David Kwok's Tiny animated ambitions

BBC created a special series on entrepreneurs.  This week, BBC News zoomed in on 3D animation studio, Tiny Island Productions, set up by Singaporean David Kwok.

After working as an engineer for many years, he abandoned his government job, starting at the bottom to carve out a new career in cartoons and animation.

Since setting up his company in 2007, it has grown from four staff to 120, servicing clients in the US and Europe, and includes an animation school, CG Protege which trains 3D modelers, character animators and visual effects artists.  Dave shares with the BBC his passion behind his success.

Watch the clip here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22088371

Interview with David Kwok our CEO

Tell us about your trip to USA

The recent trip to LA and New York has been fruitful. We have met with top executives from Blue Sky Studio, Sony Pictures Animation, Warner Brothers Animation, 20th Century Fox Animation, Bardel Entertainment, Hasbro Studios, Saban Brands and Dreamworks Animation. There is a lot of potential over there. Being good in what you do is just the first step, building relations and contacts is the next important thing.

What are your thoughts on the animation industry in Singapore today? In terms of things we are doing well and what we need to improve.

Singapore has a very good worldwide reputation in terms of doing business in this industry. And we have a good IP protection system. Many companies see us as a gateway to Asia and the trust level on Singaporean companies is very high.

Since we first started. We had been focusing a lot in building production skills, which is essential. But moving on, we should look at skills in business and production leadership, distribution, IP creation, licensing and merchandising to build the entire ecosystem.

Due to our cost, we cannot establish ourself only as a service hub for production. Or else our situation will end up like the manufacturing sector, where work is moving on to cheaper places like India and China. We do not want to just manufacture sports cars. But we need to look into designing sports cars.

We need more entrepreneurs to build our SMEs and hopefully, become an MNC someday. In this way, we can have a sustainable industry. In order to survive, we need to learn how to stand on our own two feet and create opportunities for ourselves. We need to control our own destiny.

How can we solve these problems?

One way to look at it is creating an ecosystem in the industry. This is not easy. One needs to understand the whole business mechanism and establish a strategy. We can begin with looking at establishing IP companies. It can be a startup with just a few people, like the early days of multimedia and web companies.

If we slowly establish a cluster of 50 to 100 good IPs companies. Then slowly, it would makes sense for animation production companies to grow and produce pilot episodes and teasers for these companies. Toy and merchandising companies will start coming in to shop for content. Licensing and merchandising companies will move in, followed by IP legal companies, distribution companies and investors in these areas. Other areas of growth for the IP could be games, digital music and ebooks industry etc. And then slowly we will create an industry.

In the west, due to the economic situation, many companies are looking into Asia. It is a good time to attract people here in areas where we are weak at. Previously, western companies are only in Asia looking for outsource partners. Now they are looking for co-investment and production partners, If you look closely at many government efforts in the region, e.g Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia etc. Everyone is looking at animation and IP creation. Its a question of who is sharp enough to establish the ecosystem first. And with this, you need good business leadership in this field. Whoever establishes the ecosystem first will attract others in the region to go to them for a one stop solution.

In your opinion, what makes Tiny Island different from other studios?

For Tiny Island, we do not compete in cost. With our track record in IP creation and monetisation, our clients don't come to us because our cost is low. They come to us because they see us as a good partner. As not only do we have knowledge in IP development, we are also well connected in Asia.

On top of that, we have the ability to create what we call, Future Proof Content. Which means that we partner with technologists to ensure that our content will be able to travel beyond TV to maximise the opportunities and exposure.

If you compete in cost, you will go down in no time. As such, we began to have clients who are just investors in IP. They need someone who is be able to advise them from start to end in the whole cycle. And we come out with a business strategy to monetise the IP. On our own. We are also slowly forming our own ecosystem. And our next venture will be on licensing/merchandising/distribution.





How has the local and global industry evolved over the years, has there been major shifts economically / technologically / creatively?

Yes. The recent problems in the western economy has driven opportunities to Asia. And now the production capabilities in Asia is much better than before. Asia is now able to create its own content instead of just outsourced work.

Now you see more talents from Asia going to the West to learn from the schools over there as well as bring back work experience to set up shop here. We also start seeing more and more western talents coming to Asia. In the past. Western companies are only here to look for outsource partners. But now they are here to look for investments, co production partners etc.

The purchasing power in Asia is also getting stronger as Asians gets richer. We now have a strong licensing and merchandising market. The piracy situation in China is also getting better, companies there are now looking into creating their own IP because they see a potential in this. As the world gets more connected , Asian companies are travelling to more Western Markets and getting the best from both the East and West.

What are your thoughts on Rhythm and Hues' bankruptcy, and the branches of western studios setting up over here

Nothing is going to stop globalisation and outsourcing. Just like manufacturing, competing in price is definitely not an option. One need to relook at its company's strategy and create a sustainable business model. One needs to look at how to move up the value chain.

Is China an attractive market? Do we (Singapore) have a better chance of entering china compared to a US studio?

It still is a very attractive market given the size of the population, but it is not easy (at least for me). Whether Singapore has a better chance, to me it is all the same. Everything boils down to connections.

The way I look at businesses is not about which country they are in. Its about collaborative effort within countries and studios. It is a big world out there, we need to work together to create opportunities for ourselves. Whoever has better connections will succeed.

Is there any particular area lacking talent? Are there enough institutions supporting the supply of these talents?

I feel that we can build up our strength in pre-production work. Currently I feel that there is not enough training in such areas. Other area that we can build up is in business planning and production leadership. But these have to been done through apprenticeship, not classroom lessons.
How important is the transfer of overseas skills to the local workforce, how are you supporting it?

Yes it is important. We are bringing in the best talents from overseas to work with us in terms of training and knowledge transfer. We also send talents overseas for job attachments with the help of our government.

Any input on art education in Singapore?

Artistic education should be something ongoing that never stops even after we started working. SOTA is a good start to create such a good learning environment at a younger age.

What kind of people are you looking for when you hire talents? Top 3 hiring qualities ?

We are looking for those who value our vision and want to build a company together with us. The candidate should do ample research to understand about our company. In terms of qualities: 1.) Feel proud about what we do and want to play a part in building our company. 2.) Knowledgeable about the industry and eager to learn new things. 3.) Positive, humble and willing to start from the bottom.

Tailoring one’s reel to the job he is applying for is essential as well.

What is your vision for Tiny Island? And what is your vision for Singapore while we are on the topic.

My vision for Tiny Island is for it to be a global company that creates its own IP and eventually, handle its own licensing and merchandising. I also hope that Tiny Island can create a strong family culture for its staff.

On the education front, my vision for CG Protege is to create a hub for the knowledge exchange in this field. Where we gather the best talents in Singapore and overseas to work with us.

As for Singapore. I hope to see it becoming an ecosystem as described above. Else our destiny will be like the manufacturing sector.

What advice would you give for budding artists and entrepreneurs if they want to pursue this industry?

Be connected to the industry and be passionate in what you do. Networking is very important. Prepare to take risks and start building contacts and connections.

Something I kept reminding myself, "Are you going to be just a member of the orchestra playing the same old song, or are you going to stand up and be a part of the future of this industry?" Words from Carl Rosendahl, founder of PDI Dreamworks.

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The signing of the MOU with Mendaki Sense

The signing of the MOU with Mendaki Sense marks the beginning of a new relationship between the 2 organisations.

In our society, those who do not excel in academic studies are often left behind with lower income in their careers. Fortunately, the CG Industry is one that rewards and recognises workers based on talent and skills rather than paper-qualifications and academic results.

We hope that through the joint assistance of Mendaki Sense and the training expertise and efforts of CG Protege,  we can reach out to those who have more potential for creative excellence than academic ones.

By equipping and upgrading their skills in Visual Effects, Games and Animation, we can give them a second chance, to bring their careers to a higher level and thus enabling them to strive for a better living in Singapore.

Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim with David Kwok. Founder of CG Protege.

Official Opening of Sense East in conjunction with MOU Signing Ceremony

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim opening address

Minister Dr Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and our outstanding graduate Haji Hasnadi Hassan who is currently working with DoubleNegative. Previously with Lucasfilm's Jedi Master Program for 6 months, Haji now has the opportunity to work on many hollywood blockbusters including Ironman 2.

Haji with the journalist

WDA Director and Assistant Director Creative and Professional Services Division, CG Protege Industrial Relations Manager,Founder CG Protege and our outstanding graudate Haji Hasnadi Hassan

Check out more photographs on our Facebook page here

CG Protege Official Launch of Singapore's First WSQ Certification in Animation in 2008

Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong visited CG Protege on 28 June 2008, to mark the launch of the first professional certification programme for animation and visual effects that is a collaborative effort between the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Media Development Authority (MDA) and CG Protege.

Accompanied by an entourage of officials from the Manpower Ministry, WDA and MDA, the Minister was given a tour of the school premises and a brief demonstration of the training and production process. In a interview with Channel NewsAsia following the visit, Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said: "The skills and the certification that they acquire will be portable. They will then be employed and recognised by employers. "And by producing this pool of qualified and highly trained professionals, it will give us the advantage to attract more investments in the creative industry."

Close studio mentorship is key to nurturing effective animation production skills

CG Protege is greatly honoured to be featured in the October/ November issue of Computer Graphics World, alongside major Visual Effects Studios like Cinesite, Lucasfilm, Digital Domain, the Mill etc. Our model of animation training and animation education is proven to be highly effective in producing gradutates with highly relevant skills in animation production - in areas of 3d modeling, character animation and visual effects. Students train alongside actual professionals working on real world productions, in a studio based environment. A unique combination not found in any other school in Singapore.

source: Computer Graphics World issue here (Article starts from pg 27 - 40)

CG Protege graduate highlighted in speech by BG (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development

An excerpt of speech given by Speech by BG (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development at the Creative Industries Fair, 23 July 2011.

Continuing Education and Training Key to Support Vibrancy and Diversity of the Creative Industries. "I also hear of another success story from a recent graduate from CG Protégé Animation School, Mr Jeremiah Oh, a former customer service officer, who followed his passion and took the plunge to embark on a six-month advanced certificate, followed by a 12-month WSQ Diploma in Animation. Today, Jeremiah is part of the team that produced Singapore's first 3D animated TV series – Dream Defenders, which is expected to be screened in North America and Asia in late 2011."

 Full Speech source

CG Protege mentioned in run-up to General Elections

As part of Yahoo! Singapore's coverage of the 2011 General Elections, we speak to new faces to look out for in the coming weeks. In the second of a four-part series, LIYANA LOW speaks to Ong Ye Kung of the People's Action Party.

PAP's new candidate Ong Ye Kung. (Yahoo! photo)

Excerpt from interview:

However, he feels that issues concerning younger Singaporeans are different, particularly for the new batch of voters who will be going to the polls for the first time.

Mr Ong explained that this particular group of young people experienced a fairly rosy five years, in a boom period when Singapore started hosting the F1 race and also opened up two integrated resorts.

He feels that it is important for most young voters to be able to find opportunities here to fulfil their aspirations.

"If you want to work in Lucasfilms, now you can to go to an institute like CG Protege, where you can learn and build up a portfolio and you can apply for a job in Lucasfilms."

"I think Singapore 10 years ago and now,  it's very different because today we present a lot more opportunities available for these young people."

Full interview source

Interview with our CEO - David Kwok, AnimationXpress

by AMRITA VALECHA



Could you explain to us about the Training Philosophy of CG Protege?

The key focus of our training program is that of the partnership between the trainer and the trainee, with the shared goal of keeping Singapore competitive in the global CG industry by raising the standard of work done here. 

As the work of our previous trainees will testify, the rapid progresses they make in learning and improving their show reels over the course of the part-time program are due to the high levels of dedication and commitment shown by both trainers and trainees. We strive to set the principles for motivation within our trainees and encourage them to apply the same hunger towards achieving their goals and excelling in their respective fields.

The teaching of software techniques alone is not enough. The mastering of traditional art skills and an awareness of commercial aesthetics also equips trainees with skills integral to success in the industry. These are skills that must be constantly honed in the rapidly progressing international CG industry.

What is the kind of approach of teaching at CG Protege?

Our course fills up an important gap from between the classroom knowledge and the workplace. Through being focused, and guiding students to choose a single area that they want to specialise in, the course has helped many students develop their first professional specialised skill, achieving a standard that meets employers' expectations.

Whether we will open a class for each specialisation will depend on the projected market response and demand for graduates. With feedback from our network of CG companies, we match market projections of employers' demands with our training program. Our focus is to ensure that the talents are able to find work in the CG industry.

Secondly, the course strives to instill an artistic sense required by the industry and try to sharpen and improve that art sense. Other academic courses prepare the individual by teaching techniques alone, but very few courses also help to impart the aesthetic sense, exposing the students to what is aesthetically pleasing, and equips the individual with the necessary directions to continue to strive for aesthetic excellence on his own, after the course.

Thirdly, it teaches the students to understand the problem solving process. The trainers will explain the rationale behind guidelines and principles. This equips the students with the knowledge and skills to tackle future problems in a logical and systematic manner, while not compromising on aesthetic requirements.

Lastly and very importantly, all mentors / instructors for the program are working professionals in the CG industry who have between 2 to 7 years production experience each. Many of them are head of departments or lead artists. As they are working on international productions every day, they keep the students up to date with the latest techniques used in the industry. Besides the mentors and instructors, our course advisors are Singaporeans currently working in the US. Two are from Blizzard and one from Bluesky Studios. So that the students are keeping track of the industry needs both locally and internationally. As they have worked their way up from Singapore to US, they can better associate themselves with the challenges the students are facing.

Could you tell us about the different courses you offer?

All our programs are accredited by the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore (WDA) and the trainees are awarded Workforce Skills Qualification Certifications upon graduation.

There are 4 main group of courses we are running.

A) SHORT FOUNDATION COURSES

These are the programmes that prepare candidates with a foundation to enter into the advance certification level.

B) UPGRADING COURSES

We have upgrading classes / Masterclasses that enhance and update the skills of 3d artists who are already working in the industry.
And these courses are taught by head of departments from various computer games, animation and visual effects companies.

C) ADVANCE CERTIFICATION

Upon graduation, every trainee will be awarded a WSQ Advance Certificate in Animation. There are 5 areas of specialisation for the program - in Character Animation, 3D Modelling & Texturing, 3D Modelling & Rigging, Lighting & Texturing, and Digital Visual Effects.

The focus of the program is to prepare the trainees with a professional specialised skill to enter the industry.
It helps trainees develop their first professional demo reel, achieving a standard that meets employers' expectations.

D) CG PROTEGE DIPLOMA/APPRENTICE PROGRAM

The CG Protege Diploma/Apprentice program is designed to help skilled but less experienced artists address potential employers' concerns so as to obtain full employment and gain valuable working experience on international projects.

EMPLOYER CONCERN #1:

If you lack working experience, some companies are concerned that you will slow down their production if they were to put you on the front-line.

The CG Protege Diploma / Apprentice program will provide you with a training stipend of $1000 a month for a period of 12 months. This support comes from WDA. On our part, we will also encourage our partnering companies to give you another $700 allowance once you begin On-The-Job Training. (We are selective towards companies we work with as we are concerned about our students' wellbeing and will ensure the apprenticeship has value towards their career.)
Out of the full entry starting salary of $1700, the company is only paying you $700. Hence hiring an apprentice through our program reduces the company's risk of hiring a less experienced employee. As $1700 is an apprentice's pay, and not an intern's pay, you will need to have basic specialised production skills and ability in order for the company to put you in the frontline as an apprentice.

EMPLOYER CONCERN #2:

Some companies are reluctant to take in a fresh artist as they do not have the time and resources to look after "someone with zero experience".

Our program addresses this concern by continued upgrading of the apprentice through night-classes at CG Protege during the apprenticeship period. Our trainers work with the employers to create structured training to match their specific needs. The companies we are partnering with, including Double Negative, Ubisoft, One Animation etc. have responded positively to our tailored training plans. We are also talking to 2 major overseas companies to send our apprentices overseas for training.

Hence the CG Protege Diploma / Apprentice program reduces the financial risk of a company taking in a fresh candidate and in return, you will be employed and paid full entry level salary during this economic downturn, gaining valuable experience. With good on-the-job performance after a year, the companies are also most likely to extend your employment. With this effort, we hope that we can raise the standard of Singapore's pool of talents as well as help them pull through this tough time. When the economy picks up, we will then have a stronger and more ready pool of talents for new challenges ahead.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE STUDYING AT CG PROTEGE AND HOW MANY HAVE PASSED OUT TILL DATE?

We have trained close to 200 artists since the last quarter of 2006. The program has been well received and we've expanded programs and training facilities. The objective is to create a strong pool of production-ready talent to be deployed in the growing computer graphics (CG) industry. The programs are supported by both the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore (WDA).

HOW IS THE COMPLETE ADMISSION PROCEDURE FOR THE STUDENT LIKE? 

All potential trainees will attend an industry and career talk, followed by a selection interview before they can be admitted into the programs. We need to be sure that they have put in effort in self-training or learning about the CG industry. Their prior training need not be in 3D. We can accept trainees based on their art skills. The most important criteria is that we need to see that they have the passion and determination to work hard to reach their dream.

HOW IS CG PROTEGE AS A TRAINING CENTRE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS?

CG Protege is a quality provider of WSQ accredited training programmes recognised by the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore. Training is administered by Tiny Island Productions (an Animation Production Studio) and a team of industry veterans and trainers who have a successful track record in grooming and preparing artists to join the pool of production-ready talents. Students can gain assistance from the full range of production expertise from Tiny Island Productions which is located just next to CG Protege.

The various head of departments from Tiny Island Productions as well as experienced leading artists from other international studios provide the training. And many passionate artists from Tiny Island Productions mentor the students. As many of the mentors have gone through the same route as the students, they understand the students' problems and needs. Together, both companies form an incubator for nurturing talents. This has been an very effective model as our past graduates have found positions working on television and film projects for both local and international animation and visual effects studios, like Big Communications, Lights & Shadows, Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, Mikoishi Studios, Real U Singapore, Sparky Animation, ST Electronics (Digital Media), Double Negative Visual Effects, Weta Productions etc

WHAT IS THE FEE STRUCTURE AND DURATION OF THE COURSES LIKE?

They two major programs we offer - the WSQ Advance Certificate in Animation and WSQ Diploma/Apprentice program in Animation costs only S$800 and S$1500 after government subsidies. The updated information for all other programs can be found on our websitewww.cgprotege.com

WHAT KIND OF INTERNATIONAL GUESTS AND INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONALS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO CG PROTEGE?

Recently we have worked with one of the best animation school in the world - Gobelins Paris on a Character Animation Master Class in Singapore. At the training, we had Jean-Claude Tran (2D and 3D Animator, formerly at Walt Disney Feature Animation in Paris, France and in Florida, USA, and currently at Pixar Animation Studios), Michelle Meeker (3D Animator, Animation Mentor instructor, formerly Weta Digital; PDI/Dreamworks; Pixar Animation Studios) and Robert Bennett from GOBELINS Paris (he has worked around Europe and in the USA presenting a course in " Corporeal Acting " for different animation schools and studios, including Walt Disney Feature Film France, Warner Brothers Feature Film USA and A-Studio in Copenhagen. He has also given classes for Richard Williams' Workshop.)

We also launched a Hans Bacher Master Class Design and Art Workshop for Animation Production. Hans Bacher has been working in the animation film business for the last 30 years. First in Germany in his own studio, later on major disney movies like who framed roger rabbit, beauty and the beast, lion king, aladdin, hercules, fantasia 2000 and mulan, as well as spielberg's balto. He has won several awards for his design work, amongst them the annie-award for mulan.

On top of that, we do have regular industry speakers from companies like Lucasfilm, Ubisoft, Double Negative, RealU etc to share their experience and information on the kind of job requirements for each role in the company.

ARE YOU AFFILIATED TO ANY STUDIOS WHERE YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE EMPLOYED AFTER TRAINING FROM CG PROTEGE?

We work closely with the graduates to help them to locate jobs upon graduation. However the demand for the CG industry here fluctuates from time to time. Hiring peak periods normally begin at the initial stage of a project (Feature Film, TV Series, Games). During hiring slumps, we work with Tiny Island Productions to employ those who are unable to locate jobs to sustain them during the downturn. So that the students can continue to apply what they learn in school and gained working experience.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AT CG PROTEGE?

We are in the process of putting together an advance diploma program taught by a pioneering artist at Disney. So far the feedback from supporting agencies have been very positive. We are definitely very excited about this opportunity.

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Skilled Local Talents in Animation and Visual Effects for Growing Digital Media Sector

Singaporeans will now have another entry point into the exciting digital media sector with the introduction of the first Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualification (CI WSQ) Advanced Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) programme.

This programme is jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development (WDA), Media Development Authority (MDA) and CG Protégé, to equip individuals with highly specialised skills in areas, such as 3D animation, modelling, rigging, lighting, texturing and visual effects, through industry-relevant and competency-based training.

The digital media sector is entering new and exciting frontiers with significant increase in activities such as 3D animated film and TV production, gaming, and interactive media. Globally, the animation industry is set to experience a stellar growth of US$32.7 billion by 2009.

Said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Chief Executive of WDA: “Singapore is fast establishing itself as a media hub, with a rapidly growing digital animation and visual effects industry. WDA wants to help more local creative talents be part of it, by making structured, skills-based training available to our workers who have the aptitude and ability to do well in the industry. It is another avenue to help workers advance in their careers through skills training and upgrading.”

Upon completion of the Advanced Certificate programme, trainees will be ready to take on roles such as animators, lighting artists, modellers, VFX artists, texture artists, rigger and compositors.

CG Protégé is the first Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre for the digital media sector and to offer the Advanced Certificate programme.

Said Mr David Kwok, Managing Director of CG Protégé, “The six-month classroom and practical training programme does not teach students software techniques only. It teaches students to master traditional art skills, raises their awareness of commercial aesthetics, and equip them with necessary skills so that they can perform and deliver quality work for their employers.”

More than 60 participants have graduated from training at CG Protégé, with another 180 expected to be trained in the next three years. Some of the graduates are now working for both local and international animation and visual effects studios such as Lucasfilm Animation, Double Negative, Mikoishi Studios, Real U Singapore, Weta Productions, Big Communications, Lights and Shadow, Sparky Animation and ST Electronics (Digital Media).

Given the broad spectrum of sectors under the Creative Industries, WDA expects to establish more CET centres offering specialized and niche training in the arts & culture, media and communications, and design sub-sectors. Specifically for the area of digital media, WDA will be appointing more training providers to augment existing training capacity so that more Singaporeans can benefit from the training.

For more information on the Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ), please visit 

For more information on the Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Advanced Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) programme, please visit

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CG Protege transforms glass artist to animation artist

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Singapore Government had made lifelong learning a priority. It has set up a Lifelong Learning Fund and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The latter partnered the labour movement, tertiary institutes and industry groups to set up specialised institutions to prepare workers for jobs in the new growth sectors.

Giving workers this assurance, the Prime Minister said: 'We will equip Singaporeans with the relevant skills, we will deliver courses, give the workers national certification, qualifications, make them more employable.'

He also highlighted the efforts of Mr Max Chan, 36, who worked as a glass artist for 10 years but decided to upgrade his skills when the industry went into decline.

Despite being weak in English, he got a Diploma in Multimedia Production and attended a 3D animation course run by the WDA and the Media Development Authority under CG Protege Animation School

He now works at a 3D animation production house. 

Said Mr Chan, in Mandarin: 'I have always been interested in animation and when I saw WDA offering it, I went for it immediately. Now I am more confident about my abilities, despite just having N-levels.'

Straits Times - Prime Minister's Speech at May Day Rally: Highlights

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Singapore Government had made lifelong learning a priority. It has set up a Lifelong Learning Fund and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The latter partnered the labour movement, tertiary institutes and industry groups to set up specialised institutions to prepare workers for jobs in the new growth sectors.