PUTRAJAYA: The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) today unveiled its game plan in leveraging on social innovation initiatives to stimulate the growth of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).
Its chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq said during its closed-door meeting with prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak had asked the NCIA to bring more of such initiatives to the northern states.
"Social innovation refers to innovative services that are motivated by the goal of meeting a social need.
"It is about how we use innovations to make the world a better place ... We are all about being inclusive with very people-centric programmes.
"This concept has been adapted from the 11th Malaysia Plan, where social innovation was identified as one of the key drivers for economic growth involving the B40 group," said Redza.
Among the programmes undertaken by NCIA are the Community Innovation Center (CIC) programme, 3D Printing, Orang Asli Social Inclusion programme, Agricultural Entrepreneurship for the Disabled, Community Based Tourism, Modern Farming using Fertigation Method and SuriaKu @ MySuria.
Social innovation will be one of the key transformation strategies to bring about impactful outcomes for those residing within the NCER states, Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Penang.
Redza said the highlights of the meeting included the showcase of the Kubu Gajah CIC and 3D prosthetic limbs by MyVista.
"Via its MCash programme, NCIA provided assistance to MyVista, a prosthetic limbs through 3D technology printing.
"While, CIC Kubu Gajah is an example of a successful social innovation with the production of high quality honey," he added.
Asked if NCIA would have more new plans in the pipeline for its social innovation programme, Redza hinted there were several, which would be announced by the respective states’ menteris besar.
On NCIA's progress report in developing the economic corridor in the north, Redza said the authority had attracted RM4.65 billion in private sector participation and created 5,033 job opportunities, as of June this year.
"Cumulatively, this amounts to RM84.5bil worth of investments from the private sector, with 108,630 jobs created from the year 2009 to June 2017."