Zi Kai Koh

Patent & IP Strategy Leader | Innovation Commercialization | R&D Protection

Singapore

About

Product Development - R&D - Project Management - Business Development - Intellectual Property Creation and Management

Experience

  • Director, Sourcing at Creative Labs Pte Ltd
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

    End-to-End Strategic Sourcing: Personally responsible for the entire sourcing lifecycle, including identifying and vetting potential factories, performing on-site audits, negotiating all contracts, and managing supplier relationships from a distance. Manufacturing & Product Development: Collaborates directly with engineering and product teams to translate designs into manufacturable products. Provides critical feedback on materials, processes, and cost efficiency during the development phase.

  • Creative Technology Ltd (Singapore)
    • Patent Manager
      Aug 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 11 mos

      Manages Creative's Worldwide patent and design portfolios as well as providing expert advice and services for patent drafting, filing and prosecution of patents worldwide. Responsibilities include: • Manage Creative’s global patent and design portfolios, overseeing filing, prosecution, and maintenance. • Provide expert guidance on patent laws, prior art research, invention assessment, and licensing strategies. • Develop and implement IP policies and strategies to protect and maximize the company’s innovations. • Support the Legal team in patent infringement defense, prosecution, and validity assessments.

    • Manager, Business Development
      May 2012 - Aug 2017 · 5 yrs 4 mos

      Reporting to the Vice President of Zii Advance Products, my role was to assist and coordinate business development activities for the business unit. Key Responsibilities: • Identified new market opportunities and developed strategies to drive business growth. • Acted as the primary liaison for internal teams and external partners to assess capabilities and align product development. • Conducted market research, competitive analysis, and partner evaluations to support strategic decision-making. • Represented the company at conferences, meetings, and industry events to expand business networks.

  • Director, Business Development at ZiiLABS
    Apr 2012 - Apr 2013 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Senior Project Manager at QMax Pte Ltd
    Jun 2009 - Jun 2012 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Led the WiMAX 2010 Program, overseeing vendor selection, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Represented the company in regulatory meetings, secured additional spectrum for backhaul, and supported business expansion at ZiiMAX.

  • Senior Manager at ZiiMAX Pte Ltd
    Jun 2010 - May 2012 · 2 yrs

    • Collaborated with leadership to develop a business plan for Singapore’s first Mobile 4G network. Managed device identification, sales projections, and flagship store planning to drive market adoption.