SINGAPORE - A new training scheme was launched on Tuesday to attract more patent agents, in an effort to boost Singapore's growing intellectual property sector.

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (Ipos) and Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) announced a programme to place mid-career workers into relevant companies, which will then train them to become registered patent agents.

They hope to recruit up to 70 professionals over the next two years to join the over 100,000 people already working in jobs related to IP.

"This programme builds on Singapore's efforts to professionalise our IP ecosystem, creating more high value-added jobs for Singaporeans," said Ipos chief executive Tan Yih San.

He added that this would position the country to deliver quality IP services to the region and beyond.

Overall patent filings have risen by more than 30 per cent over the past decade to 10,312 in 2014, up from 7,908 in 2003, the agencies said.

Under the new professional conversion programme, which will be administered by Ipos, participating Singapore-based companies will have 70 per cent of course fees funded, up to $7,350. A monthly training allowance capped at $2,000 per trainee, or $4,000 if they are aged 40 and up, will also be provided for six months.

WDA chief executive Ng Cher Pong said: "Through this programme, mid-career individuals can develop knowledge and skills relevant for patents-related work."