Minister of Trade and Investment Tengku Zafrul has shared his 2024 resolution for the economy and trade in general, stressing three point as main tasks..
Here the Minister comments: First, in making investment and trade the key drivers of our economic growth, where we must be willing to take calculated risks in forging a new economic future for Malaysia, especially in the digital and green economies. Second, we absolutely must properly execute our national plans. 2024 is an important year to build on the foundations we have laid. Third, we must stay the course, no matter how hard the challenges.
Important as well, is the need to consistently explain to the rakyat why we do what we do, and how it benefits the public in the long run. The most sustainable outcomes will always take time to execute. But, like it or not, external changes will happen. Ergo, we must make sure Malaysia’s industry is ready sooner rather than later, and MITI is staying the course. Ironically, staying the course means Malaysia must abandon the familiar: including past economic models that served us well for decades but are ripe for change. Malaysians need “moonshot thinking”: an attitude that pushes individuals to firmly believe in achieving something seemingly impossible, such as radical solutions using disruptive technology and approaches to solve seemingly insurmountable problems.
Instead of thinking: “We can’t do X,Y,Z because this is Malaysia, and we’re Malaysians,” we should instead think: “We WILL do X,Y,Z, BECAUSE this is Malaysia and BECAUSE we are Malaysians.” This must be our default setting, laced by a healthy dose of adventure and determination. My professional New Year’s Resolution is to help more Malaysians feel this way—and give them reasons to do so. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen Malaysia’s economic future, where our youths have jobs with decent wages, and our companies are profitable. Meanwhile, my personal resolution is to eat healthier, get fitter and create more meaningful moments with my family. Both will be done, insya-Allah! May we be steadfast in achieving all that we have planned. 2024: we are ready for you!
Zafrul
