New Media CET Centre to be established1 min read

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Attending to the sick is something that Deric Sim does on a full-time basis. Now, the medical doctor is pursuing another of his desires ““ acting.

“It is my passion to be able to help the sick, and it has always been my passion to want to take part in different roles and be an actor, if I ever have the chance,” said the trainee, who is doing a course in performing for television.

More such opportunities will be opening for people like him and those already in the media industry with the setting-up of the Media Continuing Education and Training Centre by 2011. This follows the Workforce Development Agency’s (WDA) signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Media Academy (SMA) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic on Saturday.

And the Government is prepared to invest $40 million to get the centre going. Trainees can seek subsidies of up to 80 percent of course fees from the WDA.

After completing each course, participants will get a nationally issued certificate known as a statement of attainment. They can accumulate relevant certificates in exchange for a qualification, like a diploma.

The SMA, which is already running a range of courses, says it will tap into its network of local and international partners to bring in renowned trainers and training resources.

The SMA, which is currently at Caldecott Broadcast Centre, will expand to an interim location in the middle of next year before settling at a permanent site by 2011.