30 September 2005 - Speech By Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore At Launch of the Virtual Paper Napkin Programme, Temasek Polytechnic.
Speech By Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore At Launch of the Virtual Paper Napkin Programme on 30 September 2005, Temasek Polytechnic.
Salutations
Mr Boo Kheng Hua, Principal and CEO of Temasek Polytechnic,
Mrs Lay-Tan Siok Lie, Director, Engineering School, Temasek Polytechnic,
Mr Vincent Ong, Managing Director, IM Innovations Pte Ltd,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
1. Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here today, to witness the launch of the Virtual Paper Napkin or VPN programme by IM Innovations and Temasek Polytechnic.
2. It is amazing what computer animation can do for movie studios producing blockbusters like Lord of the Rings and The Matrix. It was through the brilliant application of computer animation that breathes life into famous animation characters like The Incredibles, Shrek and Nemo. Today, we do not only experience the wide-spread application of computer animation in movies but also in the various 'serious' sectors of our daily lives.
Evolution of Computer Animation Application
3. More global companies in a spectrum of industries are also adopting 3D visualisation and computer graphics applications. Infocomm technology is a key enabler as the software tools for such applications are widely used in areas like product and architectural design, scientific and medical visualisation, aviation flight and engineering simulations.
4. The pervasiveness of computer animation application today in the many economic industries, has led the education industry to realize the burgeoning need in developing sufficient talent pool with 3D visualisation capabilities and skill sets to meet the growing demand.
5. Therefore, the challenge we face today is how to grow sufficient skilled talent pool of professionals who produce or use 3D visualisation & computer animation to meet the demands of these industries.
Nurturing and Developing Young Capabilities
6. In order to meet the growing demands for manpower in these industries, IDA realises the importance of cultivating early interest amongst students. It is important to expose students to new industry trends, applications & growth areas, in order to seed their interest in these future career paths.
7. Hence, the VPN programme aims to nurture the young by cultivating interest amongst secondary school students in a fun and engaging way. The programme as I understand, offers training in digital media and 3D computer animation. By introducing the students to software tools which are easy to use, trains them in the fundamental concepts of 3D modeling, visualisation and computer animation. Armed with the software tools and know-how, the students will also have a way to express their creativity skill sets in producing their very own projects for school and leisure.
8. IDA is supportive of the VPN programme, which promotes early interest in secondary school students on 3D visualisation and computer animation. I hope this programme will equip secondary schools with the basic knowledge and skills on 3D modeling, visualisation and animation capabilities. This should help us sustain Infocomm technology interest amongst the young.
Digital Exchange Initiative
9. The VPN programme is aligned to IDA's Digital Exchange initiative for computer animation. This initiative aims to position Singapore as the regional trusted business hub for processing, managing and the distribution of computer animation assets to international markets. Singapore today is quickly becoming a broadcast hub - 14 out of 17 regional broadcasters have their Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. One day we may also be the digital cinema hub to manage, process and distribute digital cinema content around our region. To prepare ourselves to exploit these opportunities, part of IDA's industry development efforts is to build a thriving computer animation ecosystem. This includes developing manpower capabilities, besides putting in place advance technical and business infrastructure; animation development and value added services; research & development capabilities in Singapore.
Intelligent Nation 2015
10. IDA is currently embarking on the Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) masterplanning. iN2015 is a ten-year masterplan that charts out new possibilities for Singapore's industries, economy and society through the innovative use of infocomm technologies. It aims to grow the Infocomm sector and to use Infocomm technologies to enhance Singapore's competitiveness in the new world economy and build a well-connected society. To realise the iN2015 vision, Singapore will need a pool of quality Infocomm manpower equipped with relevant skills to meet industry demands.
11. Hence, if you have any views on how Infocomm technology can play a part in computer animation, we invite you to share your views as part of our Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) masterplanning.
Conclusion
12. In conclusion, I strongly encourage all you students out here to consider turning your favourite past time, whether it is playing computer games or watching movies and cartoons into a possible career in the growing computer animation space. This way you get paid for enjoying your job!
13. Thank you.
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