In more detail
Tan, who brings a background in accounting and a strong belief in the value of IP, has been part of IPOS since 2019 and served as deputy chair from 2020 before taking over from Dr. Stanley Lai in April 2025. In his interview with The Business Times, Tan shared that one of his key priorities is to draw more R&D-intensive MNCs into Singapore, leveraging the country's robust IP regime and pro-business environment.
He noted that such investments would have a multiplier effect on the local economy, creating good jobs for Singaporeans and generating work for small businesses that support innovation ecosystems.
Tan also highlighted the importance of helping local enterprises understand and invest in intangible assets (IA) and IP, which are increasingly critical to business competitiveness in the digital economy.
To this end, IPOS will continue to promote awareness of IP registration and monetization, particularly among SMEs.
Another area of focus is strengthening cross-border IP cooperation. Tan cited the 2022 agreement between IPOS and Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property as an example of how bilateral arrangements can facilitate faster IP registration and enforcement across jurisdictions. Such agreements not only protect Singaporean businesses venturing abroad but also enhance Singapore's attractiveness as a regional IP hub.
Tan also acknowledged the need to shift mindsets around IP. While Singapore has made significant strides in building a strong IP infrastructure, many businesses still view IP as a legal formality rather than a strategic asset. Changing this perception, he said, is essential to unlocking the full economic potential of IP and IA.
Key takeaways
Tan's comments provide assurance that IPOS will continue its focus on making Singapore an attractive destination for MNCs to conduct R&D activities.
Tan's business-oriented approach and comments underscore the importance of viewing IP not just as a legal requirement but as a core component of companies’ value proposition and competitive strategy. This aligns with a positive view of IP as a strategic investment rather than purely as an expense.
As more MNCs and local enterprises engage with Singapore's IP regime, the hope is that this will create high-value jobs related to IP creation and protection, stimulate innovation and activity within the local IP ecosystem, and increase demand for legal, technical and commercial IP services.
These objectives align with Singapore's broader ambitions to be a global hub for innovation, IP and the digital economy.
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