The recently-concluded Festival of Ideas was about the sharing of ideas and innovations aimed at boosting the economy of the state.
Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Zambry Abdul Kadir said that the auspicious event, the first in Asia, was in line with the state’s vision to ‘internationalise’ Perak.
“Over 25 activities are being held around Ipoh involving people from all walks of life and in various fields of expertise such as entrepreneurship, education, arts and culture.
“Perak has the potential to reach international level, as we’d envisioned. This is one of our strategies besides celebrating Visit Perak Year 2017,” said Zambry in his opening remarks at the start of the 5-day festival held at Kinta Riverfront Hotel.
Festival of Ideas was held from September 6 to 10 involving NGOs, institutes of higher learning and local entrepreneurs. A related event was also held at Bulatan Aman Jaya, Meru.
Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi, the Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Multimedia and Communications stated that the festival could spice up the state tourism industry in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017.
“Besides making Perak the centre for various programmes and activities, it also serves as a convenient meeting point for thinkers to formulate ideas for the betterment of the state.
“The festival creates opportunities for art enthusiasts to showcase their talents to visitors, both in and out of the state,” she added.
Rosli Mansor
