ASIA-PACIFIC – SINGAPORE, OCTOBER 25, 2010 — Wunderman, the world’s largest marketing services agency, established the Wunderman ZED Academy, an international education initiative created in partnership with some of the best design and digital marketing colleges throughout the world, beginning in Asia.
Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore sent two students to participate in ZED Academy’s inaugural class of 19 from August to October 2010. With the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Wunderman and Nanyang Polytechnic, more students will be able to attend the Wunderman ZED Academy over the next three years.
The Wunderman ZED Academy’s total immersion approach gives final-year students work experience on multi-million dollar global accounts that goes well beyond traditional internships. The ZED Academy has two phases: first is the hands-on experience gained when ZED students are immersed in digital and creative teams, working on global accounts such as Microsoft, Nokia, Ford and Citibank. This is followed by an evaluation process, which attempts to match graduating students with the right account opportunity across the Wunderman network.
“ZED Academy prepares students for the clients and work culture unique to Wunderman,” said Bill Manfredi, Wunderman EVP, global talent management. “In this apprenticeship, ZED students work on real projects with our clients where we need it most. Nanyang Polytechnic students are placed across our network offices including Shanghai, New York, Seattle and London,” Manfredi said.
“Nanyang Polytechnic is pleased to partner Wunderman on this initiative to groom and develop young talents in Singapore. We are appreciative of the effort and support of Wunderman in providing our students opportunities for internship at their global offices and studios, and to be groomed and mentored by their experts. Such valuable industry exposure will certainly enhance our students’ creative and technical capabilities, making them more marketable and well poised to meet industry needs,” said Edward Ho, deputy principal/development of Nanyang Polytechnic.
In addition to the ZED Academy program, Nanyang Polytechnic students participated in a design competition to shape the ZED Academy brand by creating an integrated campaign.
“Growing digital talent in Asia is our top priority. As a global digital leading network, Wunderman is actively engaged to offer the best learning and development environment to students and graduates in Asia, Europe and the U.S.,” said Stephane Faggianelli, president, Wunderman Asia.
In photo: Bill Manfredi, Wunderman EVP – global talent management and Edward Ho, deputy principal/development of Nanyang Polytechnic
