Spikes Asia brings two more academies to Singapore for young professionals in APAC

This year, Spikes Asia sees the launch of two new bespoke training opportunities for young professionals in the Asia Pacific region. Both the Young Craft Academy and the Young Digital Academy will enhance an existing programme of tailored learning, bringing the total number of academies to six.

The academies include exclusive seminar sessions and tutorials and offer talented young professionals an opportunity to learn from some of the most inspiring and experienced figures in the industry. Attendees from the 2013 academies commented that the programme was “Relevant and significant in the local industry and advertising landscape” (Creative Academy) and that “As this is a festival of creativity, I am indeed inspired by all the amazing works out there. It gives me a holistic and broader perspective to get motivated, passionate and think out of the box” (Young Marketers).

The Young Creative Academy, sponsored for the sixth year by Cheil Worldwide, is open to 15 students in tertiary education studying advertising, marketing and communications. This year, David Tan, a lecturer in Singapore Polytechnic Design School will mentor the selected group and lead a tailored programme, including dedicated tutorials from prestigious industry figures such as creative and agency heads. The students will also participate in the Spikes Asia main events and enjoy the networking opportunities, getting an exceptional first-hand insight into the industry.

The Young Marketers Academy also sees continued sponsorship from Dentsu Aegis Network, with Dick van Motman (pictured left), chairman and CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network, Southeast Asia saying: “We are proud to be sponsoring this academy for a second year in a row. Today’s Young Marketers are the future of the industry and programs like these provide an absolutely transformational experience for these young leaders. The fact that we have not just continued our sponsorship at Spikes Asia, but also decided to expand on this by attaching our name to the Young Marketers Academy at the Cannes Lions festival this year, shows that Dentsu Aegis Network is now globally fully committed to nurturing young talent.”

Introduced last year, the Young Account Executive Academy, designed specifically for young agency account executives, aims to foster a bravery culture, inspire idea development and develop successful pitching skills. Speaking on their recurring support of this academy, Charles Cadell, President, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific said, “We’re proud of our ongoing sponsorship of the Young Account Executive Academy at Spikes Asia; nurturing and growing talent is critical to the success of business today. As our business evolves, it’s important talent is able to adapt to the changing environment and grow into challenging new roles. The Young Account Executive Academy provides the region’s young stars an incredible learning journey.”

Sunita Rajan, EVP Advertising Sales, Asia & Australia of BBC Worldwide, talking about their support for the Young Media Academy commented that the, “Young Spikes Academy programme offers young marketing and media professionals the chance to be part of a life-changing educational experience during the Festival. In support of talent & training in the media industry and continuing BBC Advertising’s culture of Learning & Development, BBC Advertising is proud to be sponsoring for the first time The Young Spikes Media Academy. We look forward to meeting the participants during this exciting opportunity.”

Upon taking up sponsorship of the Young Craft Academy, Rupen Desai, Regional President of Lowe Asia Pacific, remarked that, “The young talent in our business is not our future, it’s our present. And preserving and building craft skills is important. Our Mentors are most excited to be part of the Spikes Young Craft Academy, and Lowe Asia Pacific along with Lowe Profero is most happy to support it. It’s a unique opportunity for today’s most respected creatives, and tomorrow’s brightest stars to meet, learn and share what’s great about our business and its magic.”

The new Digital Academy is sponsored by Ogilvy & Mather. Reflecting the trend of social media integrating with everyday life, Paul Heath, Chairman, Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific, said “We are delighted to be partnering with Hyper Island to make the Spikes Young Digital Academy a reality. As Ogilvy showcases best practice in digital and mobile, we also look to mentor young talent, to ensure the next generation of innovative thinkers. The Young Digital Academy provides a rich understanding of the digital creative process and fundamental training in this area, empowering participants with the confidence and tools to take their work to the next level.”

Academy places are limited, email academies@spikes.asia to apply or for more information. Spikes Asia, runs from 23-26 September in Suntec City, Singapore and has an extensive programme of seminars, forums and tech talks running throughout the festival alongside an exhibition of all shortlisted work and various networking events.