CLASS together with the International Federation of Reprographic Rights Organisation (IFRRO) hosted the IFRRO Asia-Pacific Committee (IFRRO APC) meeting from 13 to 14 April 2023 at Hotel Jen OrchardGateway. The meeting saw more than 40 international delegates, and local members and partners in attendance. It was the first physical event in Singapore since 2019, bringing together senior executives and international Collective Management Organisations (CMO) delegates.
The IFRRO APC meeting was graced by Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) for Health and Law, Mdm Rahayu Mahzam as the Guest-of-Honour. In her opening remarks, SPS Rahayu emphasized the importance of CMOs and shared the Singapore government’s support for the publishing industry. In her speech, she said, “CLASS helps ensure users can obtain licences to suit their needs, while providing creators and rights-holders with new sources of revenue. They help pay authors and provide funds to re-invest in new works. MinLaw and IPOS have been working for some time on a new class licensing scheme for CMOs to strengthen their internal governance and their relations with both rights-holders and users of copyrighted works.”
A variety of presentations and panel discussions were held during the two-day event, which featured speakers from regional CMOs and key members from IFRRO. The APC meeting allowed the delegates to share their experiences and learn from each other as well as identify key issues impacting CMOs in the Asia-Pacific region. The key sessions also highlighted development milestones in artificial learning, text & data mining (TDM) legislations, and piracy issues.
Other than the meetings, delegates were also treated to a cruise down the Singapore River and a welcome dinner which enabled everyone to experience local tourism at its best.
The IFRRO APC meeting provides a valuable platform for stakeholders in the Asia Pacific region to discuss issues related to copyright, including the opportunities and challenges that arise, as well as the importance of collective management in the digital age.
