The Malaysian Insight

USING big data analytics and artificial intelligence are among proposals submitted to the Penang state government on how to measure the level of happiness of its citizens, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

In August last year, Chow said Penang was mulling a happiness index after unveiling the state’s Penang 2030 vision.

He told reporters today that immediately after his announcement, the state government received two proposals on how to conduct such an index.

“There were suggestions to use big data analytics and artificial intelligence technology to gauge how people feel about issues prevalent in society.

“One proposal said that feedback must be collected from all the people, but how do you get everybody to measure their happiness?” said Chow.

He also cited the challenges in parameters used to measure happiness, which could be subjective.

“How do you measure happiness? It’s like asking how to measure what makes a perfect family. It may not be possible,” Chow said.

“But I believe the technology is there. It is just how and what we want to measure.”

He said they would likely have to turn to social media posts on popular platforms like Facebook to get data.

“What are the people writing? It may be about their jobs, income, family problems, and public and social issues like cleanliness, road congestions, and drug problems.”

Chow said the state should be able to share more information about the proposed happiness index, along with the larger Penang 2030 vision, by May, which marks the first anniversary of his administration after last year’s May 9 polls.

“We will publish a booklet to explain the vision with more details.”

He said Penang 2030 has four themes, with 16 initiatives to be followed by actual projects and programmes.

The first theme is increasing liveability to enhance quality of life by addressing housing affordability and diversity; improving public safety, cleanliness, welfare, and care systems; and diversifying recreation, sports, arts and culture facilities.

The second is upgrading the economy to raise household incomes through preparing local manufacturing industries for the digital age and green economy; modernising and diversifying sustainable agriculture; creating more quality tourism projects statewide; and building an ecosystem that nurtures creative industries and niche business services.

The third deals with empowering the people to strengthen civic participation by uplifting vulnerable communities and reducing inequality; boosting the participation of youth, women, and seniors in community life; creating more platforms for public involvement in social development; and accelerating programme delivery and institutional reform.

The fourth theme is investing in built environments to improve societal resilience by balancing development through effective spatial planning; strengthening mobility, connectivity and digital infrastructure; and integrating municipal services with smart technologies; and implementing climate change adaptation plans.

He said Chong Eng, the two-term exco in charge of women, family development, non-Muslim affairs and gender inclusivity, would be in the forefront of running programmes related to the Penang 2030 vision.

“The vision has a family-focused theme, and Chong’s portfolio deals with such issues. So she has been leading such programmes.

“This is a long undertaking, a process to work on for the next 10 years. We can’t achieve the objectives immediately. But if we can achieve the goals, Penang will be a smarter, greener and happier state.” – January 26, 2019.