PATENTS play a vital role in safeguarding innovation and fostering economic growth, according to state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Speaking at the opening of the Malaysia Inventor and Innovator Convention (MyIIC) 2024 at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Wong highlighted the importance of patents under the Patents Act 1983, which grants inventors exclusive ownership of their creations.
“The Penang government is committed to nurturing innovation and creativity to sustain the state as a thriving hub of progress and prosperity. Malaysia’s robust intellectual property (IP) laws are key to protecting inventors and driving economic development,” he said.
Wong noted that with the rapid advancement of digital technologies, defining novelty — ensuring an invention is genuinely new — has become increasingly challenging. To address this, Malaysia is strengthening international collaboration through frameworks like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which streamlines cross-border patent filings.
“Determining an invention’s inventive step is another key aspect of Malaysia’s patent process,” Wong said.
He pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the innovation landscape, posing unique challenges to traditional patent laws. “Malaysia must rethink its frameworks to accommodate AI-generated inventions, including redefining what it means to be an inventor.”
Investments in AI tools for patent examiners are essential, particularly in fast-evolving sectors like healthcare, fintech, and green technologies, he added.
Globally, debates about recognising AI as an inventor are intensifying. While jurisdictions such as the United States and the European Union have ruled against granting patents to AI-generated inventions, countries like South Africa and Australia are exploring the legal standing of such innovations.
“Malaysia is actively monitoring these developments to ensure our laws remain relevant and aligned with global best practices,” Wong explained.
Wong highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to integrate emerging technologies, such as blockchain, into IP management. Blockchain, he said, offers a secure and transparent way to record ownership, combat counterfeiting, and ensure inventors receive rightful recognition and rewards.
“Green IP technologies that promote sustainability are crucial for addressing global environmental challenges,” he added, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
He also stressed the importance of navigating the intersection of data privacy and IP laws in an increasingly data-driven world.
“Trade secrets and proprietary algorithms often overlap with sensitive data, necessitating robust strategies for compliance and protection.”
Wong emphasised that Malaysia’s IP framework must continue to evolve by improving patent examination processes, adopting emerging technologies, educating inventors, and fostering international cooperation.
“As AI continues to transform industries, our patent system must remain agile and adaptable to support future innovations.
“The Penang government is dedicated to creating an environment where ideas are protected, nurtured, and commercialised. By ensuring that Malaysia’s IP framework is robust and responsive, we can pave the way for sustained economic growth,” Wong added.
The convention’s theme aligns closely with Malaysia’s aspiration to become a high-income nation. Wong highlighted that Malaysia is ranked 33rd out of 133 countries in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), reflecting the strength of its innovation ecosystem.
Commending the efforts of MyIIC 2024 under the leadership of organising chairman Cheah Bok Eng and his team, Wong described the event as an exceptional platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaborations, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
The inaugural Malaysia Inventor and Innovator Convention (MyIIC) 2024 drew approximately 500 participants nationwide and has a lineup of distinguished speakers recognised for their expertise in fast-growing industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, medical advancements, and modern agriculture.
Academician Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Dr Augustine S.H. Ong, president of the Malaysian Invention & Design Society (MINDS), reflected on the growth of the innovation landscape since the inaugural MINDS exhibition (MINDEX) in 1989, which featured 50 inventions.
“Over the past 35 years, this number has grown tremendously, reaching over 1,000 exhibits from more than 20 countries,” Ong said.
He noted that although the global pandemic caused a slight decline in participation in 2019, ITEX 2024 attracted around 800 inventions. Over the years, MINDEX and ITEX have showcased a cumulative total of more than 15,000 exhibits.
“MyIIC serves as a strategic hub where inventors, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs converge to share experiences and insights,” Ong added.
“Young scientists and undergraduates also gain exposure to the latest technological advancements through this convention. For aspiring innovators, my advice is to be confident.”
Cheah expressed his gratitude to event sponsors, including Batu Kawan Berhad, Intel, Western Digital, Micron, B. Braun, STEMSEL (Australia), Oppstar, HFC (China) and supporting partners.
“One of the most rewarding accomplishments for me and the organising committee was to make this industry-tier convention accessible to undergraduates and young professionals. We’re thrilled to see that over 350 undergraduates from seven higher education institutions nationwide participated in the event, with one institution even rescheduling year-end exams to enable students’ attendance.
“When these students evolve into inventors and innovators, the challenges we faced in organising this conference will have been worthwhile,” said Cheah, a prolific Malaysian inventor with over 200 patents granted worldwide.
To recognise exceptional contributions to innovation, MyIIC presented awards to six outstanding individuals across two categories.
The MINDS Luminary Awards were bestowed upon Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May and Dr Ravigadevi Sambathanmurthi while the MINDS Meritorious Awards were presented to Assoc. Prof Dr Suliadi Firdaus Sufahani, Dr Arumugam Gunasegaran, Teng Yu-Mein and Bao Kiew Wu.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Prof Dr Hairul Anuar Bin Hashim, the representative of Prof Dr Shaharum Shamsuddin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of USM (Student Development Affairs and Alumni); Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, president of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA); Yusnieza Syarmila Yusoff, Deputy Director General (Strategic & Technical) of Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and Prof Xin Li, Executive Vice-President of Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud