FOREWORD BY THE CHAIRMAN

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 12th MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) meeting and also thank you for accepting the invitation to be with us. 

I am pleased to announce that this year's IAP meeting represents a gathering of some of the most sought after thought leaders in the world of ICT today. This is indeed a significant meeting in that it comes at a critical juncture for Malaysia as the country positions itself to make the transformation to a developed nation status against a backdrop of dramatic financial, geopolitical and technological shifts that are reshaping our world.   

It is with this in mind that we decided the theme of this year’s IAP would be: “Innovation Economy: Paving the Path to Prosperity" as we aspire to become a country of quality innovators and doers, and not a nation of mere followers. We also realize that the complexities of the world today present challenges that demand new ways of thinking and problem solving.  

We have prepared an intellectually and socially stimulating agenda for the meeting, aimed at providing a platform for interactive discourse, mutual learning and relationship-building in line with the original spirit of the IAP - an elite circle of pre-eminent industry icons providing counsel in the form of direction, strategies and actionable ideas to the government of Malaysia. 

During the meeting, you will hear of our plans to elevate Malaysia from the high middle income tier to that of a high income status. You will also learn of our intention to introduce new national paradigms to unleash talent, raise productivity and forge a new economic model powered by creativity, innovation and high value services, particularly in the area of ICT such as software development, creative multimedia and shared services.  The key emphasis in all these is that progress needs to be inclusive so that we strengthen our social fabric and ensure that as many Malaysians as possible will benefit.  

I am also heartened that our National ICT Initiative, MSC Malaysia, is steering the country in the desired direction of spurring the local ICT industry. I am pleased that it continues to narrow the digital divide whilst simultaneously establishing the country as a recognized global ICT hub – becoming home to mission critical operation centers for Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs who will create some of tomorrow's technology.  In this context, we will also be talking about the next phase of MSC Malaysia - aptly named MSC Malaysia 2.0 - which aims to articulate our newly expanded ICT vision for society and the country’s economy. 

The government of Malaysia is eager to hear your suggestions on how we can weave ICT and related technologies into our overall developed nation strategy as well as any other feedback and ideas that you may have.  I hope you will take some time to see for yourself the progress we've made in Cyberjaya, the heart of MSC Malaysia, whilst enjoying the warm hospitality and friendship that is uniquely Malaysian . 

Thank you.

Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Chairman of the 12th MSC Malaysia IAP Meeting