Get out of rut, says civil service chief

NST

KUALA LUMPUR: To achieve Malay-sia's new growth trajectory for a high-income economy, the civil sector must make bold and radical improvements in its performance, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan said.

This is because radical changes are required if Malaysia were to realise Vision 2020 and transform itself into a high-income economy.

"It is happening even as we chart the course for the 10th Malaysia Plan," Sidek said.

"If we are looking to be in step with the new economic model that will drive us towards this national goal, we have to change."

Opening the Malaysia custom executive education programme on branding and marketing strategy workshop here yesterday, Sidek reminded the civil sector that it could not achieve its goals if it was stuck in the rut.

"The competition Malaysia faces today is not from the 'low wage, low skill' economies but 'low wage, high skill' economies like China and India.

"Each of these countries is now producing two million graduates a year and the number is rising."

Sidek said Malaysia's competitiveness depended on its ability to match and exceed what was delivered by those economies.

"How do we provide a distinct value proposition to draw tourists and businesses alike, and to remain the preferred investment destination? How do we stand out from the crowd?

"Some answers to these questions can be obtained at this week-long workshop organised by the Higher Education Ministry and Universiti Malaya with the support of the Said Business School, Oxford University."

The workshop focuses on how Malaysia could leverage on its strengths as an Islamic country in areas where it has competitive advantage, such as halal products and services.