Success of NBOS determines public happiness - PM

The National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) does not only act as a catalyst for the growth in gross domestic product (GDP), investment and financial markets.

Instead, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, the initiative is instrumental in improving the people's economy as well as determining their happiness.

"Blue ocean strategies can be formulated and implemented in any state that wishes to create high impacts - not just on what we call the capital economy: GDP growth, big business, large investment projects, financial markets and the like; but also the people economy.

"By that I mean what matters most to the people: jobs, small businesses, the cost of living, lifelong learning, family wellbeing, social inclusion and harmony; and issues such as crime, traffic, pollution and work-life balance.

"In short, the things that determine public happiness," said Datuk Seri Najib in his keynote address when opening the International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy (ICBOS) here Tuesday.

Datuk Seri Najib also acknowledged that a major challenge for him is not only in determining the country's success but also shaping the future of the country.

"A successful Malaysia, yes. But also happy Malaysians, with challenging and meaningful jobs, a sense of fraternity, and the knowledge that both reward and responsibility come from uniting as a harmonious and increasingly prosperous society.

"That has been my defining challenge since becoming prime minister. Together, I know that we can meet that challenge, achieve our goals, and set Malaysia on a confident course for the rest of the 21st century," he said.

The Prime Minister who is also Finance Minister said, the transformation Malaysia needs will see it forges a high income nation that hits not just the GDP per capita target, but also the target of including all our people, empowering them, and building a sustainable and resilient future for them.

"We want that future to be one in which our children and their children see no goal they cannot reach; but also know that they have the tools and the right support on their journeys, and that they belong to a community and country in which no Malaysian is left behind," he added.