KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) at the university.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening intellectual property (IP) awareness, innovation support, and technology commercialisation within the university.
Through the establishment of the TISC, Swinburne Sarawak joins Malaysia’s nationwide network of centres coordinated by MyIPO under the framework of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), becoming the 27th TISC member in the country.
The TISC will serve as a dedicated resource hub, providing Swinburne Sarawak’s researchers, students, and staff with access to patent information, specialised technology databases, patent search support, innovation advisory services, and technology transfer resources.
The initiative is expected to enhance the university’s capacity to support research, innovation, and commercialisation activities while fostering stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at Swinburne Sarawak on 19 August 2026, with MyIPO Director General YBrs Puan Yusnieza Syarmila binti Yusoff and Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho signing on behalf of their respective institutions, witnessed by MyIPO Deputy Director General (Commercial) YBrs Dr Kamarul Faizal bin Hashim and Swinburne Sarawak Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman.
A group photo taken during a campus tour with YBrs Puan Yusnieza Syarmila binti Yusoff (sixth from left), MyIPO representatives, and Swinburne Sarawak representatives
The partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing innovation and strengthening the strategic management of IP in Malaysia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yusnieza said the MoU was more than a formal collaboration, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between research, IP, and innovation while creating clearer pathways for ideas developed within universities to achieve wider impact.
Congratulating Swinburne Sarawak on its commendable achievement in IP, she said, “It is particularly encouraging to see Swinburne Sarawak ranked among the top ten private higher education institutions in Malaysia with the highest number of patent applications in MyIPO’s 2025 ranking.
“This achievement is a testament to the university’s commitment to research, technological advancement, and the protection of IP. Through this partnership, MyIPO looks forward to supporting Swinburne’s researchers and inventors in building on this strong foundation and translating promising research into well-protected, high-value, and commercially viable innovations,” she added.
In his address, Professor Lau expressed Swinburne Sarawak’s belief that research creates its greatest value when it moves beyond academic publication and into society, industry, and the economy.
“It takes more than creativity and discovery. It requires the knowledge and mechanisms to protect IP and carry innovation through to commercial application.
“That is why the establishment of a TISC here is a genuine milestone, not a ceremonial one. Through this collaboration, our researchers, students, and staff will gain direct access to patent information, technology search resources, and IP support. These are the practical tools that turn research into something the market can actually use,” he said.
He said the partnership was also a reminder of what universities and government agencies can achieve together, adding, “With the TISC in place, we are better positioned to build IP awareness on this campus and to help good research find its way to real-world outcomes.”
Following the MoU signing ceremony, participants attended a sharing session entitled “Unlocking Commercial Value: Integrating Patent Drafting Excellence with Broader IP Rights”, delivered by Puan Sofia Rehan binti Ramli, Assistant Director of the Intellectual Property Academy, MyIPO. The session highlighted strategies for protecting and maximising the commercial value of innovations through effective patent drafting and IP management.
The establishment of the TISC reinforces Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to advancing research and innovation by equipping its community with the knowledge and resources to develop and translate ideas into real-world solutions.
The centre will also provide a platform for deeper engagement with industry and other stakeholders, supporting the growth of Sarawak’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to the state’s aspirations for a knowledge-driven economy.