Create Conditions For Creative Industries To Prosper, Urges PM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Mohd Najib Tun Razak has called for the creation of the opportunities and the environment to put Malaysia's creative industries "in the strongest possible position on the global stage". "So we must invest in local brands with a creative impetus. We must engage with our country’s hottest young talents in a bid to slow the brain drain," the Prime Minister said in his speech at the Putra Brand Awards 2012 here which was read by his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin. Najib said the government cannot achieve this on its own and it will take the combined efforts of all Malaysians working together. "For our part, the Government is investing in new, high-growth industries as part of the Economic Transformation Programme and working to forge a bold new path. "But we also need everyone in the industry to aspire to excellence, to seize the opportunities Malaysia’s development presents and to make the most of the rich resources you have at your disposal," he added. Citing AirAsia, Petronas, Celcom and DiGi as among the country's most impressive brands, Najib also reiterated the need for Malaysians to develop the creative industries as they look to build more global brands. "Roy Disney once remarked that “creativity is a funny thing -– difficult to quantify, but obvious when it's missing” and, with the creative industries currently contributing just 1.6 per cent to our country’s GDP, I think it’s time to admit to ourselves that Disney’s x factor is missing in Malaysia," he said. "As part of my drive to interact and engage with as many Malaysians as possible, I have also launched the 1Malaysia website -– a free and open forum for people to share their thoughts and views about the things they care about," he added. ‘1Malaysia’ is, according to Najib, one of the Government’s flagship brands, expressing the unity in diversity the country’s progress has been built on while being a symbol of Malaysians' shared hopes for the future. "Most of us can readily identify the American dream, French cinema, Italian fashion or Japanese electronics. "And when people think about Malaysia, I want similarly strong and positive associations to spring to mind. "I want people to conjure up images of a distinct country brand -– a progressive, innovative nation whose tolerance and moderation is a beacon to the world. Because by defining our identity -– clearly, proudly, unashamedly -– everyone stands to gain," he said. "But whether the product is as simple as the Maggi instant noodles that grace most Malaysian kitchen shelves or our rather more complex Islamic Finance System, the best-known names are all built on the same foundations: a strong brand essence, robust brand positioning and powerful brand insight that speaks to the hearts, minds and wallets of consumers," he added. -- BERNAMA