WE missed the boat in 2020 but we have another chance now. The S&P Global chief economist says Malaysia is on track to become a high-income nation by 2025, thanks to the country’s emerging role as a technology leader.

The definition of a high-income economy is a gross national income (GNI) per capita of more than US$13,200 (RM6,170). Our GNI per capita in 2022 was US$12,000.

Our industry is primarily electronics and integrated circuits manufacturing. Over the next 20 years, we will further develop as a hub for the electronics, software services and communications industry.

We are also one of the beneficiaries of a shift in supply chains to reduce dependency on Northeast Asia due to high labour costs, geopolitics and natural disasters. We offer reliable infrastructure, communications and transport.

We need smart and visionary leaders who can propel us to greater heights. Leaders who ensure the vision becomes reality with clear goals, practical plans.

The leaders must be clean as a new penny. Don’t focus on the minutiae and lose sight of the big picture while glaring inefficiencies are going on. There will be expensive projects and they must be closely monitored .

We do not want dictators but assertive leaders who are open to new ideas.

There must be transparency and clear explanations.

The journey started long ago and to meet the 2025 target, all parties must participate. – June 25, 2023.

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.