Creativity and innovation, crucial elements in shaping economic growth: Ali Hamsa

PUTRAJAYA: Creativity and innovation are crucial elements to achieve strong economic growth and enhance public well-being in efforts to transform and build service excellence, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

He said governments must now listen to the people, humanise public services and intensify the use of innovative platforms to deliver public services.

"NBOS (National Blue Ocean Strategy) has fostered closer collaboration and coordination between government agencies and enhanced the participation of various stakeholders, including the private sector and NGOs.

"The success would not have been achieved if not for the commitment of all parties to implement the NBOS initiatives and, most importantly, in gaining citizens support," he said in his welcoming remarks at the International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy (ICBOS) here today.

The ICBOS themed "Transforming Nations through Creativity and Innovation" is being held in conjunction with the 2016 NBOS International Week which began Sunday and ends on Aug 20 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). — Bernama