Durban — Dr Brett Lyndall Singh, CEO of AOM Group and executive director of Opulent Entertainment Group, delivered a compelling address at the 6th Forum on China-Africa Media Co-operation & China-Africa Think Tank High-Level Dialogue in Beijing.
The forum, which drew representatives from over 40 African countries and more than 500 Chinese delegates, was pivotal for discussing the future of China-Africa relations, particularly in media, entertainment and digital innovation.
Highlighting accomplishments in media and entertainment, Dr Singh, a visionary leader in investment and entertainment, highlighted significant achievements of the organisations he leads.
The AOM Group, a Level 1 B-BBEE investment management company, has made strategic investments across health care, media and entertainment as well as cross-border commerce. These investments have positioned AOM Group as a key player in driving innovation and infrastructure development in Africa, crucial for the continent’s modernisation and global economic integration.
Dr Singh is at the forefront of Africa’s entertainment industry. The group, founded by chairperson Mandla Dube and CEO Denim Richards, invests in Africa’s entertainment value chain, from infrastructure development for film production to strategic publishing and distribution.
One of Opulent Entertainment Group’s crowning achievements is the success of the film Heart of the Hunter, which topped Netflix’s global charts for over two weeks, streaming in more than 75 countries.
The film made history as the first African movie to reach No 1 in English-language films on the Netflix Top 10 weekly rankings, amassing over 11 million views. This accomplishment highlights Africa’s storytelling prowess and growing influence in the global entertainment industry.
During his address, Dr Singh emphasised the transformative potential of digital media and e-commerce in fostering economic growth and enhancing cultural ties between China and Africa. He discussed how innovations such as live stream technology and digital avatars could revolutionise how African businesses engage with global markets.
Dr Singh is a panellist and representative of Informal Talks.
His involvement in Informal Talks, one of China’s most popular television shows with over 170 million viewers, exemplifies the power of digital platforms in promoting South Africa’s investment opportunities. His participation in such media initiatives underscores the importance of cultural exchange.
Under the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) framework, the forum was marked by the signing of six radio and television agreements and the announcement of 20 new co-operation projects. These developments reflect a deepening commitment to media collaboration to support the modernisation efforts of both regions.
Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasised the role of media and think-tanks in building a high level China-Africa community with a shared future. Dr Brett’s contributions aligned with this vision, advocating for stronger media collaborations.
As Africa prepares for the 2024 Focac Summit in Beijing, the discussions and agreements from this forum will be crucial in shaping the future of China-Africa relations.
Dr Singh’s participation highlights South Africa’s active role in these global dialogues, emphasising the importance of media, entertainment and digital innovation in driving modernisation and mutual understanding.
Ayanda Mdluli is the editor of the Daily News.
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