The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) will invest $65 million to drive manpower and capability development for the industry this year.

The latest move, announced on Thursday, is in line with Singapore's vision to become an intellectual property hub in Asia and will work within a new competency framework.

With increased demand, the current pool of some 2,000 industry professionals is expected to be doubled in the next eight to 10 years.

The framework will include guidelines on manpower development through standard setting, certification, training, mapping out of the required competencies and projecting suitable pathways for a professional career in intellectual property.

IPOS will also be establishing an intellectual property certification unit to work with professional bodies to qualify training providers as well as ensure professional certifications of workers within the ecosystem.