At face value, life is good for BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion (RIM). Profits soared with net income for fiscal 2010 at US$2.46 billion, up nearly 30 per cent compared to 2009.

So where did Blackberry go wrong? This is how i see it. Blackberry = work. iPhone = fun+work. (Taru Jain, MD XM Media Asia-Pasific Singapore)

From a branding perspective, Blackberry is under threat from iPhone and Andriod and RIM is almost invisible in comparison. (Andrew Knott - CDO Asia Pacific, Euro RSCG)

So which one is you?

info by Media
photo by Blackberry

RM200 Million Creative Industry Fund Takes Off



A RM200 million fund to help stimulate the creative industry took off the ground on Thursday.
- 31Dec2009 - BERNAMA -

Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the credit facility of between RM50,000 and RM5 million, which was meant for commercial creative activities, offered competitive interests and flexible conditions.

"As the credit facility is meant for commercialisation, it has to be governed by conditions imposed by the authorities and this is contrary to assumptions that the fund is free.

"There is no such thing as a free fund for business. But with interest rates of between two and four per cent, the rate is not only very low and flexible but also fair," he told reporters after launching the Creative Industry Fund here on Thursday.

The fund, which will is meant for filmmaking, musical production, animation, and related activities, was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the 2010 Budget in October.

Rais said the credit facility, which would be disbursed through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), would also be extended for asset purchases to facilitate commercial activities.

"Only sole owners, joint partners and private limited companies, and business entities with 51 per cent Malaysian ownership are eligible for the loan.

"Those, who are getting grants from the government agencies for projects or products are not entitled to the loan," he added.

He said 22 creative activities in four sectors, namely audio visual and new media (animation, interactive, film and television production), design (fashion, accessories), arts and craft (arts performances, handicraft, galleries), and print media (publishing, writing) can apply for the fund.



On the interest rates, he said it would be two per cent a year, calculated on a monthly basis for short-term projects and four per cent per year for projects lasting five years.

He said applicants could seek financing up to 90 per cent of their cost from a special committee set up by the ministry.

"The contract documents can be pledged as collaterals, which could be handed to the banks subject to conditions imposed, by producing eligible guarantors or by determining the adequacy of company assets," he added.

On the repayment, he said BSN would fix the instalments throughout project period, loan period or fast track repayment for those posting "blockbuster" revenue.

Rais said the credit facility could be taken in stages or one lump sum based on the conditions set by the bank.

image courtesy http://www.kakireka.com/

About Us

Raptors Online Community is all about arts, graphics & advertising. It's an online community for ex students from Art & Design UITM Malacca.
Happy New year everybody. Well this is the first post in 2010. Whoaaa!! feel like 2009 has just miss us in blink of an eye. Lotsa stuff has been goin on in 2009. Hopefully this 2010 will be a great year for us all!

Have a great start on 2010 ya'll...
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