Dressed in a smart suit accompanied with a confident stride, former Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson may look like any other politician who owns expensive gadgets and read out pre-written speeches.
However, a careful observer will notice that the 65-year-old man who had helmed Sweden for 10 years, carries a notepad and a pen, with neatly scribbled sentences that will come in handy during his speeches.
This may come as a surprise to many as he had openly declared that he is not afraid of new technology.
But this ‘conservative’ act is looked upon as a learning process by him.
“I have met many politicians who read out speeches that have been written by someone else. But I write my own speeches with a pen and a paper.
“Yes, it is a new world. But a pen and a paper is good tools if you want to stay active intellectually,” he said during his speech at the 2013 World Innovation Forum (WIFKL2013).
Surprisingly, the man has also refused to join the social media frenzy that has seized the world today.
This is because Persson values his privacy and he wants to live his life to the fullest.
“I am worried about the integrity of the social media. I have my own life that I want to live,” said the man who takes time off from his busy schedule to attend to his livestock in yet another role as a farmer.
Despite his traditional believes, Persson strongly encourages innovation and think about it as a constant reform that is needed in a progressive nation.
He said a good education system will ensure a thriving innovation industry.
“It is not a 66-year-old that is the driving force of innovation, but it is a six-year-old. Start them young. It is important that every child receives good education.
“The new society that is emerging is built on brain power and on intellectual capability,” he said.
Persson is also all praises on Malaysia’s innovative initiatives.
“Malaysia is developing powerfully and in comparison with countries with the same income group, Malaysia is the top.
“I like the people, I like the ambitions and I like what has been achieved by Malaysia so far. I have seen what your companies are capable of and I want to see Sweden and Malaysia as partners,” he said.
T K Letchumy Tamboo
Wed Nov 13 2013
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