Singapore, 15 August 2012 - Creative Industries (CI) Professionals can now be equipped with business management skills relevant to their industry with a new Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Specialist Diploma launched by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Singapore Media Academy (SMA).

The WSQ Specialist Diploma in Interactive Media (Business Management), a first of its kind for the Creative Industries, is developed and customised for industry practitioners with a focus on business management within an Interactive Digital Media (IDM) context.  

Aligned to the Creative Industries Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification (CI WSQ) framework, the specialist diploma is available in both full-time and part-time pathways, and features six units of study - all of which are taught by industry veterans. These units aim to equip CI professionals with fundamental knowledge and competencies such as intellectual property law, budget and financial management and strategy planning to empower them to manage their IDM business (Please refer to Annex B for more information).

A recent study by Deloitte suggests that 67% the IDM companies in Singapore comprises predominantly of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and 19% of these companies are start-ups in this growing industry.

"In view of the growing demands of the IDM industry, technical skills may not be enough for SMEs and start-ups to effectively manage and successfully grow their (IDM related) businesses," said Mdm Rabiatul-Adawiah Binti Yahya, Managing Director of Singapore Media Academy. "We are pleased to offer individuals with the business and management skills and competencies to make the most of their innovations."

"We certainly cannot underestimate the challenges that are posed by the new digital and social media. It is therefore heartening to see media owners taking initiatives to train their staff as well as to offer similar training opportunities for their peers in the industry. With better training, Singapore media professionals will stand a chance in weathering the wave of change successfully," said Mr Tan Ooi Boon, President of the Association of Media Owners of Singapore (AMOS).

SMEs are eligible to enjoy 90% of training subsidies through the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs scheme when they send their employees for the WSQ Specialist Diploma. Eligible freelancers within the Creative Industries will also be able to receive enhanced training support of up to 90% of course fees¹. Singaporeans who successfully complete the WSQ Specialist Diploma as their first WSQ full qualification are also eligible for a CET Qualification Award (CQA) of S$1,000².

Mr Azzli Jamain, Director, Creative & Professional Services Division, WDA said: "The Singapore Workforce Development Agency is pleased to partner the Singapore Media Academy to roll out this new WSQ programme to meet the growing manpower needs of the Creative Industries. It is important for industry practitioners to constantly upskill as part of their Continuing Education and Training journey so that they may remain competitive in this dynamic industry."

Applications are now open. For more information about the WSQ Specialist Diploma in Interactive Media (Business Management), please log on to www.eSMA.sg.

Jointly issued by Singapore Media Academy and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency.

Annex A: Overview of CI WSQ
Annex B: Factsheet on the WSQ Specialist Diploma in Interactive Media (Business Management)
Annex C: Factsheet on the Enhanced training Support for SMEs
Annex D: Factsheet on the Creative Industries Freelancers Enhanced Support for Courses
Annex E: Factsheet on the CET Qualification Award

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¹ Refer to Annex D
² Refer to Annex E