By P .Chandra Sagaran
The Perak State Government marked a milestone with the launch of the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040 aimed at transforming the state into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by digital economy.
Both strategic plans are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure, empower human capital and stimulate innovation and technology investment towards comprehensive and high impact socio-economic development.
The event was officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad here on June 4.
Present were State Communications,Multimedia and NGO Committee Chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi, State Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching and other senior state government officials.
Saarani in his speech said:”The successful implementation of smart cities supports digital economic development, while digital economic growth strengthens a city’s ability to become smarter and more resilient.
“The Digital Economy Agenda is one of the nine key agendas under Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan, launched in 2021 to develop an inclusive, resilient and sustainable socio-economy for all people of Perak.
“We took into account feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including federal and state departments, local authorities, the private sector, academia, NGOs and local communities,” he added.
As a prime mover for a large part of the implementation of Perak Sejahtera 2030, Perak State Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said,” In line with Flagship 11 – Digital Economy, which focuses on sustainability and enhancing the state’s competitiveness as a progressive digital investment hub and Flagship 16 – SMART Perak (Smart City Ipoh 2030).
“Both plans serve as comprehensive frameworks for driving digital technology adoption. They aim to improve the efficiency of public services, urban management and overall quality of life for the people.
“In turn will further strengthen the state’s administrative capabilities and position Perak as a more efficient and competitive state,” he added.
Meanwhile Mohd Azlan Helmi in a statement said:”The application of technology and Industrial Revolution 4.0 like Internet of Things (loT), 5G, artificial intelligence and big data analytics will bring new impacts in improving the capabilities of the state and people.
“With planned action plans and state government support, the effects of infrastructure development drive integrated digital development,” he added.
Commenting on the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040, Ng said:” several local authorities have successfully attained Early Adopter status in implementing smart city initiatives.
“These include Ipoh City Council, Teluk Intan, Manjung Municipal Councils and Kampar District Council. This achievement places these local authorities at the forefront of digital technology adoption in urban governance and service delivery,” he added.