PM: LET’S FOCUS ON CREATIVITY
Najib wants Value Innovation Centres in ministries, depts
THE time is ripe for every ministry to form a Value Innovative Centre (VIC), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last night.
Citing Samsung’s success story, Najib said one of the secrets to the company’s success was its ability to churn out new ideas and innovations that were tested and shared via its VIC established at every Samsung branch.
“VIC can become a template in the government. In line with the National Blue Ocean Strategy, VIC will allow innovations to happen at a rapid rate and wider scope.
“I propose that a VIC be formed in the government’s administration and its agencies,” he said at the presentation of the Prime Minister’s Innovation Awards.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and cabinet ministers.
Najib said the VIC initiative should be complemented with the appointment of a chief innovation officer at every ministry or department.
“The chief innovation officer will push the public sector’s innovation agenda, so that things are more structured and wellplanned.”
He stressed on the need to put innovation at the heart of the government.
“We must prioritise creativity to raise the value of services (in the public sector), which will benefit the people and the economy.”
He said Malaysia should emulate the United Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen its economy and provide a positive impact to its social cluster via the implementation of an open data initiative by the Nesta Innovation Foundation.
“It has been forecast that the UK economy will generate £5 (RM27) to £10 for every £1 invested in open data innovation.
“Based on this, I have asked the Malaysia Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit to take the lead in Malaysia’s data-driven initiative.
“I have also asked all ministries and departments to give their cooperation.”
He said all initiatives, including Transformasi Nasional 2050, Government Transformation Programme and the Economic Transformation Programme, were founded on the courage to be different.
“They are game changers. In short, it is about having courage to redefine the business and rewrite the rules.”
Quoting Alibaba founder Jack Ma during the launch of the Digital Free Trade Zone on Nov 3, Najib agreed with Ma’s view that Malaysia must cope with drastic changes.
“Drastic changes will happen whether we like it or not. We have no choice and must keep up or risk being left behind.”
He presented the Prime Minister’s Innovation Award to Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) Sdn Bhd for its excellent performance in undertaking the MRT project, which was completed early with a savings of RM2 billion.
MRT Corp received RM1 million and a trophy.
The Higher Education Ministry won second place for its Soaring Upward initiative to strengthen higher education on the global platform, while the Education Ministry and Yayasan Amir took third spot for their public-private cooperation initiative in transforming public schools via funding and expertise from the private sector.