IMDA has unveiled two new partnerships with Audible and KC Global Media Singapore, and will be rolling out a series of initiatives with these new and existing global media partners e.g. CJ ENM HK, WarnerMedia in the coming months. Launched under the umbrella of the Capability Partnership Programme (CPP), this series of collaborations with our partners are expected to benefit nearly 90 local media companies and over 700 media professionals in 2021 through job creation and opportunities for upskilling. Local companies and talent will be able to grow their capabilities, innovate with new formats and platforms, and showcase their works internationally.

The development of original audio content will be given a boost through a new content collaboration with Audible (an Amazon Company), one of the world’s largest producers and sellers of original spoken-word entertainment and audio titles. The first-of-its-kind “Audible Accelerator” will provide training in audio development and production, and identify original stories for distribution on Audible’s services around the world. Over 70 media professionals and at least 10 Singapore media companies are expected to benefit from the programme, with up to ten scripts developed by “Audible Accelerator” participants will be selected to be produced into an up-to 30- minute audio pilot which will be tested on Audible’s services to an international audience.

KC Global Media Singapore, which has a strong presence in markets such as Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan will be collaborating with local media companies to conceptualise and co-develop original scripts with a regional appeal. IMDA is also working with its existing CPP partners to expand their initiatives and introduce new ones. These include:

• ViacomCBS will partner home-grown production studios to tap on new market opportunities for animation productions. Under the mentorship of media veterans at ViacomCBS, Singapore companies and talent have the chance to develop an original animation series for each of ViacomCBS’ flagship brands, MTV Asia and Nickelodeon Asia. The collaboration is expected to benefit 19 creative media professionals in roles including writers, producers, and animation artists.