Kuala lumpur: Financial institutions, investment bodies, and capital market players have been urged to consider intellectual property (IP) as collateral, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, as part of efforts to build a more sustainable and competitive IP ecosystem. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, emphasized the growing importance of intangible assets over physical assets in determining the competitiveness of companies and nations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan highlighted that Malaysia cannot afford to be on the sidelines of this global reform and must work towards developing a valuation ecosystem that is reliable, transparent, and aligned with international standards. This transformation necessitates not only skilled valuers but also a change in mindset among institutions that drive economic growth.
His speech, delivered by Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) board member Syed Ahmad Abdul Rahman at the MyIPO Intensive Intellectual Property Valuer and Examination programme graduation ceremony, stressed that the world's most innovative countries are those whose financial systems recognize the value of intangibles as the backbone of the future economy. Malaysia needs to adopt similar strategies to stay competitive.
Armizan pointed out that Malaysia now boasts a pool of trained IP valuers and a growing valuation framework through MyIPO, aligning with the country's shift towards a technology- and creativity-driven economy. In a related initiative, the government, through MyIPO, is reviewing amendments to Act 617 (the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia Act 2002) to establish a stronger regulatory framework. This move positions Malaysia as one of the first countries in ASEAN to officially recognize IP valuers.
Furthermore, Armizan stated that Malaysia is committed to building a sustainable professional valuation ecosystem and deepening institutional collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), ASEAN, universities, and industry. There will be a push for broader use of valuation practices across innovation-driven sectors, positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for IP valuation excellence and ensuring access to world-class expertise for every local creator.
The ceremony saw 35 individuals certified as IP valuers under the programme, marking a significant milestone in the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia's intellectual property ecosystem. This initiative reflects the government's dedication to developing a highly capable pool of local IP valuation professionals and strengthening Malaysia's position in the knowledge-based economy.