Isabel Lui Min: Seeing IP through the lens of social media
Over the summer holidays, I had the opportunity to intern at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) under the Media & Communications Department (MCD). As I had no prior experience in the IP scene, it was truly an eye-opener for me. I got exposed to the many features of IP and how it actually applies to several aspects of business.
While completing my tasks at IPOS, I managed to exercise several skills such as critical thinking and creative skills. The IP scene is actually a lot more interesting than people make it out to be, and it was really fun tying posts together, keeping them fun yet professional. Also, Singapore has one the most competitive and highly regarded IP regimes in the world, and IPOS is constantly rolling out new initiatives to ensure it stays on top of its game. As such, there is always new things to learn and there is never a dull day.
IPOS was truly a place I learnt and grew a lot in, being surrounded by kind and helpful colleagues who were always welcoming and eager to teach. Having a front seat in IPOS has left me with tons of insight into the industry and its importance, which I will definitely bring with me into the future.

Isabel loves travelling and photography.
Justin Chua: A different perspective on IP
It was my privilege to be an intern with IPOS. It allowed me to acquire a broad and deep understanding about IP.
After my three months with the International Engagement Department (IED), I better understood the importance of being professional and efficient. During bilateral engagements, officers in the Public Service represent not only the government but the country. Being professional ensures officers leave a favourable impression on the foreign delegates. Furthermore, as IED officers by nature have a busy profile, being efficient helps to be productive. Nonetheless, IED and IPOS have a supportive working environment. Everyone supports each other and keep each other going. The management team is extremely understanding and guides everyone, including interns like me, patiently. This makes working in IPOS a pleasant experience. I ever asked my cluster colleagues what kept them going in IPOS. They unanimously said, “it’s the people”.
By the end of the internship, I saw IP in a different perspective. It is not just a point of contention in the US-China trade dispute. It is also an important intangible asset that creates new research and business opportunities.

Justin (middle) and colleagues from the International Engagement and Partnership & Programme teams
Yeo Siew May: Being the voice of IPOS
Hi! I'm Siew May, an intern from the Media & Communications Department (MCD) from May to November 2018. In the 6 months I spent there, I was not only equipped with skills, but also experiences that will stay with me for many years to come.
The most significant things I learnt were not from the daily operations, but rather from the interactions and conversations that I had with the people from IPOS. Attending meetings and events exposed me to how events were executed, and the importance of processes and details. Being a part of the Media & Communications team meant that we were the voice of the IPOS, and this taught me to put myself into the shoes of our users and the public, as I was challenged to think of ways to make IP more interesting and fun for the public. These are skills that I still apply to my career today.
Before I started my internship, I knew nothing about Intellectual Property. Today, I value the importance of protecting our ideas, as it is one of our greatest assets. To prospective interns of IPOS - enjoy your time there and always be hungry to learn!

Siew May (second from right) and her colleagues at IP Week @ SG, IPOS' annual flagship event