Kuala lumpur: The Intellectual Property Corporation of (MyIPO) today announced the launch of the IP Accelerator Programme (IPX) - Batik Evolution: Preserving Tradition, Empowering Value, aimed at enhancing intellectual property (IP) management among young batik entrepreneurs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali highlighted that the initiative seeks to enable entrepreneurs to utilize IP as a strategic asset to bolster branding and broaden market access both domestically and internationally. The programme has attracted over 500 participants, including batik entrepreneurs, artisans, fashion designers, university students, and representatives from various government agencies.
A notable feature of the initiative is the selection of 100 young batik entrepreneurs to partake in the Intellectual Property Management Clinic, a collaborative effort between MyIPO and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). This clinic aims to provide expert guidance on intellectual property protection strategies, portfolio development, branding, and licensing models to amplify the commercial value of local batik designs.
Minister Armizan emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government's commitment to fostering growth in the creative economy sector, which, as reported by the 2024 Cultural and Creative Satellite Account from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), contributes 6.8 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) with an estimated value of RM130 billion.
Effective intellectual property management is crucial, he noted, not only for protecting creations from misuse but also as a tool for enhancing product value, strengthening brand identity, and enabling market expansion. He urged batik entrepreneurs to incorporate digital technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), into their product development and marketing strategies, maintaining the authenticity of Malaysian batik as a national heritage.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), through MyIPO, will continue to fortify the national IP ecosystem by offering capacity development programmes and advisory services. This effort supports the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP 13), which emphasizes innovation and the commercialization of intellectual property as key drivers of the country's new economic growth, ensuring the preservation and global market penetration of Malaysian batik heritage.