Strong Political Leadership Needed to Harmonise Implementation of Digital Economy & Green Economy

By Nurul Hanis Izmir KUCHING (Sarawak), Nov 23 (Bernama) — A strong political leadership is needed to set the tone in harmonising the implementation of digital ecomomy and green economy worldwide, said World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Chairman Musa Hitam. He said each country needed to be aware of the latest technology and keep abreast of it to avoid being left behind. “If we are aware of this, then we are in. But of course, the role of education is also vital. “So much has been thrown into education but the adaptability of each strategy, each policy and the implementation are also crucial to tighten up with the digital economy and green economy,” he said. Musa said this to reporters after the closing ceremony of the three-day 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF). Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister, Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said the state has the political stability to allow it to build stability in businesses and further develop based on its strength and resources. “Moving forward, Sarawak will embrace the digital economy to help it achieve a higher economic level by 2030,” he said. He said the local businesses should not be afraid of the disruptive changes. “They should get ready to face the challenges and at the same time welcome opportunities to enhance their businesses in terms of efficiency and delivery of their products and services,” he said. He said the state’s economy was expected to grow at about four per cent this year following the improvements in the world economy. Prime Minister Najib Razak, in his opening remarks at the 13th WIEF, has proposed that Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia stepped up efforts to enhance collaborations in promoting green economy, including green technology and wildlife conservation. He said Malaysia would help to facilitate further discussions on this proposal within the framework of an appropriate forum involving the countries concerned. The green economy referred to an economy, which aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities to sustain development without degrading the environment. The forum, themed, 'Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenges', is a platform for deeper discussions on industry growth sectors through customised programmes, namely panel discussions, master classes, initiative room, exhibition, and business exchange. -- BERNAMA