Assistant Director, Public Education, MDA.

"The Media and You" is first in the series of public talks that will be organised by MDA to foster a media literate society with Singaporeans connected to a vibrant media industry. This is part of MDA's Media 21 vision of making Singapore a global media city by creating a vibrant environment for the industry to flourish and the public to enjoy.

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Annex A

Synopses and Speakers' CVs

• 3D Animation Production: Its Artistry, Technology and Business

  David Kwok, Chairman, Singapore Animators Connection
  
  David will share with you the beginnings and growth of the CGI industry. He will take you on a journey of understanding the dynamics and landscape of the local and global CGI industry, highlighting in particular the animation works produced locally and the different artists involved in a full CGI production.
  
  For budding CGI artists, here is your great chance to have your questions about the industry answered.

• Radio Broadcasting: Projection, Expression and Voice Overs

  Petrina Kow, ex Class 95 DJ
  
  Petrina Kow - the voice behind several notable radio programs such as Morning Express with The Flying Dutchman on Class 95 FM and The Living Room - shares with us the overview of the radio industry in Singapore and what is it that makes Singapore radio unique. Petrina will also be shedding light on what Deejays REALLY do on-air and off-air. Plus, secrets of a good voice actor/voice over artist.

• The Busines of Film-Making

  Jonathan Foo, Managing Director, MegaMedia
  
  Producer and creator of several films and programmes for Asian TV, including the acclaimed "Song of the Stork", Jonathan will take you on a journey to find out the dollars, cents and nonsense of filmmaking. Jonathan will also help you answer questions that are at the top of every budding filmmaker's minds - Is film making an art or business? Can film making be a career? Will your first film be your last?

• Left, Write, Centre: Myths and Perspiration of a Writer

  Felix Cheong, NAC Young Artist Award Winner for Literature 2000
  
  The writer of three poetry books, "Temptation and Other Poems", "I Watch the Stars Go Out" and "Broken by Rain", Felix will debunk myths about the writing process, what it takes and what means to be a writer. Felix will also touch on ways to get mentored and getting books published.