IPOH: A smart partnership is one of the key elements to ensure the success of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan.
Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the plan, launched by the state government, was guided by the mission of driving sustainable, inclusive and socio-economic development.
"This plan highlights several key principles, but I would like to focus on the crucial ones — firstly, leveraging our strengths; and secondly, fostering smart partnerships.
"What is a smart partnership? This is about the state recognising the fact that the private sector drives economic growth, while the state's role is to be an enabler and facilitator for this growth.
"Why the private sector? It is because, historically, any form of sustainable economic development has been driven by the private sector, supported by business-friendly policies at both state and federal levels.
"We need the private sector to provide innovation, efficiency, investment and funding, as they (private companies) are the ones that create jobs and business opportunities," he said.
He was among four panelists at the Forum of Five Growth Nodes of Perak Sejahtera 2030 — A Journey of Regeneration, held in conjunction with the launch of the Perak Economic Outlook 2025.
The forum, moderated by veteran journalist Kamarul Bahrin Haron, took place at Casuarina Hotel @ Meru here today.
The other panelists were State Urban and Rural Planning Department director Mohamed Zamri Mohd Zain; Gamuda Bhd Group chief digital officer John Lim Ji Xiong; and Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs senior manager of research, Alissa Marianne Rode.
The five growth nodes are Automotive High-Tech Valley, Silver Valley Technology Park, Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park and Halal Industrial Park.
Redza said these five growth nodes were essential parts of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 development framework.
"How do we position these areas to enable the private sector to thrive and prosper in Perak? This is where the concept of growth nodes comes in.
"These growth nodes are designed to balance socio-economic development across different regions. It's important for the people of Perak to understand that there are five growth nodes, each located in different areas.
"This is because the state government recognises that each region is unique and has its own strengths and value propositions," he said.
He added that each location harnessed the unique value of its respective area to ensure both economic and social impacts.
"When we concentrate economic activity in these nodes, we create ecosystems. Efficient land-use planning, infrastructure development, and balanced regional development contribute to a value proposition that attracts private sector investments.
"Policy and governance play a crucial role. When all of these factors come together, we also need to produce talent. This is where Perak has an advantage," he said.
Zamri emphasised the importance of using the state structural plan in investment decision-making.
"The plan serves as a vital tool in this process, providing a comprehensive framework that guides investors by offering insights into regional development goals, land use policy, infrastructure projects, and economic priorities.
"The state structural plan outlines the long-term vision and development goals of a region by aligning investment decisions with these strategic priorities.
"With this, investors can ensure that their projects contribute to regional growth and receive support from local authorities.
"This plan identifies key areas for development, such as industrial zones, commercial hubs and residential areas," he said.
Meanwhile, Lim highlighted four key success factors for driving successful transformation and adoption.
"These are boldness to act and transform, win-win partnerships, solving for talent and creating foundational projects.
"Now we talk about AI (artificial intelligence) and all the latest technology. The question is, are we bold enough to make a change in the way we approach things?
"It is also crucial for the private sector to work together with the government on a long-term basis, with both parties equally taking risks and developing new ways of citizen interaction and benefits," he said.