Curtin Malaysia and MyIPO forge strategic partnership to boost innovation and technology transfer

Miri, Sarawak – 26 December 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its position as a hub for innovation and research by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO). This collaboration officially designates Curtin Malaysia as the 25th host institution under the prestigious Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) programme, a global initiative led by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

Held at Curtin Malaysia’s campus, the MoU signing ceremony marked a pivotal moment in advancing intellectual property (IP) management and fostering cutting-edge innovation in Malaysia. Representing Curtin Malaysia, Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, signed the MoU alongside MyIPO’s Director General, Tuan Kamal Kormin.

Professor Leunig expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising its potential to drive economic and societal growth through innovation. “The TISC Network is more than a resource platform. It is a transformative engine for businesses, entrepreneurs, and researchers to harness intellectual property for competitive advantage. Through this partnership, we are equipping our students, faculty, and industry partners with the tools to navigate patent databases, analyse technology trends, and unlock new opportunities for technology transfer,” he said.

Professor Leunig also affirmed Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to contributing to WIPO’s global TISC Network by providing high-quality technological information and support to accelerate research and innovation in Malaysia.

Tuan Kamal highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, stating, “Curtin Malaysia’s reputation for research excellence and innovation brings global recognition to Malaysia. This partnership will enhance intellectual property awareness, increase the quality of IP findings, and support the nation’s ambitions to remain competitive on the global stage while bolstering our ranking in the Global Innovation Index.”

Since its inception in 2016, the TISC programme has played a crucial role in empowering local institutions as hubs for intellectual resources. Tuan Kamal noted that the collaboration is set to inspire groundbreaking innovation and drive sustainable development for Malaysia’s economy.

This partnership underscores Malaysia’s drive to advance innovation ecosystems by integrating academia and industry. Both Curtin Malaysia and MyIPO aim to build an environment where intellectual property becomes a catalyst for entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

Also witnessing the signing ceremony were prominent figures from Curtin Malaysia, including John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Curtin Malaysia Research Institute; Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi, Deputy Dean of Research and Development;  and Professor Stephanie Chan Yen San, Head of the Chemical and Energy Engineering Department; alongside senior academics and researchers.

MyIPO’s delegation included Deputy Director General Tuan Sheikh Arifin Sheikh Mohammad Noor,  Director of Business Development and Marketing Division Noranisah Abas, Assistant Director of Business Development and Marketing Division Nor Shafiza Md. Isa, Director of Sarawak Regional Office Nor Intan Pamin, and other senior officials.

This milestone collaboration reinforces Curtin Malaysia’s role as a trailblazer in research and innovation and strengthens Malaysia’s positioning as a leader in intellectual property and technology transfer.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Prof Leunig (2nd left) and Tuan Kamal during the MoU signing, witnessed by Prof Ramasamy (left) and Tuan Sheikh Arifin

Prof Leunig (8th right) presenting a souvenir to Tuan Kamal as MyIPO delegates and Curtin Malaysia academics look on