PETALING JAYA, 1 May: The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for 2013-2014 announced by the World Economic Forum places Malaysia 24th, down by one spot, compared to the GCI 2012-2013.
Malaysia is ranked eight among Asian countries, recording 5.03 points, compared to Switzerland, which is at the top spot with 5.67 points and Singapore, with 5.61 points.
The Mayor of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad, said that this index is based on 12 pillars of national competitiveness.
These 12 pillars are; institution, infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, health and basic education, higher education and training, market efficiency, labour market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business complexity and innovation.
“What is interesting to the Council is our country’s level of infrastructure is ranked 29, with a score of 5.19. To enhance the competitiveness of the country in particular, and the city in general, the forum recommends a catalyst for efficiency and innovation, in terms of the provision of infrastructure and public facilities in the city.
“Integrating public transportation with activities and the behaviour of road users in order to encourage frequency and longer distances for trips,” Alinah said in MBPJ’s 4th Full Meeting at the MBPJ Headquarters today.
She added that the use if existing public facilities, such as bus stops, pedestrian and bicycle paths, public transport information signage and ‘Park N Ride’ facilities should be reviewed to diversify the use of the facilities involved.
“The bus stop has become the main focus by providing free WiFi to encourage reading or even physical equipment, like swings, for the purpose of training or edutainment, while people are waiting for the bud,” added Alinah.
Meanwhile, when touching on the ‘Livable City Petaling Jaya @ Section 52’ pilot project, Alinah said that MBPJ has set aspirations to plan the development of Petaling Jaya City as a city that is livable, loved and soulful.
“A soulful city is hospitality-minded, rather than industry. It is a way of life and a system that is always open,” added Alinah.