First Mediagroup Academy brings Dolby 5.1 surround training to Malaysia
Published: ASIA
MALAYSIA: Salzbrenner Stagetec Mediagroup has opened the first Mediagroup Academy in Kuala Lumpur, with David Chan, managing director of Stagetec Asia, describing the new state-of-the-art facility as a place to ‘enhance skills and knowledge’. The Academy also offers the first fully equipped Dolby 5.1 surround sound training facility in Malaysia.
The opening of the Mediagroup Academy marks the fulfilment of long-term efforts on the part of Mr Chan and the wider Salzbrenner Stagetec Mediagroup to bring professional-level education to the Malaysian market. Spearheaded by Mr Chan and Stagetec Asia, the Academy began providing courses in 2008, originally in temporary locations such as hotels and broadcasters’ own facilities. Its new dedicated home now includes a seminar theatre for up to 40 people; a number of acoustically-treated and purpose designed studios equipped with a broad range of equipment; the Dolby 5.1 surround sound production suite, described by Mr Chan as ‘full-fledged production, mastering and recording studio’; and an on-air radio studio that can function as a live broadcasting hub.
During the official launch of the facility, Mr Chan also pointed to the Academy’s work as assisting Malaysia in its efforts to achieve its development vision for 2020. ‘We hope this will be the beginning of a new education platform for all media professionals and practitioners to equip themselves with the latest knowledge and skills in preparation for Malaysia's vision 2020,’ he said.
Speaking for Dolby, Pankaj Kedia, senior regional director, India, South East Asia, ANZ, Dolby Laboratories, described himself as ‘delighted to be working closely with the Mediagroup Academy to cultivate media talent in the region and share Dolby’s broadcast technology expertise. The surround sound training program is part of Dolby’s continued commitment to share technical knowledge and innovations with the broadcast industry in South East Asia.’
Mr Chan concluded, ‘We are thrilled to launch the Mediagroup Academy, and we have no doubt that our collaboration with Dolby will further ensure the broadcast industry will continue to move forward in Malaysia’.