Director's Profile

PROFESSOR DR. SAMSILAH ROSLAN, RTTP

DIRECTOR,
PUTRA SCIENCE PARK UPM

Area of Specialisation - Educational Psychology

Since 2009, Prof. Dr. Samsilah Roslan has been a prominent figure in the intellectual property (IP) management and commercialization ecosystem, not only at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) but also nationally and internationally. With her extensive expertise and unwavering dedication, she has elevated UPM’s reputation as a leading institution in innovation management and technology transfer.

As a board member of the Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), a global professional body overseeing governance and certification for innovation and technology managers, Prof. Dr. Samsilah has set a benchmark in ensuring best practices in technology commercialization. Her involvement in ATTP reflects the global community's trust in her visionary leadership.

Building UPM’s Commercialization Ecosystem

Her role as the Director of Putra Science Park goes beyond administration; she has been instrumental in driving transformative changes in UPM’s innovation structure and culture. Under her leadership, UPM has achieved remarkable milestones in IP management while integrating innovative approaches to make university research more relevant to society and industry.

As of March 2017, UPM had registered over 2,000 IP assets, an impressive achievement in Malaysia's research and innovation landscape. More importantly, commercialization efforts have successfully brought significant economic benefits, with over 247 innovations reaching the market and generating gross sales exceeding RM75 million. These figures demonstrate the strategic efforts of Prof. Dr. Samsilah and her team in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial needs.

She has also established a dynamic team of business experts, academics, IP specialists, and commercialization professionals committed to collaborating with various stakeholders. This collaborative approach has accelerated technology transfer to industries, making UPM's innovations globally competitive.

Success in Nurturing Startups

One of her most notable achievements is the successful nurturing of over 80 technology-based startups. These companies have not only secured investments exceeding RM20 million but also achieved multi-million-ringgit sales. This demonstrates the tangible impact of UPM's innovations on national economic growth.

For example, several UPM-affiliated startups are now leaders in their respective fields, including green technology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. These successes would not have been possible without the strategic guidance and support provided by the robust ecosystem built by Prof. Dr. Samsilah at Putra Science Park.

Recognition and Accolades

At the national level, UPM, under Prof. Dr. Samsilah’s management, has won the prestigious Best Intellectual Property Management Award eight times, presented by the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO). This recognition underscores UPM’s excellence in IP management and solidifies its position as a leader in innovation and technology.

International Expertise

Prof. Dr. Samsilah’s credibility is further strengthened by her international training and certifications. She completed an intensive program on IP protection and commercialization at the Academy of Licensing, University of California Davis School of Law. In addition, she undertook specialized training with the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), California, renowned for its innovative approaches to technology development. These experiences equipped her with the latest techniques to expedite the commercialization process, positioning UPM to compete on the global stage.

Furthermore, she trained with the ROI Institute, a globally recognized organization specializing in measuring the impact of investment on commercialization. This training enabled her to devise strategies that are not only technically effective but also yield optimal returns for investors and stakeholders.

Role in National and Regional Policy Development

Beyond her accomplishments at the university level, Prof. Dr. Samsilah has played a critical role in shaping policies and strategies related to technology commercialization in Malaysia. She has actively participated in various national and regional committees and taskforces focusing on technology transfer, including the development of policies on IP protection, research commercialization, and strengthening university-industry partnerships.

For instance, she contributed to the development of a technology transfer model that other universities in Malaysia could adopt. This model serves as a guideline for institutions aiming to enhance their innovation commercialization efforts, thereby supporting Malaysia's agenda of becoming an innovation-driven nation.

Promoting Innovation Awareness Among Academics and Students

Under Prof. Dr. Samsilah’s leadership, Putra Science Park has proactively increased awareness of IP commercialization among academics and students. Through consistent workshops, seminars, and innovation competitions, she has fostered a culture of innovation within UPM. These initiatives have yielded results, with more young researchers engaging in projects with commercial potential.

Additionally, she has encouraged student involvement in technology-based entrepreneurship programs, providing them with opportunities to explore the startup world and understand the commercialization process. This effort aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in translating innovations into social and economic benefits.

Future Vision

Prof. Dr. Samsilah envisions further strengthening the innovation and commercialization ecosystem, not only at UPM but across Malaysia. She aims to enhance collaborations between universities, industries, and the government to ensure that research outputs are fully utilized.

Her commitment to propelling UPM to higher global rankings in IP and technology management is unwavering. With her extensive experience, international expertise, and strong global network, there is no doubt that Prof. Dr. Samsilah remains a pivotal figure in transforming Malaysia’s innovation landscape.

Prof. Dr. Samsilah Roslan is an inspirational leader in IP management and innovation commercialization. Her dedication to empowering the innovation ecosystem has significantly impacted not only UPM but also Malaysia’s economic development. With her exemplary track record and clear vision, she continues to be an invaluable asset in advancing Malaysia as a global hub for innovation.

 Source : Steinbeis's Media Production of The Steinbeis Expert Series

Updated:: 06/03/2025 [asrizam]