The National Technology Foresight (NTF 2010) was meant to identify STI areas of priorities by systematically looking at the issues, trends as well as drivers for the future. Plausible scenarios were then created to enable the identification of technology priorities that is required to support the nation’s vision 2020.

Common themes were developed whereby the technology identified must fulfil one or more of the following criteria:-

1. The stakeholders unanimously agreed that any development of technology must be
green and environmentally friendly.

2. In moving forward, the technology identified must contribute towards easy mobility. This includes the technology and the science of making things smaller for ease of movement as well as enabling efficient transport of things.

3. Any technology developed or acquired must be modular and scalable to meet the needs of the future. Hence the technology growth could be strategically planned and adopted accordingly.

4. Emphasis on security was raised by the stakeholders whereby any technology developed or acquired must be secure or contributes towards the future security of the nation.

Guided by the theme, the foresight initiatives have identified nine (9) technology areas which Malaysia should give priority to drive future growth. The nine (9) technology areas identified are:

1. Advanced Manufacturing;
2. Domestic Security and National Safety;
3. Food Security;
4. Future Energy;
5. Medical & Healthcare;
6. Plantation Crops;
7. Transportation;

8. Waste Management;
9. Water Security.

In addition, a further five (5) areas have been identified as a cross cutting and converging areas whereby development of these technology areas will have an effect on multiple sectors and areas as well as it wide ranging and cross cutting applications.

The five (5) cross cutting and converging areas are:-

1. Biotechnology
2. Electronics
3. ICT
4. Materials Science
5. Nanotechnology