WIEF 2017 coincides with S'wak’s goal for digital economy
KUCHING: The 13th World Islamic Economic Forum 2017 (WIEF) falls in line with Sarawak’s goal to build and flourish its digital economy.
Hosted for the first time in Sarawak, WIEF chairman Tun Musa Hitam pointed out that this edition of WIEF focuses on ‘Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenges’, which explores issues such as shifting trade policies and technological disruption.
With Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s goal to boost the development of Sarawak digital economy, Tun Musa said this year’s theme coincides with the state’s ambition to adopt and boost digital economy.
“When we first talked to the chief minister about this forum and his first words were ‘Sarawak is adopting digital economy’.
“It’s very rare that the host’s government is very focus on a theme and we immediately got on point with that.
“So, we made this forum relevant to Sarawak’s ambition,” he told the media during a press conference following the opening of WIEF 2017 yesterday.
As Malaysia’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Musa also commended Abang Jo’s ‘to the point’ personality.
“Political leadership is important to get things moving. But political leadership with determination and dedication and full attention is what we want,” he added.
In its 13th year running, the WIEF has more than doubled the number of participating nations – with participants hailing from economies of all sizes.
As a value neutral platform that brings emerging markets and advanced economies to the same table, the growth of this forum underscores the critical importance of world leaders and captains of industry working together to unlock the next phase of collaboration and growth against a new economic order impacted by disruptive change.
Through this forum, current and aspiring industry players will have the opportunities to share their thoughts and insights on the impacts and challenges of disruptive change and craft a more sustainable and forward looking global business landscape.