It is my pleasure to bring you the latest edition of myForesight® magazine, our second one for 2019. If
this is not the first time you have this magazine in your hands, you would have realised that for each edition, we will focus on a specific theme and develop supplemental articles around it—providing insights and discussion points to frame future oriented topics.
For the past year, I have been involved in a few panel discussions that talked at length about “Malaysia Baharu” or “New Malaysia”. I think by now most are aware that this involves attempts to realign and refocus priorities with the target of pushing the country to greater heights. These discourses have always centred on what the future will look like, what scenarios will develop, what will be the new priorities as well as insights into issues, challenges and drivers of the future. What will be the future fabric of society?
In our 04/2018 edition, we had highlighted the need to focus on societal values as we move forward into the era of the fourth industrial revolution. Values and integrity will be of paramount importance as people become more knowledgeable and empowered. Knowledge and power in the hands of people with the wrong values and integrity are definitely our not too distant future disowned.
Next, what will be the future of the Malaysian society? Will we be happy? There are various dimensions that make up the future of our society.
Recently, Gallup produced “Global Emotions Report, 2019”. The report measured people’s positive and negative daily experiences by looking into two metrics— how people see their lives and how they live their lives. The concepts used were a branch of behavioural economics. Significantly, the report explained how world citizens were living their best and worst lives relative to the states of their emotional well-being. So, how are we Malaysians doing? You can look for the answers provided in the infographics laid out here. Well, you be the judge. Do you agree with the findings?
We sat down with Datuk Dr. Rose Lena, the Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Community & Family development to talk about this. You can read her thoughts on the roles of family and technology in shaping the future of society in the following pages.
Also in this edition, we have a contribution from Institut Sosial Malaysia that highlights issues facing adolescents across Malaysian children’s institutions. These adolescent children were admitted to these institutions for various reasons including neglect, broken families, extreme poverty and abuse. Apart from this, there are viewpoints on overpopulation, housing and other fresh articles that touch on the societal well-being of the future.
As mentioned previously, looking at the futures of society, there are various angles and concerns raised. Admittedly, we are unable to be definitive and cover all of them. What we hope to present in this edition is a conversation starter and sufficient food for thought to help us think through the future of our Malaysian society.
For the past few years, we have received both criticisms and praises in respect of the magazine. Therefore, we are continuously working to improve and make the publication worthy of your time. This is why we appreciate the feedback and support we receive from you.
We encourage you to share what you like, just kindly acknowledge us accordingly.
