“The future belongs to innovators”, says leading Curtin Malaysia academic

Miri, Sarawak – 30 October 2025 – Ideas, not oil or infrastructure, will power the next wave of economic growth, and Malaysia must be ready to compete on the strength of its intellectual capacity.

This was the key message from Ir. Ts. Abdul Hamid Bin Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, Programme Coordinator, and Intellectual Property (IP) Manager at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), who underscored that “intellectual strength” – the power of ideas, creativity, and knowledge – is now the defining resource in the global economy.

“Intellectual strength is the collective capability to generate, apply, and manage knowledge,” Abdul Hamid explained. “It is what fuels discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and the kind of innovation that drives sustainable economic growth.”

Abdul Hamid’s remarks come in support of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent address during Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, where the Premier highlighted that the state’s future depends on transforming creativity into economic value.

“The Premier’s message is clear – Sarawak’s youth must use their creativity and intellect to add value to our natural resources and position the state as a leader in ASEAN,” Abdul Hamid said.

He stressed that intellectual property rights (IPRs), including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, are essential in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

“Without protection and strategic management, even the most promising innovations can lose their value,” he noted. “IP rights safeguard ideas from imitation and create a framework for commercialisation , turning research into real-world impact.”

Abdul Hamid highlighted growing government efforts, led by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the Ministry of Economy, to raise IP awareness and build valuation expertise. Among the most promising developments, he said, is the increasing recognition of intellectual property as collateral for business loans.

“This is a game-changer for start-ups, SMEs, and research institutions,” he said. “By allowing patents and trademarks to serve as bankable assets, with support from MyIPO, WIPO, and MIDF, innovators can secure funding without relying solely on physical collateral. This unlocks new possibilities for R&D and entrepreneurship.”

He also pointed to initiatives like the IP Valuer Intensive Training and Examination Programme, designed to create a new generation of IP professionals who can accurately assess and commercialise intangible assets.

Looking ahead to Malaysia’s ambitions under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), Abdul Hamid called for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, financiers, and government to build a truly innovation-driven economy.

“Intellectual strength must not remain confined to laboratories,” he said. “Commercialisation – through licensing, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships – is the bridge that turns ideas into economic value.”

Abdul Hamid concluded by urging Malaysia to view innovation and IP as the twin pillars of national prosperity.

“Nurturing intellectual strength is more than an academic pursuit; it is a national strategy,” he affirmed. “The future belongs to those who can innovate, protect, and monetise knowledge. Malaysia is on the right track.”

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Ir. Ts. Abdul Hamid Bin Abdullah calls for stronger IP culture to drive Malaysia’s knowledge economy.