SHAH ALAM - In the 25 years of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s reign, Selangor has become more than a driver of national economic growth. It has built a reputation as a leader in innovation, technology and the knowledge-based economy.
Under His Majesty’s stewardship, the state has evolved from an industrial base into a centre for research and development (R&D), technology commercialisation and intellectual property (IP) protection.
This did not happen by chance. It grew from consistent development policies, a mature innovation ecosystem and close cooperation between government, educational institutions, industry and the business community.
Together, these have shaped a state that creates wealth not only through investment and industry but also through ideas, creativity and innovation.
Selangor remains nation’s IP leader
Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) director-general Yusnieza Syarmila Yusoff said economic progress is no longer measured solely by the number of factories or the value of exports but by the ability to create new ideas, produce technology and protect those creations.
“Selangor recorded the highest number of IP applications to MyIPO in the country at 165,492. These comprised 129,148 trademarks, 7,836 patents, 1,044 industrial designs, 27,462 copyrights and two geographical indications.
“This covers three main components, namely patents, trademarks and copyrights and is a clear indicator of the vibrancy of innovation and entrepreneurial activity in the state,” she said.
Many patent applications are driven by information technology, biotechnology, high-tech manufacturing and green technology, while rising trademark registrations reflect healthy growth among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium industries (SMIs).
In the creative sector, Selangor is a hub for animation, software development and digital content, which has lifted copyright registrations.
The success of Monsta Studio in Cyberjaya and Les’ Copaque in Shah Alam shows that local creativity can compete globally when protected by a robust IP system.
Maturing innovation ecosystem
Behind this success is an ecosystem that continues to grow and reinforce itself.
Selangor is home to a network of higher education institutions and research centres that form the backbone of the nation’s technology development.
Through the MyIPO-run Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) programme, universities and research institutions help researchers protect their work before it is commercialised.
Institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Management and Science University (MSU) and University Malaysia of Computer Science and Engineering (UNIMY) are among the main sources of high-value technology.
The Selangor Science Park, Cyberjaya and various high-tech industrial parks complete the innovation chain by turning research findings into commercially valuable products and services.
IP as a catalyst for the people’s economy
IP protection benefits more than large companies. It also opens opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs, SMEs and local communities to become more competitive.
Working with the Selangor government, MyIPO continues to expand awareness and mentoring programmes to help entrepreneurs understand the importance of protecting exclusive rights to their products and brands.
Efforts to preserve the state’s heritage have also been strengthened through the registration of Geographical Indications (GI), including the recognition of Wau Kapal as a Selangor GI product. The initiative protects heritage identity and raises the economic value of local products.
MyIPO has also introduced an IP financing and collateral scheme, allowing intellectual property to be used as an asset to secure financing from financial institutions. The approach opens a new dimension for an economy based on innovation and creativity.
In the era of digital transformation, Selangor is strategically placed to become a regional innovation hub. MyIPO’s online IP registration and search systems make it easier for innovators and businesses to obtain protection quickly and efficiently.
Going forward, MyIPO will continue to support the knowledge-based economy by focusing on protecting innovation in green technology, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).
This is expected to attract more high-tech foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen Selangor’s competitiveness as a globally ranked Smart State.
A leadership legacy that builds the future
Selangor’s IP excellence is more than a tally of patent, trademark and copyright registrations. More importantly, it shows the success of building an ecosystem that values knowledge, creativity and innovation as the foundation of the state’s prosperity.
In conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan of Selangor’s reign, this success reflects a leadership vision that has consistently placed knowledge, technology and innovation at the heart of development.
Under His Majesty’s stewardship, Selangor has not only become the nation’s economic centre but also the heart of a knowledge-based economy that will continue to drive Malaysia’s progress.