Najib, Exemplary Leader In Hyperconnected World

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak has proven to be an exemplary leader of the hyper-connected world, by actively engaging with social media such as Facebook and Twitter. To mark the opening of the Umno International Forum Monday, Najib, who is also the Umno president, has tweeted 'Welcome to UMNO International Forum 2014 on "A Hyperconnected World " with a hashtag #UIF2014. The annual forum themed 'A Hyperconnected World: Challenges in Nation Building' was held in conjunction with the Umno General Assembly 2014 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Monday. Since 10.25am, some 318 users had been favouriting Najib's tweet and 1,100 had retweeted it. Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who also retweeted Najib's tweet, said the prime minister is an avid user of social media with 2.2 million followers on Twitter and 2.7 million on Facebook. In his welcoming address at the forum, Ahmad Shabery said: "He (Najib) tweets regularly and keeps his Facebook page updated all the time. Check him out on Instagram." "This makes it tough to follow for party leaders at all levels. When you have a leader who connects directly with millions of people, you cannot afford not to go down the same path," he said. Citing the World Economic Forum, Ahmad Shabery said hyperconnectivity is increasing digital interconnections with people and things, anytime and anyplace. "As networked devices become ubiquitous and society becomes inundated with data, coupled with the internet of things such as phones, cameras, your watch perhaps, the fridge, microwave ovens, cars and in future even your glasses will be connected," he said. Speaking to Bernama later, Ahmad Shabery said there are many implications arising from hyperconnectivity, both good and bad, whereby the political landscape has become more exciting and challenging than before. "The good thing in the hyperconnected world is that we have new resources like data, which is a growing thing to reach more people and get more information. For example, you want to get an attire, you can select the colour or sizes from the data. "This is good for the expansion of business since the market is really big. However, the limitation will probably come in big gaps such as urban-rural, and age groups," he said, adding that adaptability would be another issue to look into. In the world of hyperconnectivity, Ahmad Shabery said news spread instantaneously, although some news, rumours and lies may create confusion and disharmony. Commenting on the forum's opening ceremony gimmick, he said: "It is a good show from the prime minister. The gimmick is very easy and cheap yet it is very meaningful as it can and would reach millions of people in and outside the conference hall. The two-day Umno International Forum will host some 127 foreign delegates from 34 parties representing 22 countries and diplomatic corps from almost 70 countries. -- BERNAMA