These projects, ranging from development of games to media-rich learning, are expected to create 300 new jobs in the local media sector and yield S$70 million in investments.

The five projects were selected from 26 proposals submitted in response to the inaugural Call For New Media Applications and Services Projects which closed last September.

Said Mr Michael Yap, MDA's Deputy CEO: 'The selected projects strengthen Singapore's goal to be a leader in the New Media sector. Our support will help the companies scale up their international exposure significantly.

'These projects will in turn support some 200 companies to help build the New Media ecosystem. This funding initiative complements MDA's ongoing effort to support innovative content development and research and development in Interactive Digital Media (IDM).'

All projects were evaluated by a committee made up of representatives from MDA, Infocomm Development Authority and International Enterprise Singapore based on its relevance to New Media, its potential impact on the New Media ecosystem, the committed team's ability to execute, cost realism, contributions to key performance indicators, and returns.