Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), a subsidiary of MBSB Group, today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at Menara MyIPO, signalling a bold step towards unlocking intellectual property (IP)-backed financing for Malaysian businesses.
The partnership underscores a shared vision to strengthen intellectual property as a bankable asset, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of the fast-growing intangible economy. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO; YBhg Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of MIDF; Mr. Azizi Hj. Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF; and Puan Yusnieza Syarmila Yusoff, Director General of MyIPO, alongside senior representatives from WIPO and Adastra Intellectual Property Sdn Bhd.
The MoU marks a milestone in advancing IP as a driver of business financing and growth. It is testament to the ongoing initiatives from WIPO’s ASEAN IP Finance Pilot Project launched in 2022 with the objective of familiarising financial institutions with IP as an asset class and advancing IP financing in the ASEAN region. It also highlights MIDF’s pioneering role in IP-backed lending in Malaysia, providing innovative financing solutions particularly for SMEs and asset-light businesses that often struggle to secure traditional financing. Through this MoU, MIDF takes the lead in piloting IP backed financing with WIPO providing technical assistance and knowledge transfer.
With intangible investments projected to approach USD 8 trillion globally by 2024, the collaboration between WIPO and MIDF reflects Malaysia’s commitment to aligning with this global trend and ensuring local enterprises remain competitive in the digital economy.
Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, said “Intellectual property is no longer just a legal right; it is an economic asset that can fuel growth and innovation and a financial asset that can open up new financing models. Through this collaboration with MIDF, we aim to unlock new financing pathways for IP-rich businesses across Malaysia and ASEAN, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in today’s knowledge economy.”
Mr. Azizi Hj. Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF, said “This MoU cements MIDF’s leadership in pioneering IP-backed lending in Malaysia. By working closely with WIPO and MyIPO, we are building the foundation for a stronger ecosystem that empowers SMEs to leverage their intellectual property as collateral. This is a bold step forward in closing the financing gap and positioning Malaysia at the forefront of IP finance in the region.”
The collaboration also recognizes the vital role of MyIPO in shaping Malaysia’s IP ecosystem. With the technical expertise of Adastra IP and strong support from all stakeholders, the MoU sets the stage for sustainable growth and greater recognition of intangible assets in Malaysia’s financial landscape.
