The International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy has kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha delivering a speech on the importance of innovation and human resources development.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak delivered the conference’s opening statement, emphasizing the attractiveness of the “Blue Ocean Strategy” with a focus on innovative business models. He said Malaysia itself has placed importance on the development of human resources and community enterprises. Most importantly, the Malaysian government seeks to uplift the wellbeing of its citizens. One major policy that aims to accomplish this goal is the opening of service centers across the country in order to provide people with equal access to government services.

Four other leaders who delivered speeches on innovative development included the King of Swaziland, the President of Nauru, the Vice President of the Maldives and Thailand’s Prime Minister Gen Prayut who spoke of the Thai government’s policies that coincide with the Blue Ocean Strategy, such as the 20-year strategic development plan and the Thailand 4.0 approach.