Kuala lumpur: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), through the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), is taking proactive steps under the MyIPO NextGen transformation framework to strengthen the agency's role in driving an innovation-led economy. Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, announced that MyIPO NextGen, serving as the agency's Strategic Plan 2025-2030, aims to reposition MyIPO beyond its conventional role as an intellectual property registration body into a facilitator of economic growth, a driver of creativity, and a strategic partner to industry and innovators.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the transformation focuses on modernising service delivery, digitalising work processes, strengthening IP valuation and commercialisation, and expanding the use of IP as a valuable asset for financing and business development. Armizan emphasized that this transformation would enhance the country's capacity to meet future challenges through the adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, improved efficiency in application examinations, and faster service delivery. He noted that this reflects the government's commitment to ensuring Malaysia remains competitive as a trusted, innovative nation at both regional and global levels.
Armizan stated that the MyIPO transformation is a key component in supporting the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan, positioning innovation and IP commercialisation as drivers of economic growth. He explained that the approach will not only strengthen national technological capability but also ensure IP contributes to gross domestic product growth, aligning with the MADANI economic framework that emphasizes inclusivity and competitiveness.
He also mentioned that amendments to key legislation involving patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright are under review to ensure Malaysia's IP protection system remains robust, responsive, and globally competitive. Additionally, efforts to enhance IP registration and commercialisation in the sports sector will be intensified to boost its contribution to GDP. Armizan highlighted that globally, the value of sports broadcasting rights is estimated at US$55.2 billion, but in Malaysia, this potential remains underutilised as more focus is given to events rather than licensing rights.
This year's World Intellectual Property Day theme, 'IP and Sports: From Idea to Podium', underscores the link between IP and the development of the sports industry, which extends beyond physical competition to include an innovation ecosystem driven by intellectual property. Armizan reported steady growth in IP registrations, with 15,350 patent registrations recorded between 2024 and 2025, including 118 related to the sports sector, while trademark registrations reached 115,850, of which 1,812 were sports-related.
At the National Intellectual Property Awards 2026 event, the MADANI Inspiration Award was presented to six recipients: national track cycling champion Datuk Muhammad Azizulhasni Awang, the National Sports Institute, Johor Darul Ta'zim FC, Astro Arena, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, and Al-Ikhsan Sports Sdn Bhd.