The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) on Tuesday (Aug 26) opened IP Week @ SG 2025, an annual global event showcasing the role of intellectual property (IP) and intangible assets (IA) in driving innovation and competitiveness.
This year’s theme, “Ideas to Assets: Innovating in Times of Change,” underscores how businesses can safeguard and commercialise ideas amid rapid technological advances and geopolitical uncertainty.
Singapore’s Push for a Future-Ready IP Ecosystem
At the opening ceremony, Guest of Honour Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, said emerging technologies such as generative AI are reshaping industries.
“In today’s uncertain geopolitical and trade environment, businesses thrive where ideas are safeguarded and innovation is valued,” he said. “Singapore is committed to strengthening our IA/IP ecosystem, not only to protect ideas but to inspire risk-taking, collaboration and growth.”
Dr Tan added that through the Singapore IP Strategy (SIPS) 2030 blueprint, the country aims to build a future-ready economy where innovation creates opportunities, good jobs, and long-term competitiveness.
New Initiatives for Enterprises
Several initiatives were unveiled to help enterprises harness IP and IA.
- IP guidance and networks: A partnership between IPOS and the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) will offer enterprises practical guidance on IP protection and commercialisation, while tapping FLA’s networks to scale overseas.
- Intangibles disclosure: Nanofilm Technologies International Limited released its Intangibles Disclosure Framework (IDF) report under the Foundational Intangibles Disclosure (FIND) programme, led by IPOS, Singapore Exchange, the WIPO Singapore Office, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The initiative aims to establish benchmarks for reporting on IA such as technology and customer assets.
- Valuation standards: The Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore, together with international partners, is seeking public feedback on proposed IA valuation guidelines to provide consistent, trusted standards for businesses and investors.
- Enterprise support: A new Enterprise IP Community (EIPC) will launch later this year to promote peer learning and mentorship. Meanwhile, the GoBusiness IP Grow platform, launched in 2023, has already facilitated more than 4,500 business requests for IP-related services.
Regional and Global Cooperation
IPOS will also co-host a Regional Dialogue with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), bringing together heads of IP offices from nearly 20 Asia-Pacific countries. The dialogue will focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) leverage IP for growth.
Tan Kong Hwee, Chief Executive of IPOS, said the event’s 14th edition highlights its role as a global platform for innovation and enterprise.
“Over the years, IP Week has brought together business leaders, innovators and investors to exchange ideas and learn how IP and IA can be transformed into drivers of growth and competitiveness,” he said.
He added that IPOS aims to strengthen Singapore’s IA/IP regime and deepen collaboration with ASEAN and global partners, positioning the country as a trusted hub for innovation.
IP Week @ SG 2025 will feature conferences, dialogues, and industry-led sessions over the coming days, drawing policymakers, business leaders, and innovators worldwide.
