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Simon Seow is appointed regional director

16^th March 2022 – IFPI, representing the recording industry worldwide, has opened a new Southeast Asia regional office in Singapore. Simon Seow has been appointed to the newly created role of IFPI Regional Director, Southeast Asia, to lead IFPI’s work in the region to promote the value of recorded music, expand its commercial uses, and campaign for the rights of record producers.

The move is a result of a decision by IFPI and its member record companies to restructure IFPI’s Asian operations to more closely reflect the current needs of the recording industry.  IFPI’s Beijing office has become the Greater China office and coordinates with IFPI’s National Groups in Hong Kong and Taiwan. IFPI’s regional office in Hong Kong has closed and Asia-Pacific countries – Japan, Korea, Australia, India, and New Zealand – are working directly with the IFPI’s global office in London.

Seow, who has already taken up his position, reports to IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore who commented: “This move will allow us to continue to support the development and growth of music markets across Asia, whilst focusing our physical presence in Southeast Asia as we work to enable the exciting and dynamic growth of music markets in the region.

“Simon brings with him a wealth of experience in the fields of copyright and intellectual property law, making him excellently placed to lead our work in strengthening the policy environment for recorded music that underpins a successful music market.”

According to IFPI’s Global Music Report, recorded music industry revenues for the Asia region as a whole grew 9.5% in 2020, up to US$63.4 million, driven primarily by growth in music streaming.

Prior to joining IFPI, Simon Seow led the intellectual property policy work of the Singapore government, including the review of Singapore’s copyright regime which culminated in the passing of the new Copyright Act in September 2021. He previously led their intellectual property policy in relation to public health, and reviews of the IP dispute resolution system and registered designs regime. Simon also has extensive experience in international intellectual property negotiations.

Simon Seow said: “The rapid pace of technological development creates new opportunities as well as challenges for artists and the recording industry. I look forward to helping to shape the environment for them to flourish and continue to bring music to everyone.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About IFPI

IFPI is the voice of the recording industry worldwide, representing over 8,000 record company members across the globe. We work to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music around the world.

For further information please contact:

press@ifpi.org | +44 (0)20 7878 7979