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TAICCA Selects Something Special and AR Asia Productions for LEAP Creative Lab Project
Mumbai: Something Special, a Seoul-based #1 independent international Format agency, and AR Asia Productions, a Hong Kong-based regional production company, announce their selection by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) to spearhead the LEAP Creative Lab project. This initiative aims to elevate the creativity of Taiwanese producers through immersive learning experiences and collaborative development opportunities.
Entitled LEAP, this year-long project will be led by Something Special and AR Asia Productions, with activities throughout 2024. Divided into two integral parts, LEAP comprises a Master Class in Taipei and a Creative Development Workshop in Seoul.
The Master Class in Taipei is scheduled for the second week of April, from the 10 to the 12, offering a comprehensive three-day program. A select group of 50 producers and companies have been chosen to participate in this exclusive event. Renowned instructors from South Korea will converge in Taiwan to provide invaluable insights on creating unscripted shows and maximising their international appeal.
Following the Master Class, the Creative Workshop will be held in the latter half of 2024. From the initial cohort of 50 participants, eight standout companies will be selected for intensive mentoring by Korean professionals. Together, they will develop new unscripted IPs to foster innovation and cross-cultural exchange within the content creation landscape.
InSoon Kim (EVP & head of content, Something Special) stated: “We are honoured to be chosen by TAICCA, along with AR Asia Productions, for this exciting initiative. LEAP represents a unique opportunity to nurture talent, facilitate knowledge exchange, and cultivate fresh creative perspectives within the Taiwanese content industry.”
Anne Chan (CEO of AR Asia Productions) stated: “We are excited to collaborate with Something Special and TAICCA on this transformative project. LEAP underscores our shared commitment to fostering creativity and driving innovation across borders.”
LEAP promises to not only enhance the capabilities of Taiwanese producers but also strengthen ties between Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong within the global content ecosystem. Through immersive learning experiences and collaborative development initiatives, LEAP aims to empower content creators to reach new heights of creativity and global success.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
