There is a need to create a systematic
structure to enable contributors
or participants to channel their
knowledge and experience in a
creative manner, not confined by
short-term interests, biased opinions or prejudices.
The process of designing and implementing these
activities is called Foresight.
If you are reading this, you will be aware that a
National Foresight initiative was conducted with the
objective of identifying and prioritizing technology
areas for Malaysia. Various engagement sessions
were held to provide stakeholders.
It is worth to note that stakeholder’s engagement
in some of the programmes was overwhelming
that changes were required to be made on how
the programme was to be conducted as well as
requirement of larger venue for workshops and
focus groups. This demonstrates there is interest
in foresight activities as well as the willingness
of participants to contribute and channel their
knowledge and experience for the national
wellbeing.
Therefore in this issue, we are unveiling the outcome
of the foresight engagement; areas that were
identified as important to Malaysia in the future;
areas that the stakeholders feel significant towards
creating a sustainable Malaysia in meeting the
challenges and objectives of New Economic Model
and Vision 2020.
Since the beginning of the year we have already
presented this to certain quarters and already
we’re receiving feedback. We welcome these. Since
foresight is a continuous process, the feedback
received will assist us in refining these areas. We are
also glad to see there are already uptakes on the focus
areas in the horizon.
During the course of presenting the findings, we
were asked; How did we get to this conclusion?
What methods were used?
Well the methods that were chosen signify the
needs to cater its adoption to Malaysia’s case
studies. Therefore the selection and combination
of methods are made to ensure the best outcome
and participation of stakeholders in Malaysia. This
includes but not limited to the following:- |
- The need to educate potential stakeholders on
the benefits and potential impact of foresight;
- To negate the relatively high level of cynicism
of the stakeholders;
- To enable change of thinking and mind set,
thinking of the futures rather than today;
- To inculcate and incorporate discipline and
subjectivity. This includes receptiveness
towards methods and systematic approaches of
foresight;
- To ensure engagement of diverse and equal
distribution of participants;
- The need to sustain continued interest in the
foresight exercises by introducing creative and
participatory approaches;
- Enabling use of multi tools environment (social
networking sites; online forum etc.)
Further insights on methods available on foresight
and how it is chosen are covered by Rafael Popper’s
'Critical Factors Influencing The Selection of
Foresight Methods'. We believe this this will
provide an interesting reading for those interested
in conducting their own foresight.
You would also be able to see how foresight
contributes significantly in a country S&T Planning.
Hyun Yim’s article provides an insight how this was
achieved in South Korea.
It is worth to note that further stakeholders
engagement will be conducted for the rest of 2011.
We will be embarking on a nationwide engagement
with the youth. We firmly believe that we can’t
really talk about the future without talking to those
who will be there in the first place. We will also be
conducting foresight workshops and focus groups
in selected areas of interest and perhaps will be
calling on you to participate. To date we have started
to embark on initial work on both natural fibres as
well as rail.
We know that after going through the magazine you
will have formed your opinion on certain matters.
We want to hear them. We welcome your feedback
and contribution.
I am sure you will find the magazine beneficial and
worth your time.
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