Introduction

The inter-agency Interactive Digital Media Programme Office (IDMPO) was created in Aug 06 as one of National Research Foundation (NRF)’s 3 strategic programmes to support Singapore’s long-term vision of growing into a global IDM capital. The goal of the Programme is to help grow Singapore into a vibrant global media capital.

The IDM R&D Programme Office (IDMPO) is an inter-agency outfit hosted by the Media Development Authority (MDA), to coordinate efforts between agencies such as Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), Economic Development Board (EDB), Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

Our long-term vision is to grow Singapore into a vibrant global IDM capital, establish Singapore as a preferred test-bed, and in the process, achieve breakthroughs for the next generation media.

A strategic programme has been established, and In the last 3 years, we have laid the foundations, setting up several funding initiatives, designed to draw out full participation of the stakeholders and attract international talents. Significant effort has also been invested in maximizing the outputs of the stakeholders and match-making them with strategic partners and the larger ecosystem, such as the investors, global platforms (e.g. Apple, Friendster, HP) and demand drivers (e.g. SingHealth, National Heritage Board, Singapore Science Centre).

STRATEGIC IDM PROGRAMME

Funding Initiatives (FIs) were approved and rolled out in 2007 with the latest Funding Initiative for International Research Centres in Singapore (IRC@SG) approved in Jun 08. Each FI is focused on building up a key constituent of a sustainable IDM eco-system. They include:

• i.ROCK (IDM Research Oriented Centres of Knowledge): Building world-class R&D capacity in IHLs, partnering the best in the world;
• FutureScape: To develop a vibrant IDM industry;
• i.JAM (IDM Jumpstart And Mentor): Fuelling grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship;
• IDM in Education: Harnessing IDM, Transforming Learners.

A VIBRANT GLOBAL IDM CAPITAL

Two years into execution, a vibrant ecosystem is emerging, and a recent study by Deloitte reveals healthy signs of growth for the IDM sector where the core IDM sector generated a VA of close to $798 million in 2008. The study estimates that the sector has grown at an estimated 22% CAGR since 2005, adding some $360 million VA and 3500 new jobs in the process .

For the period studied (2007-2008), the Core IDM sector value add (VA) had grown at a rate of 25%, from an estimated $640m to $798m, whilst revenues grew at a rate of 24.7%, from an estimated $1bn to $1.3bn. The sector also added around 1,500 jobs, growing to an estimated 7,400-strong employment and the study estimates that there are now around 585 businesses in Singapore that are conducting an IDM activity. Overall, exports made up 43% of revenues, complemented by strong business-to-business consumption of IDM services within Singapore, and suggesting intense investment activity over the period.

Deloitte sees evidence of vibrancy given the large proportion of start-ups (19%) and foreign companies (21%). Whilst large companies account for 14% of the number of establishments, the IDM sector is predominantly composed of SME companies (67%). The growth rates of start-ups in particular have been phenomenal over 2007-2008, and it is significant that all our local flagship media companies (e.g. Mediacorp, SPH, ST Electronics etc.) are also investing significantly in R&D today.

The Deloitte study also reflected that the growing representation of start-ups (19%), foreign companies (21%), healthy growth, and increased focus on R&D led to Singapore to be perceived by the world as a vibrant IDM market place. Further, our business-friendly and multicultural environment combined with high-tech savvy population also positioned Singapore well as a test market for innovation and the creation of IDM products.

The economic crisis is however expected to substantially reduce the growth rate for the sector in 2009. Against the backdrop of a shrinking media sector, the Office will continue ‘whole-of-government’ strategies to augment the sector, so as to ensure that the emerging IDM eco-system continues to develop .