06 Feb 2007

Peak ratings for TV drama on offshore, marine and maritime industry

The Mandarin TV drama, The Peak (最高点), ended its season last night, consistently occupying the top place as Singapore’s most watched TV programme since it premiered 8 January 2007, according to Taylor Nelson Sofres, an independent market research house (Refer to Appendix 1).

Set in the backdrop of the dynamic and global business of the offshore, marine and maritime industry, the first three episodes were filmed in picturesque Brazil. This bittersweet soap, which was screened on Channel 8 at 9 pm from Monday to Friday, attracted an average reach of over 795,000 viewers, peaking at 918,0001 for the last episode.

Jointly sponsored by Keppel Group, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) and the Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI), the drama serial aims to showcase the vibrancy and multi-faceted nature of the offshore, marine and maritime businesses.

Ms Wang Look Fung, General Manager of Group Corporate Communications, Keppel Corporation Limited, “The viewership ratings and profiles have been very encouraging. With this heightened awareness and interest in the offshore, marine and maritime sectors, we are confident of drawing a strong pool of talents to carve out careers in our industry.”

As at end January 2007, the Keppel Group alone received close to 8,000 job applications. These applications are for executive positions across the Group, including Keppel Corporation, Keppel O&M, Keppel Land and Keppel Integrated Engineering.

“The Making of The Peak”
With the success of the TV drama, industry partners spearheaded by Keppel Group and MPA, have collaborated and jointly commissioned another production, The Making of The Peak, which premieres 10 February 2007 on Channel 8 at prime time 10.30pm.

It will showcase the massive preparatory work, the exciting behind-the-scene shots and never-seen-before footages from the drama.

All together, 26 suppliers and vendors which had a part in the construction of the jackup rig, WilCraft, at Keppel FELS (refer to Appendix 2) contributed to this production.

“The partnership with our subcontractors and vendors is testament to the industry’s commitment in enlarging the talent pool for this growing industry,” said Ms Wang.

“Such alliance is important if we want to encourage Singaporeans to carve out careers in this industry as Singapore expands its offshore, marine and maritime interests as an International Maritime Centre.”

The Making of The Peak will feature interviews with leading cast members on the drama and the roles they play. The actors will also recount their experiences on filming in scenic BrasFELS yard in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.

Casting popular actors, Christopher Lee, Dawn Yeoh, Jeanette Aw, Elvin Ng, Qi Yuwu, Huang Wen Yong and Ann Kok, The Peak was produced by veteran producer Chia Men Yiang, directed by award-winning directors, including Chong Liung Man and Lai Lee Thin, and written by MediaCorp’s golden script writer, Ang Eng Tee.

Accounting for about 7% of Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product in 2005, the offshore, marine and maritime industry here in Singapore is a global and growing industry set to rise in importance as an International Maritime Centre. The industry also leads the world in design and construction of offshore drilling rigs and in port management.

For further information, please contact

Grace Chia
Senior Executive
Keppel Group Corporate Communications
Tel: (65) 64136 434
Email: grace.chia@kepcorp.com

Attachments:

Download - APPENDIX 1 - Top 10 TV Programmes in Singapore

Download - APPENDIX 2 - Sponsors and key supporters for The Making of The Peak