Daren Tang Assumes Functions as WIPO Director General

Daren Tang, a national of Singapore, officially assumed his functions as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization on October 1, 2020, starting a six-year mandate at the helm of the Organization.

Following his appointment, Mr. Tang laid out his priorities and vision for the Organization going forward, saying that work will be channelled along three themes: inclusiveness, balance, and future-orientation.

Director General Tang also committed to build a strong organizational foundation to ensure that WIPO remains a “dynamic, open and transparent Organization with a diverse staff membership that better reflects a fair gender and geographical balance.” This will be coupled with implementing high standards of governance and meticulous financial management, said Mr. Tang.

Mr. Tang, age 48, is a graduate of the National University of Singapore (Bachelor of Law, Honors) and the Georgetown University Law Center (Master of Laws, Distinction).

Mr. Tang is the fifth Director General of WIPO, following Mr. Francis Gurry of Australia (2008-2020), Mr. Kamil Idris of Sudan (1997-2008), Mr. Arpad Bogsch of the United States (1973-1997) and Mr. Georg Bodenhausen of the Netherlands (1970-1973).

Based on the WIPO materials.