Connecting govt, business and civil society for high income country status

Exclusive Report By Muhammad Basir Roslan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26  -- Connecting a society consisting of government, business and civil society (GBC) sectors towards achieving the concept of 'Araya Tri-Sectors' is a must for developing nations in achieving the High Income Country (HIC) status.

Chairman of Nation-Building Institute International (NBII) Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak said that the tri-partite have to focus their manpower on innovative economy, inclusive society and politics of integrity so that the dream of achieving HIC status is no longer just a dream.

"As I have proposed the concept of 'Araya Tri-Sectors', it must include three main areas which is innovative economy that fully utilises the tools of science, technology and innovation which are now available and can be easily accessed, inclusive society means that a nation must get rid of the inequality which contributes to the lack of human capital and purchasing power.

"Integrity politics comprising of leadership, management and morality, which requires cooperation among the three sectors to establish consensus on national development strategies and to push the country forward," he told Bernama when met at the 3rd International Conference on Nation-Building (ICNB) Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony here, today. 

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Nation-Building Institute Malaysia Datuk Dr Jessie Tang said that the 3rd ICNB is a great platform for the participating nations to exchange innovative knowledge and experiences pertaining to various pressing issues from sustainable economic, political and social development.

Jessie also added that this year's theme 'Connecting Government, Business and Civil Society towards the Development of a High Income Nation', underscores the fact that solving social problems and building the nation require close cooperation of the 'tri-sector'.

"Technological advancement nowadays gives birth to more informed electorates and an active civil society resulting on more fluidity, movement and dynamics of the society.

"Hence, consultation process between these tri-partite will become very important in shaping public policies to adapt to the changing conditions and needs of the nations," she said.

During the event, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali was announced as the recipient of the Woman's Nation Building Award while AirAsia Group Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes was the recipient of the Nation-Building Institute (NBI) Lifetime Achievement (private sector) award. 

The Bangkok-based NBII organised the event in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), and Centre for Research, Advisory and Technology (CREATE).

-- BERNAMA