Inventors and innovators asked to patent, copyright works

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KUCHING: Inventors and innovators in the state have been asked to patent and copyright their works in order to own the intellectual rights.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem made the suggestion when launching the state-level Civil Service Innovation and Creative Circle (KIK) Convention Awards on Friday.

“Do not forget to have your inventions patented and copyrighted. It will take a long time and cost you but in the end, you own the intellectual rights. Do not invent something and you have no exclusivity to it.

“Keep on inventing and innovating, whether minor or major – it will change the way of life for the better,” he said.

Adenan cited Thomas Edison, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, as those responsible in changing society’s way of life through their inventions and innovations.

“When you switch off the lights in this hall and be in total darkness, you will know and appreciate what the light bulb means. The light bulb has changed the way we live and do things. We cannot imagine how life would be without all these things we take for granted until we lose them.

“Of course, I do not expect you to invent things that will change the course of world history – although it would be good – but it is enough that you have fulfilled your curiosity,” he said.

Adenan highlighted that such innovations are possible because of the curiosity that leads to wanting to improve the way of life.

“For instance, in terms of systems, how can we patrol our forest and catch people stealing timber if there are no drones to do the job? Drones can provide a bigger vision of the forest. So continue to invent and improve things and systems,” he said, while congratulating Sarawak for having the initiative to exploit the potential of the people’s inventions and innovations.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the awards ceremony was the highlight of the state-level Civil Service Innovation Week.

“The emphasis on innovation and creativity will ensure value-added services in the civil service. We encourage innovation and creativity at various levels such as at the individual level through Sarawak Civil Services Innovation Idea, at the workgroup level through Innovative Creative Circle, at the top management level through Key Focus Activity and at inter-agency level through High Performance Team.

“During the convention we received many observers to benchmark the spirit of innovation and creative work culture in Sarawak civil service,” he said.

Morshidi pointed out that through the convention, ideas could be brought forward to add value to the civil service.

“The participation in the convention reflects the importance of innovation as the source of success. The generation of creative ideas are encouraged in order to add value to existing service delivery.

“We hope that all those in civil service would  be inspired to be more innovative and creative in their respective organisations,” he said.

The Mukah Division Land and Survey Department team ‘Accurate’ won three awards — Most Creative Exhibition (Management), Most Creative Performance (Management) and the Sarawak Federal Secretary’s Trophy (Management).

Miri City Council’s team ‘Tatsunoko’ won the Most Creative Exhibition (Technical) Award and the Sarawak State Secretary’s Trophy (Technical).

The Most Creative Performance (Technical) Award went to the Kota Samarahan Fire and Rescue Department’s team ‘Chips’.

The Sarawak State Secretary’s Trophy (Management) Award and the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Trophy (Management) went to the State Treasury Department’s team ‘Do-It’ and Kuching Division Land and Survey Department’s team ‘Sassoku 14’, respectively.

The Sarawak Federal Secretary’s Trophy (Technical) Award was won by the Kuching Water Board’s team ‘Chlor 8’, while the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Trophy (Technical) Award went to the Miri Division Public Works Department’s team ‘Help Four’.

Land and Survey Department won the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Innovation Award 2015.