Testimonies
The following article about the CIX programme was reported in the October 2008 issue of The Creative Times by MICA:
Whether you are a creative professional, business owner or decision maker, CCS has recently rolled out a new initiative, the Creative Industries eXchange (CIX) to harness creativity and innovation for business growth or market development. Business owners will find CIX especially useful if they are looking for new partners to collaborate on project ideas or if they are embarking on a new business venture.
The objective of CIX is to kick-start long-term partnerships amongst creative talents and local enterprises. Under CIX, participants come together through a series of workshops organised by CCS, along with support from the National Library Board (NLB), to brainstorm, generate ideas and implement innovative concepts, thereby realising the potential and benefits of cross-sectoral collaboration.
Through matchmaking, CIX will offer networking and exchange opportunities for companies to explore and realise the potential and benefits of cross-sectoral collaborations within and beyond the creative sectors.
In an effort to reach out to the creatives and business owners in Singapore, CCS had organised three briefings on CIX at The Pod at NLB in July and August. Through the partnerships with Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) and Singapore Manufacturers’ Association (SMa), these CIX briefings gave the attendees and members of these associations an opportunity to network with people from other industries, interact with the creatives, find out more about the CIX initiative and be inspired by the projects supported during the pilot of CIX late last year.
One such project is Artwine. Artwine is a refreshing concept originally conceived by Gardenasia, Sevenoaks and Mr Sun Yu-li, a well-known local sculptor. This unique project involves innovation in package design through the use of traditional wall covering, along with a specially chosen art piece and musical composition that will complement the wine. Targeting at the local and overseas tourists, Artwine offers an alternative for visitors to bring home a uniquely Singapore sensorial experience instead of the traditional local icons and souvenirs.
Said Mr Kenny Eng, of Artwine, “Creative Industries Exchange enabled me to make new partnerships, widen my scope and see how my boundaries could be stretched. It makes you question your business idea and see how you can work with people from different industries.”
Mr Ivan Soh of WiMe, which is another project borne through the CIX pilot, also recommended the CIX initiative to other creative entrepreneurs as “it opens up a great network of potential partners and can be an unpredictable catalyst of business ideas and opportunities.”
