‘PERAK IDEAS FEST A FIRST IN REGION’
Suggestions gathered at carnival will be used to develop state
THE Perak Festival of Ideas (PFoI) 2017, which will gather ideas from the public, is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The ideas could contribute to the development of the state’s economy and society.
“We believe this programme is the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia, and we are waiting for confirmation on whether there are similar programmes in Asia,” Zambry said.
“People have many ideas. With this festival, they can contribute at forums, seminars and expositions.
“They are encouraged to speak up and voice their ideas on what they want for the state,” he said at the launch of the festival on Friday.
Present were members of the state executive committee and Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR) chief executive officer Dr Mazalan Kamis.
PFoI began on Wednesday and will end on Tuesday.
There are 70 events at the festival, which was held in conjunction with the Pangkor Dialogue 2017.
The dialogue is organised by the state government in collaboration with IDR and will be held from tomorrow to Tuesday.
Zambry said the dialogue would see the participation of experts and leaders from many fields, including a former United States Air Force officer, a former National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) astronaut, a former president, foreign dignitaries and academicians.
With the theme “Making the Future: Innovative Pathways to Sustainable Development”, the dialogue expects 1,200 local and foreign participants from more than 30 countries.
They will discuss and exchange knowledge on nine focus areas: the economy, nation building, environment, entrepreneurship and innovation, housing, youth, ageing and development, waqf and women.
Zambry expressed his confidence that Perak would become better known for the event, and he hoped that it would convince investors that the state had unique qualities and charm.
Citing the example of San Diego and Nevada in the US, he said both cities developed extensively after organising highprofile international exhibitions and conventions.
“We are committed to this and I’m confident that in four to eight years, the state will reap tremendous benefits and development,” Zambry said.
He said the state hoped to attract local talent who were abroad to return home and contribute to the state’s development.
At another event, titled “Training of the Workforce for Industry 4.0” held yesterday, Zambry said the state was on the right track to increase skilled human resources.
He said the state was not only looking at infrastructure improvements, but also in raising and developing human capital to meet the needs of Industry 4.0.