THE Penang government is supportive of the inaugural IP Commercialisation Programme 2022 (MyIPComm22) to ensure that the IP ecosystem is tightly secured to boost the confidence of investors.
State Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said it was timely for the International Intellectual Property Commercialisation Council (IIPCC) Malaysia to use Penang as the launch pad for the programme.
“The highly industrialised Penang attracts high-quality investments across the globe. These investments will require advanced technological transfers and a secured environment remains a priority,” Abdul Halim said at a hybrid press conference held by IIPCC Malaysia in Komtar today.
“Some of the start-ups may not be aware of copyright and industrial design matters and they may be exploited in future.
“Many companies have weathered the Covid-19 crisis through their resilience. I hope to see them sustaining and growing strongly as the country transitions from pandemic to endemic phase.
“I would also like to see Penang become an IP power hub, setting up more R&Ds and getting more new inventions commercialised.”
IIPCC Malaysia president Patricia Chung Wei Leng said the programme’s objective was to create awareness and educate industry stakeholders on IP so that they could establish a highly secured environment.
“Penang, in its advanced state, is particularly vulnerable to IP threats in the form of IP infringements and trade secret leakages in the highly digitalised post-Covid economic rebuilding,” said Chung, who is also the managing partner Chung Chambers Advocates & Solicitors.
“MyIPComm22 also plays a crucial role in trade development, FDI, exports, industrialisation and digitalisation across all sectors.
“The potential of IP commercialisation is vast and there are still many untapped resources that companies from various industries can leverage to expand and propel their business to greater heights.”
The MyIPComm22, which will be held between May 26 and June 3 as a hybrid event, is expected to receive participants from not less than 23 countries.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) national president Well Kam Lian Hooi said as the co-organiser of the programme, they are committed to promoting, educating and sharing on the risk and power of this intangible asset called IP (Intellectual Property).
“This is a visionary and bold project although its values may not so obvious to many, as of now.
“SAMENTA would like to call upon SMEs to take IP protection early and seriously, as it is not only important to the big organisations.
“Many start-ups have great ideas and creations that can, in time, be turned into huge commercial success. It is, therefore, better to be ready than sorry later. Let’s make IP part of the planning and our day-to-day business decisions.
“Together, let’s learn how to protect and leverage on IP more effectively and efficiently. In simple term, first to protect from IP infringement, then go on to make the best of it, that is, leverage and commercialise it.”
IIPCC Malaysia had earlier presented Abdul Halim with physical paintings sponsored by artists Elain Wong and Chan Tat Wai through the Island Gallery founded by Cheng Mei Foong of the Penang Artist Association.
The proceeds of sales of the paintings through non-fungible token (NFT) platform will be donated to the Penang Care Society (PgCare Society) for their work in helping the needy.
Also present at the event today were IIPCC board member Michael Lin, Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, PgCare co-founders Dr Ngoo Seong Boon and Chong Soon Kheng, SAMENTA Central deputy chairman Datin Lorela Chia, SAMENTA secretary Yeoh Seng Hooi, IIPCC Malaysia secretary Teoh Hoay Khim and Island Gallery founder Cheong Mei Fong.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
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