KUCHING: Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) is changing the name of its expo to Sheda Property Expo from the Sarbex name following an intellectual property tussle.
Sim (centre) is seen with with (from left), Terence Tan, service and marketing director of Absolute Cool Event, Luqman Nul Hakim, event planning manager of BCCK, Joseph Wong, deputy president of Sheda and Dr Christopher Ngui, council member cum utilities committee chairman during the press conference.
The first Sarawak Builders’ Expo (Sarbex) was held in July 1998 by Sheda (formerly known as SHDA), established at a time when the economy was facing hard times as a proactive approach to simulate the recovery of the industry then.
According to Sheda secretary-general Sim Kiang Chiok during a press conference on the issue yesterday, one of the association’s main highlights is its expo, which this year will be held from August 22-24 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“The expo is a time when developers and all other related industries from all over Sarawak can gather under one roof to promote their products.”
The association went on to add that the success of the expo over the years is partly a result of the effort employed by Sheda partly because of increased awareness of home owners and investors of the value of tangible property.
Touching on the intellectual property rights issue, Sheda noted that most are aware of the importance of registering title over land and the possible consequences when title is not registered.
“However, few of us are familiar with intellectual property. Even developers understand the effects of non-registration that can have on our business and reputation,” Sim acknowledged.
Sim revealed that a third party informed Sheda of the registration of the mark Sarbex with the Malaysian Intellectual Property Office (MyIPO).
“His registration was issued in 2014. Through this registration, he has claimed to own rights over the name Sarbex.
“More importantly, this third party has demanded that Sheda cease the use of the mark Sarbex through his solicitors,” Sim informed.
As a result of this claim, Sheda has thus decided to change the name of its annual Expo from Sarbex Total Living to Sheda Property Expo.
To facilitate the change, Sheda has had to arrange for necessary changes to over 1,000 buntings, banners, advertisements and other paraphernalia including their exhibitors’ diary, brochures and Event passes.
“Sheda is confident that the change in name will not dampen the expo. As the saying goes, the show must go on,” Sim affirmed.
Moving on to more positive news, Sheda is collaborating with Smart Reader Kids, the largest chain of child-enrichment centres as endoresed by the Malaysia Book of Records. Aside from exhibiting at the Expo, he noted that they will be here with competitions and activities.
Sim hopes the public will stay tuned to what they have put together to increase the excitement of the weekend. “In addition, there will be many contests run by ACE Management, a charity photobooth and daily lucky draws,” he added.
With 80 plus exhibitors at Sheda Property Expo 2014, Sim believes the general public will have a very comprehensive property show expo.
Over 100 booths have already taken and booths are still being sold to date. The last chance to secure a booth will be Friday, August 15, 2014. For those interested in participating, call Harea at 082-366334 or email [email protected].