11 transactions were executed using one payment card, whereas in the EU Member States, more than 35 transactions per one card were recorded. A detailed discussion of these issues and proposals of potential activities aimed at the spreading of non-cash payments will be delivered by Mr. Adam Tochmański, Director of the Payment System Department, in the second part of today’s session. There is no doubt, however, that a strong link exists between the development of the payment system and the e-economy. Efficient and modern payment infrastructure is required for settlement of transactions in the e-economy, whereas the volume of those transactions will grow only in the environment of rapidly developing e-economy and e-administration that support one another. I have mentioned previously the economic transformations related to the advancing globalization. It is crystal clear that administration does not remain indifferent to the globalization forces. Although the functions of administration have retained their objectives as defined in a traditional nation-state — creating the strategy and conducting the policy, establishing the law and regulations, and providing services to citizens — their scope has already changed. To give an example, determining the strategy and conducting the policy cannot take place without participation of specialists in a given field from outside the public sector, the law and conditions of operation must be aligned with the trends brought in by globalization, and the provision of public services must take into account the growing needs of citizens, efficiency maximization and the chances that the use of practices of the private sector gives.

It allowed shared knowledge and expertise to tap into opportunities to create scale and efficiencies for the development of common infrastructure. Another area that has leveraged effectively on partnerships has been in developing the ecosystem to support start-up businesses. An example of this is the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) ASEAN Startup track which builds a community of startups within ASEAN and accelerates their timeto-market-readiness. There are also various financial technology or ‘fintech’ initiatives by regional financial institutions that foster partnerships to accelerate financial innovators in the region. In 1919, an American biochemist discovered the four basic building blocks that form the DNA’s iconic double helix structure. Similarly, I believe that successful partnerships are also anchored by four strong foundations in its DNA, namely Adaptability and Responsiveness, Complementarity, Trust, and Governance. Let me elaborate on these essential foundations for success for aspiring policymakers and entrepreneurs to reflect on. The first base of a strong partnership is adaptability and responsiveness. In today’s world, challenges will not be easily addressed with conventional and one-dimensional solutions. With greater interconnectedness and intensification of competition, one needs to draw on broader perspectives that can be gained from partnerships, to build the agility to manage in an everchanging environment. In a partnership, it is important to strive for mutual respect and recognition of the differing needs, preferences and interests, and to encourage an open dialogue around them.