Amirudin (centre) with winners of the Selangor State Innovation Award. — KK SHAM/ The Star
CREATIVE ideas and continuous innovation are crucial at local authorities as it has helped Selangor progress and transform over time.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said innovation, together with a creative approach, was needed to address and resolve issues.
He said the annual Selangor State Innovation Award (AINS) not only celebrates excellence in innovative products and services but also fosters a culture of innovation.
“This will enable Selangor to be a smart, sustainable and prosperous state,” said Amirudin at the prize-giving ceremony for AINS held at Dewan Jubli Perak, Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam.
He said there would be no success in innovation without the cooperation of various groups, which included strong public-private partnership.
“I would like to record the highest appreciation and gratitude to the private sector, which contributed by introducing the latest technology and offered its technical expertise in helping speed up innovation,” said Amirudin.
There were 306 entries in this year’s AINS, which came from local authorities, district and land offices as well as government agencies.
There were also four categories that were open to the public, namely the private sector, higher education institutions, schools and grassroots.
Amirudin said he was thankful to schools and higher education institutions for inculcating a culture of innovation at the grassroots level.
“Through educational and research programmes, we can bring forth a new creative, critical thinking generation to lead innovation in the near future.
“It is also good to have public participation and give feedback and ideas that help the government to improve its services.
“Getting civil servants involved in the innovation process is important as we know that good government service includes listening and acting on the needs of the people,” he said.
Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) won the platinum award and a RM25,000 grant.
The gold award and RM15,000 grant was won by Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB).
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) took home silver and RM10,000 grant.
Introduced in 2010, the annual awards aim to encourage Selangor folk to develop new ideas and promote innovation.
Amirudin (centre) with winners of the Selangor State Innovation Award. — KK SHAM/The Star
