MDDI's response to PQ on Local Talent, Crew and Facilities for Government Funded Creative Projects

Parliament Sitting on 10 September 2024

QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

*34. Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information whether the Ministry will consider requiring (i) firms that have been awarded creative projects by Ministries and Government agencies to endeavour towards engaging Singapore-registered sub-contractors and local talents, crew, and facilities for their projects and (ii) these firms to dedicate a reasonable portion of their budget in engaging local talents and crew, so as to boost the capabilities of the Singapore creative workforce and growth of a creative economy.

Answer:

Ministries and Government agencies procure creative services in various ways, and many do so via the Whole-of-Government Period Contracts and Framework Agreements (PCFAs). Vendors under the Creative Services and Video & Animation Services PCFA are required to adopt Tripartite Standards, which covers fair recruitment practices and the procurement of services from media freelancers. Creative agencies must however be allowed to hire talents that best meet the needs of their clients in the most cost-effective way.

The Government is committed to supporting our local artistes and the development of the creative industry. Government agencies have programmes and grants to uplift the capabilities of local talent and companies in the industry such as the National Arts Council’s Presentation and Participation Grant and the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Media Talent Progression Programme.