70% of youth in Singapore know about IP with copyright being the most familiar intellectual property type amongst youth. However, knowledge about types of IP such as copyright, patents and trade marks dipped to around 20% when probed further. Among the 1000 youths polled, half observed IP rules in their everyday life – crediting images used to owners, legally streaming and downloading music, and purchasing authentic goods. 2 out of 3 youths were not aware of how to protect the content they develop, and half of the youth surveyed wanted more Government-led education and resources to help them understand IP rules and guide them on IP creation.
2. These were key insights from a Singapore IP and Youth survey jointly conducted by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the National Youth Council (NYC) that was unveiled today at the World IP Day (WIPD) event. Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, graced the event that featured a youth panel discussion themed ‘Innovating for a Better Future’. (See Annex A for more details on the IP and Youth survey.)
3. Said Mr Tan, “We are committed to supporting our youth in their innovation journey by providing an enabling environment for them to innovate, create and build a better Singapore. I encourage all young creators and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Government schemes and community support available to grow and commercialise your ideas into successful startups and businesses.”
4. The key highlight of the event was a youth panel discussion that featured Benjamin Kheng, a popular musician and content creator, Louis Tan, a young business leader and Founder & Chief Executive Officer of FOMO Pay Pte Ltd, Sabrina Shiraz, co-founder and host of podcast Randomly Relatable SG and IP expert, Benjamin Cheong to share their IP journeys. (See Annex B for more information on the WIPD panellists.)
5. In support of innovation and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs can also seek complimentary advice from IPOS’ IP Business and Legal Clinics which tap on the expertise of professionals to provide IP advice for individuals and business owners seeking IP protection and monetisation.
6. To groom the next generation of IP professionals, programmes such as the Mentoring IP Leaders programme (IP MILE), where third and final year law students are mentored by
participating law firms during IPOS’ IP Legal clinics, and the Young IP Mediators Initiative (YIPMI) which gives law students an opportunity to be involved in IP mediation, are in place to grow the IP talent pool.
7. IPOS continues to raise awareness about IP for innovation and entrepreneurship among tertiary students. Since its launch in 2019, the Future Leaders in INnovation Transformation (FLINT) programme has benefitted more than 600 students from more than 9 Institutes of Higher Learning. The NYC has also provided over 700 youths with a platform to
innovate and turn their ideas into tangible action through the Youth Action Challenge (YAC). Youths can also access dedicated physical spaces at Somerset Belt and receive support to prototype ideas in the arts, environment and sports scene.
8. As part of the Singapore IP Strategy 2030 that was unveiled last year, young working professionals can look forward to receiving more structured guidance to develop IA/IP skills across industry sectors. IPOS and SkillsFuture Singapore will work together to integrate IA/IP skills and competencies into relevant job roles and career maps for more developmental pathways in IP.
