Supporting Businesses in Southeast Asian countries

Supporting Businesses in Southeast Asian countries 

IP attaché appointed to support UK businesses in Southeast Asian countries

The UK’s fourth Intellectual Property (IP) attaché has been appointed to support UK British businesses across the 10 countries making up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Ms TAN Shin Yuan will work with representatives from UK Trade and Investment and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office across the region to help British businesses working there to make the most of business opportunities. Her position is central to the government’s plans to enhance trade relations and to support IP and innovation-led businesses abroad.

Minister for Intellectual Property Lord Younger said:

“British businesses are already taking advantage of opportunities in Southeast Asia, exports last year were worth £8 billion to our economy. I very much welcome the appointment of TAN Shin Yuan to cover this vital market – expected to become the world’s fourth largest by 2030.”

“TAN Shin Yuan has considerable relevant experience in this area including giving legal advice on IP to manufacturing and technology commercialisation companies, making her ideal for this role.”

TAN Shin Yuan said:

“I am delighted to be appointed to cover the ASEAN region and look forward to strengthening bilateral relationships with ASEAN governments and working closely with them on IP issues. I also look forward to making a positive impact for UK businesses operating in, or looking for a way to enter the ASEAN market.”

In previous roles, TAN Shin Yuan has handled IP management for clients, advising licensing counterparts, potential start-ups, inventors and management. TAN Shin Yuan’s qualifications including her Master of Law in IP from the University of Edinburgh and the specialist hands-on experience she brings makes her ideal for the market she will cover.

The 10 ASEAN countries currently have a combined population of about 600 million and a GDP similar to that of the UK. The Asia Development Bank predicts the middle class in ASEAN will rise from 24% of the total population in 2010 to 65% by 2030. This is therefore a high growth region with significant potential for UK businesses looking to expand.

If you would like to protect your brand in Southeast Asia please contact jane@trademarkroom.com for more details.