MFA-MinLaw Joint Press Statement: Mr Daren Tang Nominated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Coordination Committee for Second Term as WIPO Director General

1.             On 12 February 2026, the Coordination Committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) nominated Singapore’s candidate Mr Daren Tang, who is the incumbent Director General (DG) of WIPO, for appointment for a second term by the WIPO General Assembly on 21 April 2026. Mr Tang’s second six-year term will be from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2032.

2.             The Singapore Government appreciates the continued support by WIPO Member States for Mr Tang. In October 2020, Mr Tang took office as the fifth WIPO DG, becoming the first Singaporean to lead a United Nations organisation.

3.             Speaking from Geneva, Mr Tang said, “I am deeply thankful and honoured by the nomination of the WIPO Coordination Committee for a second term as WIPO DG. My heartfelt thanks also go to the Government of Singapore for their unwavering support, my colleagues for their passion and commitment to our work and my family for supporting me at every stage of this journey. As a Singaporean, I remain committed not just to the values of multilateralism but one that focuses on real impact and tangible results. I look forward to working with all WIPO Member States to continue transforming IP from something technical into a powerful catalyst for jobs, investments, growth, development and prosperity for all countries.”

4.             Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said, "We are delighted that the WIPO Coordination Committee has reaffirmed its confidence in Daren Tang's leadership. He has demonstrated in his first term that principled, inclusive multilateralism can deliver tangible results for all nations. As we face an increasingly complex global landscape, WIPO and the international IP community will benefit from Daren's proven ability to build consensus and drive meaningful progress on intellectual property matters that affect all of us."

5.             Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong SC said, “Daren's nomination by the WIPO Coordination Committee reflects wide support for his vision for WIPO and the global IP ecosystem. In the last five years, Daren has made it his mission to transform the perception of IP and drive the modernisation of WIPO to the benefit of Member States as well as their innovators and creators. Singapore looks forward to his continued service and leadership.”

6.             The Singapore Government is confident that Mr Tang will continue to advance WIPO’s mission to lead the development of a balanced and effective global intellectual property (IP) ecosystem, deepening the positive impact of IP as a catalyst for jobs, investments, enterprise growth, innovation and economic development for all countries.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

MINISTRY OF LAW

12 FEBRUARY 2026