Ms. Yayus Mak was invited to speak at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) sponsored “Promoting APEC SME Innovation through Smart IPR Policy” seminar at the Sofitel Sukhumvit hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

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Attended by participants from around the world, the event was launched as a platform for APEC agencies and Intellectual Property policy makers and legislators to discuss Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) needs, showcase policy measures, and share best practices to promote a healthy IP environment that promotes innovation among APEC entrepreneurs. At the same time, the seminar provided the opportunity for SMMEs to recognize the advantages of IP registration and protection, be aware of the measures in place to assist them in registration and protection, and provide feedback to policy makers.

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As Managing Partner for Brillantive and Director of the Indonesia-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Mak was invited to speak about Intellectual Property and Protection of Traditional Knowledge in Indonesia. With rich natural resources, vast repository of traditional knowledge, and SMMEs comprising the backbone of the country’s growing economy, IPs related to traditional knowledge are particularly relevant and can potentially provide large economic and social returns for Indonesia.

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Featuring cases studies and recent IP protection initiatives in Indonesia, Ms. Mak raised the questions whether it is possible for a nation to protect their traditional knowledge with intellectual property policies, and challenged the participants to consider what it is to be protected, for what purpose, and for whose benefit.

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She then put forward a coordinated “menu” of options and tools which aim to preserve, protect, and promote traditional knowledge; increase IP awareness among traditional industries; as well as help SMMEs build their innovation and IP capacities. Finally, Ms. Mak urged SMMEs and traditional industries to leverage marketing strategy in order to catapult innovation from traditional knowledge into market success.

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The talk aimed to increase innovation and market advantage for SMMEs in the Asia-Pacific region, generated valuable discussions among agencies, policy makers, and entrepreneurs attending the seminar, and received enthusiastic feedback and warm appreciation from the participants.

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