Singapore, 6 October 2021 – A graduation ceremony was held at Changi Prison Complex today to mark the completion of media training for 28 inmates. 15 inmates graduated with a Specialist Diploma in Social Media Marketing and Online Content Creation (SMMOCC) programme and 13 inmates graduated with a Diploma in Media (Content Production and Management) – Assistant Director (DMAD). The ceremony was witnessed virtually by representatives from media companies and potential employers who may hire these inmates upon their release.
The graduation was made possible through a collaboration between Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) and Mediacorp Pte Ltd (Mediacorp). Under the partnership, a media training academy was set up within prison with the aim of enhancing the skills and career prospects of inmates and ex-offenders in the media industry. The four-month SMMOCC diploma programme and 10-month DMAD programme started in November 2020, with lessons taking place twice a week. With three cohorts per year, YRSG hopes to train about 60 inmates per year.
The collaboration with Mediacorp is part of YRSG’s “TAP” (Train And Place) and Grow initiative, where YRSG partners like-minded employers, training institutions and community partners to set up training academies inside prisons. This enables inmates to undergo industry-specific training, develop the requisite skills to facilitate their recruitment into relevant industries and grow in their new careers after their release. Apart from media training, YRSG has also partnered the Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association (SPETA), Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Logistics Association (SLA) to offer precision engineering and logistics training within prison.
Upon release, Mediacorp will offer employment opportunities within Mediacorp and media production houses for successful candidates. YRSG’s career coaches will work closely with the employers to provide retention support to help the ex-offenders as they re-join the workforce and transit to a new work environment. In addition, YRSG will also assist ex-offenders to tap on the SGUnited Skills programme to deepen their skills and progress in their new careers.
This collaboration comes at an opportune moment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With the shift to digital platforms accelerating, the YRSG and Mediacorp collaboration offers a pathway for inmates to be trained in a growth sector that provides expanded roles in the economy and employment opportunities beyond media services.
“As a graphic designer and photographer prior to incarceration, I was interested in pursuing this diploma to expand and upgrade my creative skills. I am grateful that I am not ‘doing nothing’ while serving my sentence,” says Enoch (not his real name), who was accorded ‘Best Graduate’ in this first graduating cohort.
“Employment is the cornerstone to successful reintegration. When ex-offenders are gainfully employed, it gives them a sense of personal fulfilment to be able to contribute to their families’ well-being. I am grateful that employers continue to hire ex-offenders and extend second chances to them during this difficult period.” said Mr Matthew Wee Yik Keong (黄毅强), Chief Executive Officer, YRSG.
“Mediacorp is happy to be able to do our part to enhance the skills and employment prospects of inmates and ex-offenders through the media training academy, in partnership with Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG). We are confident that the skills acquired during their training will stand them in good stead as they reintegrate into the workforce and society at large. Congratulations to the graduates,” said Ms Tham Loke Kheng (谭乐琼), Chief Executive Officer, Mediacorp.
Media contacts
Shazwani Babjee (Ms.)
Telephone: 6214 2836
Mobile: 9099 9374
Email: shazwani_babjee@yellowribbon.gov.sg
Mark Tan (Mr.)
Email: mark.tan@mediacorp.com.sg
About the Yellow Ribbon Singapore
Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was established on 1 April 1976 as the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) and rebranded as YRSG on 1 May 2020.
YRSG adopts a multi-faceted approach to prepare ex-offenders for reintegration into the national workforce, which includes initiatives to help them develop skills and long-term careers through partnerships with industry, as well as initiatives to garner community support and acceptance of ex-offenders.
YRSG works with more than 7,000 like-minded partners. Our collective efforts have contributed to the low and stable recidivism rate in Singapore.
About Mediacorp
Mediacorp is Singapore’s national media network and largest content creator. Its purpose is to create engaging and trusted content, as well as to connect communities and inspire people. Mediacorp engages over three million people in Singapore daily across four languages on its digital platforms including meWATCH, meLISTEN and CNA.asia, six TV channels and 11 radio stations. Beyond Singapore, Mediacorp also has a growing international audience through CNA and content distributed across markets.
With a focus on nurturing talent and growing the sector, the company is committed to investing in nation-wide initiatives like Star Search, Anugerah, Yaar Antha Star and SPOP, commissioning a wide variety of work from local content creators, and collaborating with institutes of higher learning. As Singapore’s first local Multi-Channel Network in partnership with YouTube, Mediacorp is also committed to developing a network of digital content creators.
For advertisers, Mediacorp has partnered industry-leading brands like ESPN, Mothership, Popcorn, theAsianparent, VICE, YouTube and 99.co to form the Mediacorp Digital Network in offering more effective content-driven solutions.
Mediacorp is the recipient of industry accolades including New York Festivals, World Media Festivals, PromaxBDA (World and Asia) and Asian Academy Creative Awards.
For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg.
