Malaysia Should Look Beyond 2020 For Sustainable Growth, Says AirAsia X Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, which is almost certain to attain the developed nation status by 2020, should now focus on the new generation being productive, innovative and efficient says AirAsia X Bhd Chairman Rafidah Aziz. She said looking at the population structure today, those below 30 years of age made up almost 56 per cent of the population and fell within the Gen-Y category. "As such, productivity, innovativeness and efficiency in the workforce as well as, consumption must focus and bear in mind Gen-Y traits. "Public and private sectors, as well as, academia must continue to give emphasis on these areas so that the approach taken would be in line with the requirements and needs of the generation and the market. "The three parties should collaborate to forge a strong innovative culture," Rafidah told reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Productivity and Innovation Conference and Exposition (APIC) held in conjunction with the 20th Asia Pacific Quality Conference (APQC) here Monday. Rafidah advised public sector enablers to be innovative in their approaches in legislative and procedures, as well as, in their decision making process and not be a hindrance to a challenging global business environment. She added that technological readiness and primary and tertiary level education must be given prompt attention so that the nation's new workforce are not neglected. The three-day conference was organised by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation and participated by about 2,300 participants from 18 Asia Pacific countries. --BERNAMA