2026 I Registries of Patents, Designs & Plant Varieties: Tiong Kai Yu Abraham

Snapshot of Patents

During my internship with the Registries of Patents, Designs & Plant Varieties (PDP) team at IPOS, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, learn from colleagues across the organisation, and gain a deeper understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes in the world of patents. Over the past two months, I was fortunate to be able to contribute meaningfully to the team, while learning something new at every step.

One of the highlights of my internship was having the chance to work on the Public Consultation on Artificial Intelligence and Singapore's Intellectual Property Regime, where I was exposed to challenging questions about the implications of AI on the IP landscape. I also had the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the Singapore Patent Agents Qualifying Examination, which allowed me to better understand the planning and coordination that goes into organising a qualification framework.

Along the way, I attended IP Week 2026, where I was able to hear and learn from distinguished speakers and guests. These experiences gave me exposure to areas such as investment in IP, while also helping me appreciate the broader role that patents and intellectual property play in supporting innovation.

Throughout my time here, I also learnt how to approach unfamiliar and sometimes complex problems, conduct research with greater care, and communicate my findings clearly. My research on the examination route relying on the final results of search (requested using Singapore Patents Form 12) was particularly memorable, as it challenged me to critically analyse the patent systems and practices of various foreign jurisdictions and gave me the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of how patents are handled beyond Singapore.

Of course, what made this internship truly memorable was not just the work, but the people I had the privilege of working with. I would like to thank my mentor, Xiuli, for your guidance and care, and Terri (Acting Director/PDP) for generously sharing your experiences, as well as for your care and support throughout my internship. I am also grateful to everyone in the PDP team for always being so welcoming, patient and generous with your time. Whether it was answering my many questions, sharing your experiences, inviting me to lunches and events, or simply stopping by for a conversation, you made me feel like a genuine part of the team.

I would also like to thank my fellow interns for the great lunches, conversations and company. Without you all, this internship would have been a little less bright.

As my internship comes to an end, I leave with a much deeper appreciation for the role that IPOS plays in supporting Singapore's intellectual property ecosystem, along with new skills, knowledge, and many fond memories. I am grateful to have spent these two months with such a supportive team and to have had the opportunity to learn from so many people.

Thank you to everyone who made my time at IPOS such a meaningful and enjoyable experience. I hope our paths cross again!