1 Singapore, 25 May 2011 - The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) commemorated a decade of progress in shaping the IP landscape in Singapore.
2 Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law, Ms Sim Ann, was the Guest-of-Honour at the event. Held at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre, the IPOS 10th anniversary event was attended by various public and private sector stakeholders who have played an integral part in Singapore's IP journey.
3 At the event, IPOS announced the launch of two nationwide initiatives, namely IP Competency Framework and "ideas2IP". In addition, IPOS also announced the appointment of two home-grown music talents, Dick Lee and Tay Kewei, as Singapore's IP Ambassadors.
Launch of IP Competency Framework
4 The IP Competency Framework (IPCF) was developed by IPOS to raise the capabilities of IP professionals and practitioners in the increasingly active IP industry.
5 The first of its kind in the world on a nationwide scale, the IPCF maps out the skill sets and competencies needed for IP practitioners, and set out suggested pathways to obtain them.
6 The IPCF is IPOS' latest project done in collaboration with key industry players to guide IP manpower development in Singapore.
7 The IPCF is targeted not only at IP professionals from both legal and non-legal backgrounds, but also people from all walks of life who utilize IP in one way or another in their daily work.
8 Under the Framework, four key IP occupational levels have been identified, with fifty-seven competency units initially created. These will be developed and validated into standards with key industry experts from the IP services sector, academia, and the legal profession over the next three years. IPOS will also accredit training providers who would certify successful programme participants. IPOS will partner with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency to create a new sector for IP in Singapore under the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) framework. Known as IP WSQ, it will be the latest framework to be developed under the WSQ system, with IPOS acting as Course Accreditation Body.
9 For more details on IP Competency Framework, please visit www.ipcf.sg.
Launch of ideas2IP
10 ideas2IP is an online innovation platform designed to bring inventors and investors together to commercialise good ideas.
11 Targeted at giving creative Singaporeans an avenue to further their ideas, the platform provides a conducive environment to encourage disclosure of new ideas and presents the opportunity for the ideas to be brought alive by investors with the means and experience.
12 Aimed at bridging the gap between IP creation and exploitation, ideas2IP will allow individual inventors to come forth to share their ideas with potential investors in a safe environment. Investors with the means and experience can help to fund and guide the further development of the ideas into a form that has commercial potential. With this platform, we hope to encourage IP owners, intermediaries and private sector companies to help turn ideas into commercial reality.
13 For more details on ideas2IP, please visit http://ideas2ip.sg.
14 Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of IPOS, said: "To stay competitive in today's globalised world, Singapore needs to compete not so much on costs and efficiency alone but more on ideas and innovation. IP is the means to that end. In conjunction with IPOS' 10th anniversary, we are very happy to launch the IP Competency Framework which will propel IP manpower development in Singapore. In addition, as part of IPOS' continuous efforts to spur innovations, we are delighted to launch ideas2IP which will help bridge the gap between ideas creation and commercialisation."
Appointment of IP Ambassadors
15 Home-grown music talents Dick Lee and Tay Kewei have been appointed as Singapore's IP Ambassadors. As part of IPOS' 10th anniversary event, the pair performed a few of their original music and shared their personal experiences about the importance of IP.
16 Dick Lee was chosen as Singapore's IP Ambassador for his invaluable contribution to the local and regional music industry and strong support for original works throughout his 40 years career. Dick is an accomplished singer, composer and playwright. He has not only written numerous hits for some of Asia's best voices including Jackie Cheung, Leslie Cheung, Stephanie Sun and Kit Chan, he has also produced iconic original theatre productions such as Forbidden City and Beauty World.
17 A young and promising singer, song-writer and vivid erhu player, Tay Kewei has performed at several concert tours for well-known artistes such as David Tao, Wang Leehom and JJ Lin. Kewei was the winner of the Media's Choice for Local New Artiste at the Singapore Hits Awards 2010. She recently launched her debut album "Come Closer" with original compositions of her own. IPOS hopes that her passion for original music will encourage young Singaporeans to have a higher level of appreciation, support and respect for IP.
18 Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of IPOS, said: "In conjunction with IPOS' 10th anniversary, we are thrilled to have appointed Dick and Kewei as Singapore's IP Ambassadors. Both Dick and Kewei are our home-grown music talents who have embraced the importance of IP throughout their music careers. Music is a universal language that transcends barriers. With their support, we hope to inspire Singaporeans to embrace a culture that respects and rewards creative efforts."
Media Contact:
Ms Belinda Wong
Senior Executive
Public Relations Department
DID: 63316581
Mobile: 8268 3220
Email: belinda_wong@ipos.gov.sg
About IPOS
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), a statutory board under the Ministry of Law since April 2001, is the lead government agency which advises on and administers intellectual property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today’s economy, IPOS’s vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. More information on IPOS can be found on www.ipos.gov.sg.