Spikes Asia advances industry talent in APAC; academies + comps to bring learning to the fore

Spikes Asia, the Festival of Creativity returning to Singapore from 9-11 September, will this year build on its mission to provide a space for the next generation to grow and hone essential skills through tailored programmes.

Throughout the Festival a series of carefully structured academies will run, offering bespoke training for different career disciplines. Steve Latham, head of talent & training for Lions Festivals commented that Spikes Asia holds a unique position in the region which allows for training programmes like no other.

Says Latham: “The fact that over 1,800 of the region’s industry are at Spikes Asia means that the academies not only exist in a rich and inspiring environment but have access to some of the greatest minds and achievers in the business.”

The Young Digital Academy, sponsored by Ogilvy & Mather, will help attendees to master all things technology and learn the importance of embracing innovations in the creative process. Using his extensive knowledge and expertise, Kenny Powar, ex-regional CEO for Possible, has been appointed as tutor of the academy.

Last year’s students said that the Young Media Academy had been ‘fun, fulfilling and rewarding’ as well as ‘an eye opening and enriching experience’. This year it returns with GroupM’s Greg Graham as tutor, providing a crash-course on executing creativity in media.

The Young Account Executive Academy, which aims to improve pitching power and creative bravery, will see Dave McCaughan of Bibliosexual leading the course, which is sponsored by McCann Worldgroup. Tracie Tan, 3-sixty Brand Communications, said of last year’s academy that “the course was just the spark you need to light the fire for you to chase that dream in advertising!”

Exclusively for student creatives, the Young Creative Academy, sponsored by Cheil, will see industry veterans passing on tricks of the trade, all done under the guidance of tutor Noor Azhar Mohamed from Singapore Polytechnic.

In another area, four competitions will give the rising stars of the industry a platform to demonstrate their skills and creativity. Young Spikes competitions in Integrated, Media and Digital give young professionals an opportunity to compete and shine in their careers, while the Student Creative Award for Print helps students to kick-start their future careers.

Further information on all of these initiatives, including how to be a part of them, can be found online at www.spikes.asia. The Spikes Asia Talent & Training team can be contacted at academies@spikes.asia.