KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and researchers from ASEAN member states have produced the ASEAN Ahead report through the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
The report titled ASEAN STI Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond aims to position the region as a global powerhouse.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal said the report serves as a strategic blueprint outlining future pathways for the region’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
“This report, which will be officially launched this Friday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stands as a testament to Malaysia’s recognised expertise and ASM’s steadfast commitment to strengthening regional scientific cooperation and collective foresight,“ he said.
Mohammad Yusof said the report represents a regional commitment towards foresight-led planning and aims to enhance ASEAN’s preparedness to navigate complex global challenges.
“Through this initiative, we are reminded that foresight is not merely about predicting the future, it is about shaping it,“ he said.
The deputy minister called on members of the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia to strengthen their national foresight initiatives and work together.
He said Malaysia stands ready to collaborate by sharing methodologies and exploring ways to harmonise data frameworks for collective resilience and shared prosperity.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, a periodic megatrend analysis report using a foresight approach will be produced to guide research, development, commercialisation and innovation activities.
Malaysia’s proposal for the APEC Open Science Alliance was also highlighted as part of broader efforts to promote open and responsible data sharing.
Welcomed by APEC economies, APECOSA aims to connect open-science focal points across the region by 2026.
“I invite all of us to embrace open and responsible data sharing, and we believe AASSA members can contribute meaningfully to this effort,“ Mohammad Yusof said.
The two-day workshop jointly organised by AASSA and ASM brought together over 100 participants and representatives from member academies and scientific societies.
ASM president Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen Tengku Ibrahim said the report showcases how foresight and shared governance mechanisms can support countries.
“The report showcases how foresight, intelligence and shared governance mechanisms can support countries in anticipating disruptions, aligning strategic priorities, and reducing duplication of effort,“ he said in his welcome remarks. – Bernama
