On 12 May, the 2026 ASEAN Digital Economy and Intellectual Property Summit & the 4th XMUM Intellectual Property and Innovation Forum was successfully held at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM). The event was hosted by XMUM Intellectual Property and Innovation Research Centre (IPIRC), and co-organized by the Intellectual Property Research Institute, School of Law, and Belt and Road Research Institute of Xiamen University, China. 

Under the theme "ASEAN Digital Economy and Intellectual Property: Innovation, Collaboration, and Governance", 50 scholars and industry professionals from China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the event, discussing key developments in intellectual property (IP), digital innovation, and governance in the rapidly evolving digital economy. 

The event opened with Dr. Jing Li serving as moderator, followed by welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Wang Huiqiong, Assistant President of XMUM, and Prof. Dr. Cheryl Long Xiaoning, Director of IPIRC. Both highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in advancing IP protection, innovation, and digital governance across ASEAN.

Opening ceremony of the event. From left: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jing Li, Prof. Dr. Wang Huiqiong, and Prof. Dr. Cheryl Long Xiaoning.

A key highlight was the signing of a Scholarship MOA between XMUM and LAW Partnership, represented by Prof. Dr. Wang and Dato' Brian Law, which aimed to support educational opportunities and cultivate talent with international perspectives and professional expertise.

Representatives from XMUM and LAW Partnership during the signing of the Scholarship MOA. From left: Prof. Dr. Cheryl Long Xiaoning, Prof. Dr. Wang Huiqiong, Dato’ Brian Law, and Ms. Angela Leong.

The forum also featured the IPIRC Recognition Ceremony, during which distinguished scholars and industry leaders from Malaysia and China were appointed as Distinguished Research Fellows and Distinguished Research Advisors. The appointments are expected to further strengthen IPIRC’s efforts in research, talent development, international collaboration, and community engagement.

Two plenary sessions examined a wide range of emerging issues in intellectual property, including IP dispute resolution, trademark law, patent management, AI-generated content, copyright protection, digital asset governance, deepfake regulation, and ASEAN digital governance. Speakers represented universities, research institutions, law firms, and industry organizations, including Huawei and Sisvel China.

The event concluded with a roundtable discussion on addressing intellectual property infringement in overseas investment in the age of artificial intelligence. Participants exchanged insights on legal challenges and governance strategies, highlighting the need for stronger regional cooperation in navigating the opportunities and risks of the digital era.