VIXPA

I had been hearing about VIXPA prior to 13 May 2026. But on that fateful day, at Lecture Theatre F208, I came across their leadership figures.

Sonta Computer Society (SCS) had organised a panel discussion titled: “Future of work: Generative AI and the evolving media production industry”. There was much talk on the capabilities of AI: AI in film-making, AI in advertising.

Then I bumped into K at the refreshment station (pasta and sugary drinks), and K said: “Are you a member of VIXPA? It is very difficult to help freelancers if you are not part of VIXPA. Usually, when ministers want to have a discussion with freelancers, they will do so with a collective body, not with individuals.”

K added, “And on the practical side, with the VIXPA membership, you can get LinkPoints to subsidise your supermarket purchases.”

I replied: “I've been thinking about it for a while now. I will consider it seriously. It's too tiring to go alone.”

That was the beginning of my adventure into VIXPA land. A few events that have happened on Planet VIXPA:

Making it work: sustaining a career in the performing arts

Time: 8 June, 2 to 4 PM (Monday) Venue: 42WS, The Black Box

what was fun – meeting SB, who provides free pizza at various locations around the island.

what was learnt – I learnt that I could make voluntary top-up contributions to my CPF funds. “Use it like a savings account,” was the advice given to me.

The creative recharge: A wellness workshop for creative freelancers

time: 29 August, 2 to 4.30 PM (Saturday) Venue: YL Industrial Building

what was learnt – I saw a demonstration of Piufoto software in action. According to their website, Piufoto allows photographers to “stream photo and video, live to your audience, in seconds not hours. From conferences to weddings, we cover it all.”

what was fun – I heard about someone who climbed staircases – 12 storeys! – for physical exercise, and for leisure. In the region of Pasir Ris, specifically. “The view is great at the top,” was the encouragement given to me.

Taxes, what's that? A content creator's workshop on tax basics

time: 5 September, 10 AM to 12.15 PM (Saturday) venue: the Atlas building

what was learnt – I heard that non-cash gifts are taxable if they exceeed the value of $200; there may be exceptions in certain circumstances. (link to the tax authorities' informational Web-page.)

what was done – I was mistaken for a creator of anime, who makes content on social media, full-time. Apparently the anime is named “Little Things”. I managed to exit the venue as calmly as I could, having sat through the entire workship, mistaken identity notwithstanding.

time: 7 October, 3 to 5 PM (Wednesday) venue: 42WS, The Black Box

what was fun – I had a few insights on why I seldom see pirated video games on sale, at pasar malam stalls.

“The business model has changed,” said one gentleman. “Now you can download it for free on the Internet. Not that I do so.”

“Digital Rights Management (DRM) measures,” said another.

According to the anonymous writer of an article on Panda Security's website, “Pirated video games often also come with limitations. On many occasions, they can’t be played online or updated. This ruins the whole gaming experience and creates more opportunities for cyberattacks,”

what was done – I met a fan of classical music, with whom I shared a video of my piano performance. I hope he enjoys it.

what was learnt – I met the Executive Director of a facility of virtual production.

until next time!