KUCHING: Civil servants must abandon the business-as-usual mindset and embrace creativity and innovation as a fundamental necessity in today’s public service delivery.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said this at the opening of the 2026 Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) Innovative and Creative Group (KIK) Convention on Tuesday (June 9).
He noted that the challenges of modern public service demand that government employees think outside the box, stressing that innovation is no longer optional but an essential requirement in the public sector.
“Innovation is no longer a choice but a primary necessity in the public sector,” he said.
“By implementing innovation, we can ensure quality services are delivered to meet the increasingly complex needs of our customers and the public.”
He noted that the efforts presented at this year’s convention demonstrated that the ministry’s workforce holds tremendous potential to contribute ideas that go beyond mere cost and time savings, extending to improving the efficiency of service delivery systems.
He also highlighted the significance of this year’s convention, which saw agencies participating in KIK for the very first time.
He acknowledged that such efforts were not without challenge, as they required teamwork, creativity and sustained innovation throughout the KIK process, alongside continued support from management and departmental heads.
“Because of teamwork, many things can be managed and resolved across departments. I believe participation in KIK groups will continue to grow from year to year.”
He added that every participant carries the role of a leader – one tasked with driving change and helping the ministry achieve the broader goal of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
He also drew attention to the rapid global shift toward artificial intelligence (AI), urging civil servants to keep pace with current technological developments.
He warned that failure to adapt would leave the ministry stagnant while the world moves forward.
The convention’s theme, ‘Creative Innovation, Effective Solutions’, was described as more than a competition platform. It reflects the ministry’s ongoing commitment to resolving problems creatively and collectively, while continuously improving its service delivery.
“With the same commitment from all parties, this innovation is also capable of creating a work culture that is efficient and cost-effective,” Len Talid said.
He called on all staff to sustain the spirit of teamwork beyond the convention floor and into their daily duties, in pursuit of Sarawak’s long-term development aspirations.
He expressed confidence that innovations born from sound ideas would propel Sarawak forward, positioning the state as a role model for creative thinking and innovation among other states in Malaysia.
“The creativity and innovation nurtured throughout this participation does not stop here,” he said.
“Continue to cultivate the team spirit in our daily tasks for the sake of realising the sustainability of Sarawak’s development in the future.”
