One of the important concepts about foresight is to learn from your predecessors. Therefore I would like to acknowledge those who have come before me, who have laid the foundation to enable the creation of the National Foresight Institute
by | Rushdi Abdul Rahim | rushdi@might.org.my
Greetings and salutations from all of us at myForesight®. The time between the publications was pretty eventful and exciting. I am glad to say that you are now reading a publication produced by the Malaysia’s very own National Foresight Institute, thought we still like to be known by myForesight®.
As previously mentioned the institute was created as an effort to mainstream and expand foresight beyond MIGHT scope of focus areas and activities, although we are still under the purview of MIGHT. We certainly hope the creation of the Institute will promote collaboration and joint effort of foresight in various fields’ and subject matter with multiple organizations for the benefit of the nation.
The creation of the institute would not have happen without the effort, contribution and support of a number of individuals. There will be too many names to list (you know who you are) but our thanks will definitely goes to both the Joint-Chairman as well as the President/CEO of MIGHT for having the vision and believe in the importance of foresight.
However one of the important concepts about foresight is to learn from your predecessors. Therefore I would like to acknowledge those who have come before me, head of MIGHT’s foresight program who have laid the foundation to enable the creation of the National Foresight Institute. Many thanks to Mohd Zakwan Mohd Zabidi and Nik Ahmad Faizul Abdul Mallek.
On the topic of learning from your predecessors, unfortunately in today’s world, these lessons are too often is neglected. We live in a world consumed with the present. Little thought is given to what’s come before or most significantly what lies ahead. While drawing valuable lessons from the past, we need to stay alert to current, emerging, and future challenges. Despite being aware of the trends and challenges, too many countries, organizations, and individuals today suffer from the afflictions of having a myopic view of being short-sighted.
Look around and you will find; too many individuals focus on their next pay check, too many organizations focus on the next quarterly earnings report, too many politicians focus on the next election cycle rather than the next generation and too many countries focus on their world ranking and position rather than realizing that we are all inhabitants of this planet.
There is a need for individuals and organizations to take the long view and consider the broader impact of our actions on the world, whether it’s economic, environmental or societal. The same can be said for the need for countries to consider the longer-term implications of their current policies, programs, and proposed actions.
By having foresight; considering the long-term implications of current trends and proposed policies, we can capitalize on opportunities and reduce the risks that lie ahead. Partnering and working together will be essential. We’re going to need to start rowing together or else we risk sinking separately. Because with the complicated problems our world is facing, nations, institutions, and individuals cannot afford to go it alone. We must join forces with others and apply our collective expertise to solve shared challenges.
This is what National Foresight Institute hope to inculcate by asking the right questions and exploring future possibilities. This partnership is evident in the way we do things, even in the way we bring you this magazine through contributions of our partners. As usual the magazine has to date provide a means for us to reach our stakeholders and hope to continually do so in making the magazine beneficial and thought provoking. My gratitude goes to the willing contributors whose viewpoints and expertise have definitely enriched the content of the magazine.
After reading the magazine, we expect you to have your opinion on certain matters. You might agree or disagree. Whichever it goes, we want to hear them. We welcome your feedback and contributions.
