IP for STEM Students in Cambodia

The WIPO Singapore Office and WIPO’s Division for Least-Developed Countries collaborated to facilitate the National Workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) for STEM Students of Cambodia. The online workshop was organized in cooperation with the STEM Education Organization for Cambodia with excellent support from the IP Association of Cambodia and the Department of IP.

More than 60 young Cambodians joined the workshop that introduced these budding innovators to the world of IP and how crucially important IP is to those wanting to pursue a career in a STEM-related field.

Indicating the high-level of interest and focus of the audience, the questions and comments were constant during the presentations that covered the IP system in Cambodia, the benefits of filing a trademark, patent or design application, how the international IP systems work and highlights of the vast array of tools and resources WIPO has made available to young people.

A highlight of the workshop was hearing the amazing experience of Mr. Joseph Lungu, a young inventor and entrepreneur from Zambia. Joseph shared his journey from having an idea, developing the concept, filing for a patent and then licensing his technology. He truly inspired the Cambodian STEM students.

The workshop was the beginning of a specialized program organized by the STEM Education Organization for Cambodia. It involves students also undertaking a soap making workshop to understand the chemical combination within soap, followed by a range of activities relating to branding and design so participants can gain a deeper understanding of the commercialization and innovation process.