303. Singapore thanks Japan for drafting the discussion paper and sharing its experiences on crossborder cooperation among IP offices. We are pleased to be a cosponsor of this paper. Singapore invests heavily in the innovation ecosystem and has developed strong partnerships with many global innovation hotspots. Recognising that IP is a key enabler in delivering successful innovation outcomes, the Singapore Government launched the Singapore IP Strategy (SIPS) 2030, which is a national blueprint that supports enterprises and the wider innovation community. A cornerstone of SIPS 2030 is to forge an IP ecosystem that supports innovation activities and connects well to global markets by strengthening collaboration with our global partners. This collaboration takes place on multiple fronts and have helped to promote greater uniformity and participation in IP, particularly at the regional level.
304. As Chair of the ASEAN Patents Task Force (PTF), Singapore has developed instruments such as the ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC), which facilitates patent work-sharing cooperation among IP offices in ASEAN. In 2022, the number of ASPEC filings saw a ten-fold increase in applications since 2012 and crossed the 1000-mark for the first time. Singapore also spearheads the development of the ASEAN IP Portal, which houses the online ASPEC platform, to promote access to IP services, databases and information for the region. As Singapore and IP offices in ASEAN continue to work in tandem, plans are also underway to bring on board more useful elements to the ASEAN IP Portal, such as IP training and a directory listing of IP service providers, for the innovation community.
305. We have also partnered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) through the WIPO Singapore Office to promote innovation an IP in Southeast Asia. Since 2005, the partnership has concluded more than 160 technical assistance programmes and over 80 events for some 1,600 participants. In February 2023, Singapore launched the Mentorship for Intangible Asset Transformation (MINT) programme – a joint pilot between WIPO and IPOS that builds upon WIPO's existing IP Management Clinics (IPMC). The MINT programme enables businesses in Singapore to draw on a pool of international IP experts for their entrepreneurial activities. There are ongoing plans to replicate this programme in other parts of the region.
306. Beyond Southeast Asia, Singapore works closely with IP offices and organisations around the world to foster a strong IP community and exchange best practices. In February 2023, Singapore held the 14th Community of Practice (CoP) for patent examiners with generous support from the WIPO Japan Funds-In-Trust. The programme brought together patent examiners from the region and beyond to share knowledge and improve patent prosecution process collaboration in the region.
307. Lastly, Singapore welcomed the establishment of the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) Asia Office last year. The new IVSC setup – the first outside of Europe – will contribute to the development of international standards and valuation professionalism across all asset classes, including IP and intangible assets. Singapore is fully committed to working with our innovation partners, including IP offices and organisations, to foster a vibrant IP environment for our businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators.
