Russell Koh (Ex-VCD Pirate) Stands Up To Piracy

Singapore, 24 April 2003 - Russell Koh, ex-VCD pirate from popular MediaWorks comedy series "Ah Girl" is challenging Singaporeans to be HIP and to "Live for REAL". To commemorate World Intellectual Property (IP) Day on 26 April this year, the HIP Alliance, IPOS' front for IP public awareness has appointed Russell Koh as its HIP Ambassador in a year-long television, print and poster publicity campaign.

Russell Koh's personal message to every Singaporean - "Be true to yourself. Go for the REAL thing. Forget fakes. Be original and buy original".

Commenting on the relevance of the HIP Alliance's 'Live for Real' message, Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director General of IPOS says, "We want to reach out to Singaporeans in a fun and exciting way. We want to make IP hip, the buzzword, the "it" thing. IP is all around us - whether it is the technology that drives our appliances, the brands we prefer or the books, films, music, fashion and software that we can't live without. We need people to respect and support IP. IP enriches our lives".

On the appointment of Russell Koh as the HIP Ambassador, Mr Wong Sheng Kwai, Assistant Director General (Infrastructure Development Division) of IPOS has this to say, "Russell Koh has endeared himself to us as a reformed VCD pirate made good in 'Ah Girl'. Having been there and rejecting piracy, he is in the best position to demonstrate the values we want to promote - a healthy respect for IP and originality. Russell knows now that the REAL thing is the Right thing".

As a run-up to World IP Day on 26 April, some 182 secondary schools, junior colleges and centralised institutes of education will receive copies of HIP Alliance's 'Live for Real' posters and a list of suggested activities to drive home the respect IP message. Among the suggested activities is the screening of an educational video CD titled "Don't let the music die" produced by HIP Alliance member, the Recording Industry Association (Singapore). The video CD will provide an insight into the music industry and demonstrate the importance of respecting and rewarding the immense effort behind these creative works.

About HIP Alliance
The HIP (Human + Intellectual Property) Alliance consists of an IPOS-led coalition of government agencies, private organisations and industry associations with a common interest in intellectual property, who have joined hands to promote awareness and respect for intellectual property in Singapore. The HIP Alliance is IPOS' key front for all its public education and outreach programmes. More information on the HIP Alliance can be found on here.

About IPOS
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore or IPOS is the lead government agency that formulates and regulates intellectual property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the greater development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today's new economy, IPOS' vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. Formerly known as the Registry of Trade Marks and Patents, IPOS was established as a statutory board on 1 April 2001 under the Ministry of Law.

For media queries, please contact:

Ms Sherlene Tan
Senior Executive, Customer and Corporate Communications
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6331 6574
Email: sherlene_tan@ipos.gov.sg