International Business Review Awards 2009
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Bismillahir rahmanir rahim
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Salam 1 Malaysia and a very Good Evening
Y. Bhg. Dato’ Alfred Adaikalaraj
Publisher of International Business Review
Y. Bhg. Dato’ Beatrice Nirmala Adaikalaraj, Editor-In-Chief of International Business Review
Yang Berhormat Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri
Your Excellencies, Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Puan Sri-Puan Sri, Datuk-Datuk, Datin-Datin
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening to celebrate the winners of the International Business Review Awards 2009. It has been two years since I first attended this awards ceremony, then known as the Technology Business Review ASEAN Awards. It is good to see that the organisers of this award have continued to honour companies and organisations for their exceptional performance.
2. We are meeting in the midst of much economic uncertainty. For while there appear to be some signs that the world is on the cusp of a recovery, the signals are mixed. Questions are being asked: Is an upswing still some distance away? Are we in a U, V, or are we caught in a W? It seems no one has definite answers. But what seems clear is that the global economy post-crisis will be increasingly influenced by the new players, specifically from Asia.
3. And it is during times like these that events such as the International Business Review Awards serve to remind us that businesses are rising to the challenge of the times; that there are opportunities and promises ahead.
4. To be sure, the Government is focused on ensuring Malaysia stays on the path to economic growth. We are determined that the worst is over for us and that we have moved beyond the bottom of the curve. The challenge now is to ensure that our recovery is sustained. And this we are doing through a host of measures, not least of which is the emphasis on monitoring implementation of initiatives and projects put in place, whether under the two stimulus packages or the various development plans.
5. Integral to the success of our plans is the environment that would support their implementation. In this context we are placing a premium on improving and enhancing the public delivery system. This is because an effective delivery system not only facilitates the implementation of the projects as planned, but it also impacts the cost of doing business.
6. Much is being done to make the government machinery more efficient. We have introduced performance targets; we are working on reducing red tape and eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy and decision making. We are promoting transparency and higher standards of governance at all levels of government. This greater clarity and improved integrity in public service delivery will surely increase confidence in the Government, and ultimately improve national competitiveness.
7. But national success and competitiveness is not just about the role of Government. The private sector must be active collaborators in this process. And you will note that in announcing the 2010 Budget, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak stressed that the private sector must remain the engine of growth for Malaysia, while the Government, its facilitator. This can only become a reality if the private sector too focuses on improving its delivery system, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and governance.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. Events such as the International Business Review Awards are not just about recognising excellence. It is also about providing the avenue to network and share ideas and experience. It is about national champions working with world champions.
9. I know that there are a number of companies here from ASEAN member states. ASEAN economic integration, as envisaged under the ASEAN Economic Community, or AEC, Blueprint, is all about creating a seamless market for goods, services and investment within the region. The business communities of ASEAN will be the main beneficiaries of the AEC. Let us then use functions such as this to build alliances to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise from such regional integration.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. Let me conclude by thanking the organisers of the International Business Review Awards, Dato’ Alfred Adaikalaraj and Dato’ Beatrice Nirmala, for the honour given to me this evening to share in your celebrations.
Congratulations to all the winners and I wish you all the very best.
Thank you.
