Nanyang Polytechnic ( NYP ) will open the doors to its new Games Resource Centre in June – the first of such Centres to be rolled out by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) as part of its Connected Games Programme . Under this programme, IDA aims to develop Singapore into a leading regional centre for Connected Games by attracting companies to deploy connected games services, anchor market leaders, and build the ICT capabilities for the games ecosystem.

The MOU signing between NYP, SCE Asia and Premium Agency was witnessed by RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay (back row, centre left) and His Excellency Makoto Yamanaka, Japanese Ambassador to Singapore (centre right).

Supported by Sony Computer Entertainment Asia ( SCE Asia ) and its preferred training partner, Premium Agency , the Centre's facilities are open to the industry and companies can tap on them to develop proof-of-concept games on the PlayStation3 (PS3) computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system.

In addition, the Centre also provides training to industry professionals taking NYP's Specialist Diploma in Games Development as well as short courses catered to specific needs of the industry. NYP students studying for the Diploma in Digital Entertainment Technology and the Diploma in Digital Media Design (Games) at NYP's School of Interactive & Digital Media will also receive training at the Centre.

It is estimated that the Centre will train some 450 students and industry professionals over the next two years and SCE Asia will assess games developed from this Centre for deployment suitability on its PlayStation platforms.

A Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony took place on 9 April 2009 to formalise the collaboration between NYP, SCE Asia and Premium Agency. It was witnessed by RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDA, and His Excellency Makoto Yamanaka, Japanese Ambassador to Singapore.

RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay said, "To develop Singapore into a leading regional centre for Connected Games would require the collective efforts of both the government and industry. IDA is taking a holistic approach by attracting companies to deploy connected games services, anchor market leaders and build the ICT capabilities for the games ecosystem."

Cosplayers at the MOU signing at NYP.

According to HE Makoto Yamanaka, "Singapore provides a huge potential for the game industry because it has a very good foothold for expanding the game business in the entire Asian region, as well as its strong IP (intellectual property) protection system and multi-cultural environment."

Mr Tetsuhiko Yasuda, President of SCE Asia, added that the company was excited about the collaboration and Singapore was a natural choice for it to take place. "We believe that the time has come for Singapore with its rich human resource, diverse culture, technology and know-how to develop video games which will be recognised in the world… Our partnership will be able to bring out the best in this generation of students who will impact both their local and global games industries," he said.

Currently, three staff from NYP's School of Interactive and Digital Media are on a three-month "Train-the-Trainers" programme at Premium Agency's office in Japan. Mr Chan Lee Mun, Principal and CEO of Nanyang Polytechnic, said they are expected to be back in June and ready to incorporate the first PlayStation course into the Specialist Diploma in Games Development in July.