2020 | Media & Communications Department: Yong Hui Ting

How having a front seat in an IP Office has shown me IP permeates every aspect of life!

Yong Hui Ting, intern with the Media & Communications Department from May to August 2020

Embarking on the 3-month internship programme with the Media & Communications Department (MCD) at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) was one of the best decisions I made in 2020, the year the world got hit by a mega pandemic that disrupted all our lives.

When COVID-19 hit Singapore, many of my peers struggled to find jobs. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which hire the most number of employees, were hit the hardest. I was lucky to be offered a 3-month internship with IPOS, where I grew to learn much about the IP industry in Singapore and the world.

Before I began my internship with IPOS, I knew close to nothing about IP. I am grateful to my supervisor, Gracie Xiang, for taking me under her wings. She gave me the opportunity to understand and learn how IP can protect businesses and spur innovations.

I was given the opportunity to work on press releases and media pitching for IPOS as we worked on keeping Singapore’s IP climate on par with the rest of the world so that businesses can benefit from an increased connectivity and IP cooperation globally.

Even though I was just an intern, I am proud to have been with the team when Mr Daren Tang, then Chief Executive for IPOS, was appointed Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). News of his appointment brought about a great sense of pride in the Office and everyone worked hard, building on the good work that Mr Tang had done.

I too, felt the need to push myself in learning and expanding my knowledge so I could better serve the Office. I went on to undertake an online course on Drug Commercialization offered by University of California, San Diego. I completed the course within a month and found myself better able to contribute more new ideas to the Media & Communications team as we worked on bridging the information gap between business owners, the public, and IP regulating bodies.

I am thankful for all the guidance I received at IPOS, for pushing me to grow and learn even as the world finds its way in adapting to a new normal. My time with IPOS has also shown me the importance of IP, how it can safeguard our interests, help businesses stay afloat and prevail stronger than before.