PENANG, 16 January 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will continue to work with higher education institutions abroad to promote and strengthen a culture of innovation and productivity among civil servants in Malaysia and other developing countries.

It was stated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Omar Osman, at a dinner hosted by the university in conjunction with Professor James L. Perry, a well-known academic in public administration from Indiana University in the United States, visit to USM.

 “This collaboration has been strengthened and realised with the establishment of the Centre for Innovation and Productivity in Public Administration (PiPPA) which is responsible for the training of civil servants besides serving as management research institute for the development of human resource in Asia,” said Omar.

He added that, as a research-based training centre, PiPPA hopes to support the transformation efforts of the public sector in Malaysia.

Also present at the dinner were delegates from overseas strategic partners in the study of public administration such as Murdoch University, University of Western Australia, City of Mandurah, City of Rockingham, Australia, and representative from the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia and the principal officers of the university.

 During his visit to USM, Professor James Perry, who is also PiPPA Honorary Advisor, held discussions with PiPPA director and administrators and will deliver a public lecture titled "Motivational Foundations for Productive Public Service in the 21st Century" at USM on January 17. - Text: TAN EWE HOE/Photo: MOHD FAIRUS MD. ISA/Translation: YONG CHECK YOON