70% of youth in Singapore know about IP with copyright being the most familiar intellectual property type amongst youth.
However, knowledge about types of IP such as copyright, patents and trademarks dipped to around 20% when probed further.
Among the 1000 youths polled, half observed IP rules in their everyday life – crediting images used to owners, legally streaming and downloading music, and purchasing authentic goods.
2 out of 3 youths were not aware of how to protect the content they develop, and half of the youth surveyed wanted moreGovernment-led education and resources to help them understand IP rules and guide them on IP creation.
These were key insights from a Singapore IP and Youth survey jointly conducted by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the National Youth Council (NYC) that was unveiled at the World IP Day (WIPD) event.
Said Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry “Through the Singapore IP Strategy 2030, we are committed to supporting our youth in their innovation journey by providing an enabling environment for them to innovate and create.
“Youth can acquire Intangible Assets (IA) and Intellectual Property (IP) skills and competencies across industry sectors, including the arts and creative sectors. By equipping them with the knowledge and awareness to protect the IP of what they create, youth can continue to think creatively, and boldly expand their horizons in our increasingly digital world.”
In support of innovation and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs can seek complimentary advice from IPOS’ IP Business and Legal Clinics which tap on the expertise of professionals to provide IP advice for individuals and business owners seeking IP protection and monetisation.
To groom the next generation of IP professionals, programmes such as the Mentoring IP Leaders programme (IP MILE), where third and final year law students are mentored by participating law firms during IPOS’ IP Legal clinics, and the Young IP Mediators Initiative (YIPMI) which gives law students an opportunity to be involved in IP mediation, are in place to grow the IP talent pool.
IPOS continues to raise awareness about IP for innovation and entrepreneurship among tertiary students. Since its launch in 2019, the Future Leaders in INnovation Transformation (FLINT) programme has benefitted more than 600 students from more than 9 Institutes of Higher Learning. The NYC has also provided over 700 youths with a platform to innovate and turn their ideas into tangible action through the Youth Action Challenge (YAC).
Youths can also access dedicated physical spaces at Somerset Belt and receive support to prototype ideas in the arts, environment and sports scene.
As part of the Singapore IP Strategy 2030 that was unveiled last year, young working professionals can look forward to receiving more structured guidance to develop IA/IP skills across industry sectors. IPOS and SkillsFuture Singapore will work together to integrate IA/IP skills and competencies into relevant job roles and career maps for more developmental pathways in IP.
