Malaysia and ASEAN member states co-organized an exhibition to coincide with the 65th World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

The exhibition, which has the theme “Creative and Sustainable ASEAN,” took place from July 9 to July 17, 2024, and is meant to promote intellectual property and creative industries from ASEAN member nations. Approximately 1,000 WIPO Assembly delegates attended the function.

The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva are leading Malaysia’s participation in the exhibition. “Among the intellectual property products exhibited are from the creative industries and traditional arts and cultural heritage, such as ‘batik’ and Malaysian handicrafts,” said the Permanent Mission of Malaysia in Geneva in a statement to Bernama.

Products recognized as geographic indications (GIs) were also on display, including Terengganu songket, Melaka dodol, Sarawak layer cake, Bario rice and Sarawak pepper.

To further promote Malaysian batik and crafts, Ruzzgahara, a firm representing the Malaysian Craft Association, also participated in the exhibition.

The exhibition’s high point was the reception hosted by ASEAN members, during which Malaysia presented traditional Malay dances, including Joget and Zapin.

Since joining WIPO in 1989, Malaysia and the organization have had a close working relationship.

“Besides benefiting from agreements administered by WIPO, Malaysia also collaborates with the organization in various aspects of national intellectual property ecosystem development and advancement, particularly through capacity-building programmes and technical assistance,” added the statement.

It further stated that, in keeping with Malaysia’s commitment to continuously develop intellectual property potential as a catalyst and key engine to national growth, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia in Geneva plays a crucial role in ensuring Malaysia’s engagement in various WIPO agendas and initiatives at the international level.

Apart from enhancing competitiveness, inventiveness and expertise, intellectual property is pivotal in fostering the economic and social development expansion of Malaysia, aligning with the country’s ambition to attain developed nation status and sustainable development objectives by 2030.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco