Malaysians have always been known as a creative and resourceful lot. Whatever the challenge, obstacle or hurdle, our people have always found ingenious and unique ways to solve problems. It is in the true spirit of “Malaysia Boleh” that Malaysians are always striving to invent and innovate, and it’s no surprise that creativity has become the nation’s #1 asset. While we are not yet on the same level with, for example, Japan as far as churning out new, successful inventions is concerned, Malaysian inventions are slowly but surely gaining acceptance and recognition locally and around the world.
While we can be justifiably proud of our local Intellectual Property (IP) achievements, the current IP landscape in Malaysia has, in my opinion, yet to reach its full potential. Like a chicken and egg situation – we have young, budding and brilliant minds ready to take on the challenge of creating and inventing – but at the same time the public’s awareness, respect and appreciation for IP is not on par with that of developed nations. As the official governing body of IP in Malaysia, MyIPO’s biggest responsibility (some might even say challenge) is to ensure that Malaysian IP creators and owners are aware of and understand their rights, and are able to acquire protection for those rights. It is for this reason that the MyIPO website was revamped in April 2009. Now sporting a more streamlined, user-friendly and uncluttered look, the website offers quick and easy access to a vast array of local and international IP information. Users will also be able to seek information on IP, clarify IP matters and even check on the status of their applications with MyIPO.
It is an undeniable fact that in an increasingly globalized and borderless world, a nation’s competitiveness level will be highly dependent on the knowledge of its people. As a nation, if we do not do anything to nurture and drive the inventive and creative spirit among our people, the economic consequences can be very dire. Import levels would go up, export levels would go down, more foreign talent would have to be hired, and international investors would not be keen to come here anymore. It’s not an exaggeration to say that IP is our greatest asset, and we should do everything we can to protect and develop it. In this aspect, MyIPO has always led from the front. Some of the key initiatives undertaken by MyIPO are:
Hosting National IP Day celebrations on a yearly basis to spread awareness on the importance of registering, respecting and protecting intellectual property
Honouring successful Malaysian inventors with the National Intellectual Property Awards (held in conjunction with National IP Day)
Forming the National Intellectual Property Training Centre as the centre of excellence for enhancing IP human capital through teaching, training and research in IP related areas
Providing specialized electronic services such as PANTAS online for IP agents
Pioneering the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) project to ensure the preservation of Malaysia’s traditional knowledge.
The process of spreading awareness on and promoting IP to the masses is a constant and ongoing one. As a user, you have taken the first step to learning and discovering more about IP by browsing this website. Feel free to browse around, and do take your time. You will find the MyIPO website useful, regardless if you are a student, an IP practitioner or agent, a journalist or just a member of the public.
If you have any suggestions, comments or feedback to help improve our website, please do not hesitate to email me at
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