IP Week @ SG: Beyond IP protection, the power of connection
26 August 2026
Intellectual property leaders, government officials, innovators and business executives from around the world gathered in Singapore to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) at a reception that highlighted the growing role of intellectual property in driving innovation, economic growth and international collaboration. The reception was held in conjunction with IP Week @ SG, which runs from August 26 to 27.
The reception was held at the historic Clifford Pier
Edwin Tong, minister for law and second minister for home affairs with the government of Singapore, addresses guests
Held at a historic waterfront venue that once served as an active trading pier, the reception set the tone for a week of discussions on IP, innovation and global cooperation. Guests included Cambodia’s minister of industry, science, technology and innovation, senior officials from IPOS and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and representatives from legal, business and government sectors.
Welcoming attendees, Edwin Tong, Singapore’s minister for law and second minister for home affairs, emphasized that the evening was intended not as a forum for technical discussions on patents, trademarks and copyright, but as an opportunity to foster relationships across borders and industries.
Addressing the audience, Tong reflected on the venue’s history as a busy working pier where traders, sailors and merchants once crossed paths. The location, he said, symbolized the purpose of the reception: bringing together people from different jurisdictions, legal systems and sectors to build meaningful connections.
“Knowledge is good, know-how is better, but know-who is best,” Tong remarked, underscoring the importance of professional networks and international partnerships in today’s innovation ecosystem.
The reception also featured the IP for Growth Awards, an initiative designed to showcase the tangible value of intellectual property. Rather than viewing IP as a legal formality, Tong stressed its role as a strategic asset that enables businesses to grow, strengthens economies and improves lives. The awards recognized 11 winners from across Asia who have used intangible assets and IP to strengthen competitiveness, enter new markets and support business growth. The WIPO National Award for WIPO Users was also presented at the ceremony.
Winners included CRecTech, which develops modular systems that convert methane- and carbon dioxide-rich biogas from palm oil waste into renewable methanol; Axium Industries, which has developed a proprietary agentic artificial intelligence platform that automates supply chain operations for mid-market enterprises in asset-intensive industries; and Kopi Near Me, which offers traditional Nanyang kopi through smart automated machines. International companies including Jio Platforms from India, LOCA Company from Laos and Mengniu Dairy from China were also among the recipients.
The awards highlighted organizations that have successfully leveraged intellectual property to create commercial success and societal impact. Tong noted that the programme recognizes accomplishments across businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises.
“Big companies and small companies, big ideas and smaller ones all count,” Tong said, adding that every participant contributes to a more vibrant and inclusive IP ecosystem.
The anniversary event took place alongside IP Week @ SG and the Singapore Convention Week, an annual gathering that began in 2019 following the signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation. Singapore Convention Week has grown in participation and international influence, becoming one of Singapore’s signature legal and business events each August.
While the formal agenda of IP Week features policy discussions, strategic dialogues and thought leadership sessions, Tong stressed that informal networking opportunities remain equally important. The reception provided an opportunity for delegates to establish new relationships, exchange ideas and lay the groundwork for future collaboration.
Daren Tang, director general of WIPO talks with a guest
The event also served as a prelude to the Global Forum on Intellectual Property, one of IP Week @ SG’s flagship programmes. Attendees were encouraged to join the wide range of sessions and discussions scheduled throughout the week while also exploring Singapore’s culture, food and attractions.
As IPOS celebrates its 25th year, the message from Tong was clear: intellectual property is not only about protecting ideas but also about connecting people, enabling innovation and creating value across borders. The anniversary reception reflected those themes, combining recognition of achievement with an emphasis on international cooperation in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy.
With delegates from around the world in attendance, the evening marked both a celebration of past accomplishments and the beginning of a new chapter for IPOS.
- Darren Barton in Singapore
