By Tan Weizhen

THE media industry in Singapore is alive and well - and looking for talent.

At the opening of the month-long Media Fiesta yesterday, Minister of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica) Lee Boon Yang said demand for creative talent remains robust, despite the recession.

Innovative products are still being churned out. He noted that the local industry is very 'tuned into the development of novel Internet technologies and convergence of media platforms'.

One he cited was The Straits Times RazorTV - Singapore's first interactive Web TV service - which offers live, hosted programmes and video- on-demand content from current affairs to entertainment. Viewers can comment on the shows and interact with hosts during live segments. Since the service started last August, it has rapidly drawn eyeballs, garnering 6.2 million hits in January.

He also highlighted three game companies that are expanding their operations in Singapore.

Ubisoft is raising its headcount from 50 to 300. The Lucasfilm studio is also expanding and hiring digital artists. And Koei Entertainment plans to double the size of its operations in Singapore, adding up to 60 new staff over the next two years.

Yesterday, Media Development Authority (MDA) chairman Tan Chin Nam was upbeat about the industry's prospects.

He said about 450 jobs will be created over the next two years through the Interactive Digital Media Research and Development Programme Office (Idmpo), hosted by MDA.

An extra $7.5 million worth of grants will be given out to support 150 projects under Idmpo, a scheme that funds start-ups with promising ideas.

His comments come a week after MDA chief executive officer Christopher Chia said the industry would create 10,000 jobs over the next few years.

Also yesterday, Dr Tan said up to 6,000 people will be able to get media-related training this year - both newcomers and experienced professionals. Details can be found on the MDA website (www.mda.gov.sg) and that of the Workforce Development Agency (www.wda.gov.sg).

The Media Fiesta 2009 showcases local movies, music and games. More than 40 other fringe events - including courses on new technologies such as claymation, a form of animation that uses objects sculpted in clay - will also take place.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.