| MyIPO Holds “IP X-Race 2009” in Sarawak | |
SARAWAK, 9 August 2009: Inspired by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak‘s recent directive that his ministers visit Sarawak more frequently, the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) held the “Intellectual Property (IP) X-Race 2009”, an exciting treasure hunt cum exploration race in Sarawak on 8-9 August 2009.
The IP X-Race 2009 was organized with the main objective of promoting and strengthening MyIPO’s presence in Sarawak as well as increasing public awareness on the importance of protecting and respecting IP rights such as trade marks, patents, industrial designs, geographical indications, copyright and layout designs of integrated circuits. The race received a great response from the residents of Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Simunjan and Kuching, who grouped themselves into ten teams, with each team consisting of four members.
The race was flagged off by Batang Sadong Member of Parliament (and a member of the MyIPO Board of Directors) Yang Berhormat Puan Hajah Nancy Haji Shukri in front of the MyIPO Kuching office on Saturday at 9am. During the race, the teams had to pass through six checkpoints at various locations within Sarawak while solving puzzles and answering questions about intellectual property. The race was also designed to be educational for the participants as they were required to gain a hands-on experience in the making of traditional Sarawakian products for certain challenges.
Simunjan, the town which hosted the final checkpoint of the race on Sunday morning, became abuzz with activity as the race brought with it a festive carnival atmosphere with villagers setting up stalls promoting a variety of unique products and services that were native to Sarawak. Other attractions included a colouring contest for school children, traditional games for families, and IP quiz sessions. The ten participating teams for IP X-Race then duly arrived in Simunjan, escorted by a superbike team and police cars.
In the opening remarks for the prize-giving ceremony, Director General of MyIPO Mr Kamel Mohamad highlighted how the IP X-Race 2009 was a significant part of MyIPO’s ongoing and constant activities to generate public awareness on IP. He also touched on how important it was to educate young children about IP and how important it was that children today are taught to understand, appreciate and respect IP from a young age in order to curb IP crimes such as the purchasing of counterfeit CDs and goods.
He stressed on the importance of making use of IP to small and medium industry (SMI) holders. He urged all SMI holders to take this opportunity today to visit the MyIPO counter for advice on protecting your IP since many of Malaysia’s traditional medications are made from herbs such as tongkat ali, kacip Fatimah, hempedu bumi, subang nenek and mas cotek and many more unexplored herbs and plants. These medicinal products can then generate vast economic benefits to SMI holders if they knew how to apply for protection of their IP rights. The speech was delivered by MyIPO Deputy Director General Professor Rohazar Wati bt Zuallcobley.
Yang Berhormat Puan Hajah Nancy then addressed the 2,000 strong crowd by saying how proud she was of the massive turnout and support shown by the residents of Simunjan. She said: “Organizing the IP X-Race 2009 in Sarawak not only shows MyIPO’s commitment to spreading knowledge on IP to the whole of Malaysia, but it is also MyIPO’s way of showing support for Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak’s concept of 1Malaysia. The many faces I see in the community today, participating in the activities and having fun with their family and friends is really touching. I see a communal bond that transcends culture, religion and race – for me, this is the true meaning of 1Malaysia and I thank you all!”
Professor Rohazar and Puan Hajah Nancy then gave away the prizes to the winning IP X-Race 2009 teams. Team Selorot, captained by Kr. Ismail bin Haji Dahri captured third spot and RM, 1000 in prize money while second place and RM, 2000 went to the Jompot team, led by Mr Hamdin bin Bakar. The Tapei team won the grand prize of RM 3,000. They were led by Mr Jamil bin Harbi.  |
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