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A government that works hand in glove with the creative industry
The Singapore government is actively looking to nurture creative shops. After all, it is the image of the country that is at stake.
The government in Singapore is a firm backer of creative agencies - from attractive grants to working together to setting up centres of excellence – it has not shied away from broadcasting this fact.
Agencies too are happy. For them, the experience of working with the Singapore government is devoid of the usual hang-ups associated with the civil service, such as being slow or bureaucratic.
So is Singapore creative? Industry watchers believe it is. According to an industry insider, “Singaporeans were more traditional; creativity was not a preferred choice but rather something you pursued if you ‘failed’ to make it in the mainstream. The government is doing its best to push creativity by welcoming cultural, social and political diversity.”
That said, there is work being done to develop the key industries that drive creativity as well as spur innovation, most prominently from startups. And most of it is visible.