President’s Message

LES Singapore

Licensing Executives Society (Singapore) for 2024 and 2025 

It was a busy term for LES Singapore culminating with the LESI Annual Conference 2025 that was held in Singapore for the first time. I believe that LES Singapore has lived up to LESI’s vision to be the “go-to” global community for professionals commercializing intellectual assets across industries. I am sincerely grateful to the LES Singapore Executive Committee members and all members for their great support throughout this term. 

 

Key Activities in 2024 and 2025 

1. Educational Initiatives 

  • Basic and Intermediate Licensing Courses: In collaboration with IPOS International, LES Singapore organized the Basic Licensing Course on 7 – 8 November 2024, and the Intermediate Licensing Course on 11 November 2024. These courses aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of IP licensing, covering key aspects such as licensing strategies, negotiations, and valuation techniques.  
  • Partnership with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS): LES Singapore continued its partnership with SUSS to conduct the Licensing module for the Master of IP and Innovation Management (IP Business) program. This collaboration aims to equip students with practical knowledge and skills in IP licensing and management. 
  • Entertainment and Media Licensing Agreements Course : In collaboration with IPOS International, LES Singapore organised this course on 16 April 2025.  The course was taught by George Hwang and focused on the structuring of licensing agreements and navigating legal complexities in the entertainment, media and creative industries.  

 

2. Seminars and Workshops 

  • Joint Seminar with Brand Finance: On 18 July 2024, LES Singapore co-hosted a seminar with Brand Finance, focusing on “Brand Valuation as a Growth Driver for Businesses.” The session explored the significant impact of brand valuation on business growth, providing insights into how it drives marketing accountability and guides licensing negotiations. 
  • Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing Seminar: On 15 January 2025, LES Singapore organized an in-person seminar addressing “Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing Considerations in IP Transactions.” This seminar aimed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the tax implications and transfer pricing considerations in IP-related transactions.  
  • Scent of Success: Shaping Brands, Innovation and the Future Seminar : On 2 April 2025, in conjunction with the IPOS Society, LES Singapore organised this seminar as part of the Women in IP Series.  Guest speakers included Thitapha Wattanpruttipaisan, Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization and Sabrina Chong, Group Head of Corporate Development at Luxasia who showcased how to build and preserve brand value. 

 

3. International Collaboration 

  • Young Members Congress (YMC) Asia Pacific Conference: On 25 April 2025, LES Singapore participated in the YMC Asia Pacific Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the conference theme of “Asia and the Digital Age: Connectivity, Innovation, and Global Impact.” 

 

4. LES International Annual Conference 

  • LESI Annual Conference 2025:  For the first time in LES Singapore’s history, the LESI Annual Conference 2025 was held in Singapore from 27 – 29 April  2025. The conference, themed “Smart Cities, Smarter IP: IP and Licensing Strategies for Sustainable Smart Cities” was held at Suntec City Convention Centre. The event attracted over 590 delegates from around the world, including IP professional and industry leaders. 
  • At the event, there was close collaboration with IPOS which led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between LESI and IPOS.  There were many prominent speakers, including Justice Dedar Singh Gill and Emil Zhang from Huawei.  The varied number of plenary sessions, workshops and roundtable also covered numerous issues relating to integrating IP strategies into smart city infrastructure, collaborative models for IP licensing, the impact of emerging technologies on IP frameworks and sustainability and governance in smart cities. 
  • There were many opportunities for the international delegates to network at the Networking Night held at Clifford Pier on Monday 28 April where the delegates  enjoyed the panoramic view of the Marina Bay.  The conference culminated in a Gala Dinner held at Gardens-By-the-Bay where the delegates enjoyed an exclusive walk, after the dinner, through the Flower Field Dome and brought home fond memories of their stay in Singapore.  
  • Industry tours were also conducted on Wednesday 30 April to the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre and Changi Airport. 

 

Conclusion 

In 2024 and 2025, LES Singapore has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the field of intellectual property through education, collaboration, and international engagement. By organizing seminars, courses, and conferences, and fostering partnerships with academic institutions, LES Singapore continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of IP licensing in Singapore and beyond.  Once again, many thanks to everyone at LES Singapore who gave their great support, time and effort to the educational activities, the seminars and in particular, the very momentous task of organising the LESI Annual Conference 2025. 

 

Yours faithfully, 

Lionel Tan 

President 

LES Singapore