Like many of its ASEAN neighbours, Malaysia needs to find new sources of economic growth and job creation to help it transition to a higher-income economy. Reorienting the economy towards knowledge-based industries will be essential. Astrong framework of intellectual property rights (IPRs) will be fundamental to achieving this, as it will allow the Philippines integrate deeper into global R&D networks and manufacturing value-chains, which are increasingly knowledge-based.

This report looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the Malaysian framework for the protection of IPRs, compares it to ASEAN neighbours, and outlines an agenda for reform. The report is a collaboration between six think tanks from five ASEAN countries.

The report shows that despite recent improvements the strength, scope and efficiency of the IP framework in the Malaysia is still well below the highest global standards. Nevertheless, it ranks above Thailand and Indonesia in international comparative indices.

Concluding with a number of specific reform recommendations, the report argues that strong IPRs need to be at the centre of national economic development and investment promotion strategies.