CAREERS

Speaking of growth (from left to right): Nicholas, Rachel, Zann and Peter at a terrarium-making team bonding activity

We were there at the birth of IPOS International. Like an expectant – pun intended – parent awaiting and planning for the birth of their child. However, nothing could prepare us for the actual whirlwind of activities this new beginning would entail!

From conceptualising a strong brand identity to creating reams of brand new messaging and marketing material, building an entirely new website from scratch, consolidating over ten separate social media profiles, and preparing to launch our brand with a big bang by a Minister, a Chairman, and a Chief Executive at IP Week – the lead up to and first “full month” of IPOS International definitely saw the team running on creative (and caffeine) overdrive.

Beyond creating stunning designs, videos and engaging copy, a lot of the work we do happens behind the scenes. Things like coordinating and working with multiple stakeholders at all times, developing new marketing and communication processes and SOPs, continually creating different types of content from presentations decks to videos and webinar campaigns are only scratching the surface. Little by little, these tasks add up and take up a significant chunk of our team’s time and effort. This project management aspect of our job is vital in ensuring effective and efficient delivery of the marketing and communications projects increasing the success of our campaigns.

While our job can be challenging at times, (read: running on tight deadlines, messaging lost in translation), it does have its perks. We’re empowered to create a brand loved by all inside and out, and given the creative room to constantly shape and reshape the brand experience for everyone. One year later, the experience of our rebranding remains fresh in our minds, and we’re continually working to solidify IPOS International as a brand to be reckoned with. Following its birth, we’ve now taken on the role as its custodian and nurturer, and witnessing its growth from its days of infancy – from broad strokes on paper, to a full-fledged brand dedicated to helping enterprises grow – makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside like a proud parent.

As the proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child and the kampong spirit is vibrant and alive across IPOS International. At the end of the day, it’s teamwork that makes growth happen. To quote Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Beyond the satisfaction of a job well done, what makes our work rewarding and fun are the people we get to do it with – our own Branding and Communications team, along with the various business units.

And the people we do it for makes it extra meaningful. One year on, we are heartened that the content and initiatives we create on a daily basis go towards helping enterprises and individuals grow with their intangible assets. We admire the ingenuity of business leaders and recognise their `growing pains’ in the innovation process. This inbuilt DNA to stay fierce, resilient, and risk-taking in the most challenging environments is what inspires us to keep going and growing.

Andrew (2^nd row 3^rd from left) and the team behind the IPOS Go app

Innovative Culture

I vividly remember lying on my hospital bed (as I was recovering from back surgery for a relapsed slipped disc caused by a sneeze, a long story for another time) when I had my first interaction with innovation from IPOS. I was poring over IPOS’s website, trying desperately to learn what I could as I prepared for my upcoming job interview at IPOS (I know what you are thinking… yes, I must have made quite the impression turning up in a suit and on crutches) for the position of Trademark Examiner when I came across an automated tool developed by IPOS. It was developed using macros in Excel to assist trademark agents to classify large batches of goods and services required as part of the trademark application process. As a tech-loving geek, I was thoroughly impressed with the capabilities and execution of the tool which sought to overcome the existing limitations in the online e-filing system at the time by thinking out of the box.

I was even more amazed to find out later that this tool was the result of a ground-up initiative by a fellow trademark examiner. This was made possible by a culture of innovation where we are given the latitude to dream and supported with ample resources to execute. Our new office is also designed with an open office concept to further facilitate this culture of collaboration and innovation.

Vision to drawing board to reality

“Someday, filing for trademarks should be as easy as shopping on Amazon.” – Daren Tang, former IPOS Chief Executive

Fast forward a few years and I was given the opportunity to be part of a cross-departmental project team comprising colleagues with different fields of expertise including front-line customer managers, IT specialists and trademark examiners. We were tasked to explore our CE’s vision by assessing the technical feasibility of simplifying the trademark application process (which traditionally involves a lengthy form full of legal jargon) and designing a mobile app to ease the IP filing experience for our innovators and entrepreneurs.

It was my first experience designing a mobile app and I was surprised with how we literally started with the drawing board. In the initial phase, it was just the team surrounded by lots of colourful magic markers, construction paper and Post-It notes, which brought out the kid in me. We dreamt and imagined then drew each screen on paper. The “animation” of user interactions with the “app” were achieved by changing and moving the Post-It notes for different elements on the screen as we took videos. It was crude but effective and allowed us to quickly run through many design iterations as we refined the interface and user experience through user testing.

Today, I am proud to say that we have that made that vision a reality and launched our IPOS Go mobile app, but the team is still working hard to constantly refine the customer experience and introduce new features to empower businesses to turn their ideas into assets.

Jasvinder (Front Row 3^rd from Right) bonding with the IPOS International colleagues over tea

The Covid-19 pandemic was unexpected and caused fear, uncertainty and panic. Although we have always enjoyed the comforts of political and social stability as Singaporeans, we knew that we were facing something dire.

We had to very quickly adapt to new work arrangements, find best solutions for supporting our families and put on the hat of social responsibility overnight. It wasn’t easy. It's only now that we realise how much we take the comforts we have for granted.

I recall looking at our annual programme numbers and thinking that the IP Academy would have achieved new heights if not for the pandemic as we were well on our way to hitting a record number of participants for FY19. However, I will always remember a piece of advice someone once gave me - everything happens for a reason. When one window of opportunity closes, we are bound to find a new one that opens up to a brand-new view.

>During the pandemic, Singapore as-a-whole faced much uncertainty and many businesses were affected. IPOS International had a wealth of knowledge on Intellectual Property and this was shared through seminars and courses. As an act of social responsibility, it was decided that we needed to do something for Singapore during this difficult period. Thus, a free online course was launched for businesses in Singapore that would help increase awareness of IP and help individuals and businesses build up their capabilities. This free course was run in partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and has achieved about 3,000 sign-ups within 2.5 months.

One word clearly describes the success of this course - Teamwork. Without our management's astute guidance and help from colleagues in various departments such as Branding & Communications, Business Development, Corporate Services and the IP Academy, as well as various departments from IPOS such as Human Capital, it would not have been a success. We have received many emails from the public expressing their appreciation for this initiative and this would not have been possible without the teamwork and camaraderie that existed within the IPOS Family.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

The spirit of IPOS and IPOS International is indeed strong and I believe that there is no storm strong enough that will derail any effort when the IPOS Family puts their hearts and minds to it.

We work hard together, and we play hard together.

Ira (1^st from Right) and members of the 2019 IP Week Organising Committee sharing a laugh during break-time before the event

IP Week @ SG 2019 was an eventful conference where steadfast friendship was once again forged amongst colleagues as well as attendees. As I sit at my home desk typing out this article, attempting to trace the timeline of how our organisation's annual flagship conference had metamorphosed from a physical event into a virtual, fully online event, it did not fail to impress upon me yet again, the vicissitude of life and man's fortitude.

It was but a mere three months ago in March, when it became fully evident to the IP Week organising committee (of which I am part) that the global Covid-19 situation would disrupt the well-oiled machinery we had in place to run the event. As we scrambled in our professional roles to mitigate the inconveniences caused to our stakeholders and partners with the change in event format, we had concertedly reorganised our home-space and our personal daily routines to adapt to the new work-from-home format. 

At this juncture, when I look back on what first appeared to me as a chaotic, haphazard patchwork of processes being cobbled in place by our team to handle the crisis, it comes as a surprise that what we had actually effected is in fact akin to an orchestral group performing improviso! It thus brings much delight to my heart, that I am part of a team that looks out for each other, complements one another's deficiencies, as well as accommodating our mutual idiosyncrasies.

It would be another two months before the actual event is held, but till then, kudos to the team for making it to the halfway mark. I am sure that together we will be able to make this a memorable event. 

Way to go, Team IPOS! 💪

Interested to find out more about IP Week, visit our website at www.ipweek.sg

During my fourth year of university, I decided to take up an internship, thinking that it would mostly involve menial tasks like buying coffee or printing papers. However, my 10-month experience at the Partnership and Programme Department (PPD) was far from what I anticipated. Instead of routine sai-kang (a colloquial term meaning 'menial tasks'), I was entrusted with meaningful responsibilities, such as participating in a joint research study with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and interviewing C-suite executives about their views on intellectual property (IP). These projects significantly enhanced my research, writing, and communication skills, while deepening my understanding of IP. Additionally, the internship provided valuable insights into how government agencies plan and execute large-scale events.

As someone with no prior experience in the workforce, the first few weeks were overwhelming. I had limited knowledge of IP and faced challenges navigating the workplace environment. However, I’m incredibly grateful to the PPD team, especially Rachel Yong and Jie Xin, who guided me every step of the way. Their support and mentorship helped me adjust and grow.

I was also fortunate to participate in meetings with overseas officials through the International Engagement Department (IED), which broadened my understanding of international relations and introduced me to diverse perspectives. Another highlight was being part of the IP Week @ SG organising committee, where I had the chance to contribute creatively to the IP Marketplace. It was exciting to collaborate with freelancers and learn the importance of clear communication while giving them the freedom to express their creativity. My role involved positioning the IP Marketplace as a vibrant platform for creativity and innovation. By enlisting and working closely with a freelance illustrator, we brought the platform to life, creating distinct personalities that resonated with the audience, making the space more engaging and relatable.

One of the best aspects of my internship was the team’s willingness to tailor my experience to my interests. They assigned me to projects that played to my strengths while helping me develop in areas where I needed growth. Their constant encouragement, belief in my abilities, and willingness to push me out of my comfort zone helped me grow professionally and personally. On top of that, we balanced the work stress with fun moments, like pranking our bosses and decorating their rooms.

My time at IPOS has taught me many lessons, but the people I met will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether they were in my department or not, they were always willing to answer my questions, share their experiences, and offer guidance. These interactions have shaped me, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who contributed to my journey. To the wonderful people at IPOS, I want to express my deepest gratitude for being such an important part of my internship. Your authenticity and generosity have left a lasting impression on me, and I truly appreciate each of you for being your most genuine selves. Thank you!

During my internship at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, I gained significant insights into IP law and its global implications. I reviewed various international treaties, which provided a nuanced perspective on how IP laws are drafted, and the considerations involved. This experience showed me how to develop negotiation skills and organise information efficiently in legal work.

I attended various hearings, gaining firsthand experience with IP disputes relating to trade mark opposition as well as geographical indication proceedings. This broadened my knowledge in IP dispute resolution. I also was exposed to matters relating to a wide range of IP such as copyright and patents. I conducted legal research which enabled me to learn about IP registration processes and glean insight into IPOS' role in IP protection.

The internship also allowed me to explore my own intellectual curiosities around emerging novel areas. As part of my internship, I was given the freedom to pick a topic which I found interesting to research on and share with the team. Having a keen interest in the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and IP, I gave a presentation exploring how other jurisdictions approach AI regulation through the lens of IP protection such as copyright. My presentation also highlighted the complexity of emerging technologies as well as the need for adaptive laws and regulation.

Attending IP Week was another highlight of my internship. The panel discussions provided insights into the role of IP across diverse organisations and the latest developments in IP and AI globally. The experts’ perspectives on developments in IP and AI helped me to stay abreast of current challenges and supplemented my abstract knowledge of AI law with a practical understanding of how these issues develop in real life.

Overall, my internship offered a comprehensive view of IP law, combining research with practical experience. This exposure greatly enhanced my understanding of the field and fuelled my interest in pursuing a career in IP law.

A Firsthand Look into Singapore’s IP Policy

A photo with the WIPO-IPOS-SUSS study team after interviewing an enterprise

This summer, I had the privilege of serving as a research intern in the Strategic Policy & Planning Department (SPPD) of IPOS. During this three-month experience, I was given the opportunity to contribute to several highly meaningful and substantive projects that furthered my intellectual property (IP) & innovation policy knowledge and sharpened my quantitative and qualitative research skills.

A highlight of this internship was helping in the meetings for the Singapore Intellectual Property Strategy 2030 (SIPS 2030), which brought together policymakers from various agencies in shaping the implementation of Singapore’s IP policy. From this experience, I gained invaluable firsthand insight into Singapore’s IP and innovation policy on a whole-of-government level.

I was especially happy to use and sharpen my qualitative and quantitative research skills by contributing to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)-IPOS-SUSS study on how SMEs used IP. I not only helped engage the companies to understand their needs, but also analysed the data for policy insights, which were presented to the policy and engagement cluster. Thanks to my mentors, I gained immense practical experience on data visualisation, presentation, and ‘storytelling’.

Beyond research skills, I also learned about another important aspect of policymaking – partnership and engagement. As part of the SME study, I engaged with SMEs to understand their needs. I also had the privilege of partnering with companies that benefited from the Mentorship for Intangibles Asset Transformation (MINT) programme, to develop case studies showcasing their successes.

Overall, I would like to thank everyone in SPPD, who were not only great colleagues and friends, but also offered invaluable insight and advice. I am especially grateful to Wei Hao and Xing Le for their excellent mentorship. Throughout the internship, they consistently took time from their busy schedules to teach me about IP law, business strategy, and policy, which would be useful for my projects in IPOS and beyond. They also took great care to tailor the internship to suit my strengths and interests and consistently supported my work. Overall, interning at IPOS has been a phenomenal experience and I could not be more thankful to everyone here for making it possible.

Over the summer break, I interned at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), under the Strategic Planning and Policy Department (SPPD). It was a valuable opportunity for me to learn more about how Intellectual Property (IP) and Intangible Assets (IA) lie at the intersection of technology, law, and business. I appreciated how the work involved a truly interdisciplinary level of knowledge.

In my time with SPPD, I was tasked to create a dashboard based on Global Innovation Index data. Through my exploration of the Word Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Index, I gained a deeper understanding of the factors that drive and sustain innovation, as well as the importance of intellectual property in this continual lifecycle. As I was new to the concepts being introduced, the information was initially difficult to digest. My supervisor, Wee Pynn, readily shared relevant reading materials and learning resources with me, and encouraged me to clarify any doubts I had. His guidance ensured that I had many opportunities to gain more knowledge in both technical and conceptual areas during the internship.

Throughout the dashboarding process, I was provided with many opportunities to make iterative improvements. I gained a deeper understanding of essential considerations when choosing a certain style of presentation, or when making optimisations to improve user experience. Dashboarding at IPOS also enhanced my appreciation for data visualisation and information graphics. One of my visualisation-related takeaways is that a good chart should always be able to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetic.

I wouldn't characterise my internship here as a particularly easy one. Two days into the job, I was tasked with creating an EDM to promote one of IPOS' events.  My response: "What exactly is an EDM ah?" (side note, it's essentially an online flyer, and one of the most common marketing tools). But as much as I've served as a source of stress for the MCD team, I'm grateful for their willingness to be patient and guide me through what I don't know, and at the same time, I'm equally grateful for their willingness to set and enforce standards.

Some unique experiences while I was here was being able to work with an inventor under WIPO's Inventor Assistance Programme (IAP). While covering his story and publicising it to various media outlets along the way, I genuinely felt that I was able to make a positive difference in the work that I was doing, even if only for one person, and one product. And I think I've been privileged to feel that even as I'm still only an intern - it's a rare experience being able to see the positive impacts of one's work so directly.

Some of the unique innovations and locations I’ve gotten to see as part of the World IP Day 2024 campaign

In addition, I was able to work on the publicity efforts for the World Intellectual Property Day 2024 celebrations! I had the opportunity to coordinate video shoots with well-known influencers (and get some nice photos too), as well as learn about various marketing and publicity strategies. In addition, I gained great insight into sustainability, an increasingly important sector in Singapore.

Through all this, I’ve learnt that:

People truly matter, and I’ve learnt that by being able to work with a supportive team and management. At IPOS, I believe that I've been motivated to capitalise on my own strengths as well as learn from those with a wealth of experience to share. It has taught me that a good team can often be worth more than the most interesting work or benefits.

I believe that working at IPOS allows you to truly develop and grow yourself, while learning a lot more about a “hidden” (yet truly vital) part of Singapore’s industry and economy.

This is exemplified by the fact that while working here, I’ve been privileged to meet a large yet diverse community of individuals beyond just the Media & Communications department (another perk of the internship!) who, though specialising in different areas (such as engagement, economics, and administration) have a shared purpose in supporting Singapore’s efforts in becoming a global IP and innovation hub.

How having a front seat in an IP Office has shown me IP permeates every aspect of life!

Embarking on the 3-month internship programme with the Media & Communications Department (MCD) at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) was one of the best decisions I made in 2020, the year the world got hit by a mega pandemic that disrupted all our lives.

When COVID-19 hit Singapore, many of my peers struggled to find jobs. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which hire the most number of employees, were hit the hardest. I was lucky to be offered a 3-month internship with IPOS, where I grew to learn much about the IP industry in Singapore and the world.

Before I began my internship with IPOS, I knew close to nothing about IP. I am grateful to my supervisor, Gracie Xiang, for taking me under her wings. She gave me the opportunity to understand and learn how IP can protect businesses and spur innovations.

I was given the opportunity to work on press releases and media pitching for IPOS as we worked on keeping Singapore’s IP climate on par with the rest of the world so that businesses can benefit from an increased connectivity and IP cooperation globally.

Even though I was just an intern, I am proud to have been with the team when Mr Daren Tang, then Chief Executive for IPOS, was appointed Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). News of his appointment brought about a great sense of pride in the Office and everyone worked hard, building on the good work that Mr Tang had done.

I too, felt the need to push myself in learning and expanding my knowledge so I could better serve the Office. I went on to undertake an online course on Drug Commercialization offered by University of California, San Diego. I completed the course within a month and found myself better able to contribute more new ideas to the Media & Communications team as we worked on bridging the information gap between business owners, the public, and IP regulating bodies.

I am thankful for all the guidance I received at IPOS, for pushing me to grow and learn even as the world finds its way in adapting to a new normal. My time with IPOS has also shown me the importance of IP, how it can safeguard our interests, help businesses stay afloat and prevail stronger than before.

Yong Hui Ting, intern with the Media & Communications Department from May to August 2020

What surprised me most working in an IP Office!

During my summer holidays in 2020, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), under the Registries of Patents, Designs & Plant Varieties Protection (PDPVP). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my internship had been shortened by a month, and I had to work from home. This had saddened me greatly, for I had looked forward to meeting and interacting with my colleagues. Yet, despite the distance between us, my colleagues still made me feel welcomed and cherished.

Initially, I had been worried that the lack of experience I had in Intellectual Property (IP) would hinder my progress. But, not to fear, for I was given ample time to familiarise myself with the different IP rights and their uses. It had been incredibly interesting to delve into the international agreements and IP programmes available! Additionally, under my supervisor’s recommendation, I had attended short courses and seminars, emerging with an unexpected desire to learn more.

I had also been assigned two projects, the first of which regarded the impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the IP system. With not much prior knowledge on AI, this project had been an eye-opener! I was quickly absorbed by heated discussions about the effects and challenges that AI poses to the IP system. Issues like, “Can an AI be an inventor?” or “Who should we credit for AI-related works?” were emerging rapidly, and there was limited time to react to them. This had prompted me to reflect deeply on the original rationale of the IP system, and the ways it could be adapted to handle the onslaught of AI technology. Additionally, I had exercised much critical thinking to recommend ways for such issues to be handled.

The second project involved fast-track/accelerated IP programmes, which are programmes that enable people to obtain IP rights in a shorter amount of time, and entailed research on efforts to make the IP regime more innovator-friendly. Brainstorming recommendations for Singapore’s IP system had been challenging, but fun! I had a great time discussing the pros and cons with my supervisor and colleagues.

All-in-all, throughout my internship, I kept uncovering new aspects of the IP system that I had never known before. Also, one of the things that had stuck with me is a piece of advice given to me by my supervisor. When he was briefing me about the projects, he had explained that he did not want to provide me with too detailed a guideline, for that would restrict me to think only within the given lines and boundaries – he wanted me to think beyond them. That had challenged me to be creative and to not limit myself to convention.

Needless to say, this internship had been an enriching and priceless journey. Apart from acquiring invaluable report-writing tips, and insightful knowledge about AI and IP, I had also gained a fantastic mentor and a fruitful and wonderful experience!

Megan Wong, intern with the Registries of Patents, Designs & Plant Varieties Protection from June to August 2020