Publications

Title: Holistic Framing of the Future: The 4F Foresight Framework

Abstract: This paper introduces the 4F framework as a comprehensive guide for foresight exercises in today's fast-changing environment. It emphasizes the importance of foresight in navigating modern complexities and is built around four key elements: Forensics, Forecasting, Future-Sighting, and Future-Proofing. Each phase is detailed with specific tools and methodologies, highlighting the iterative nature and continuous feedback loops that enhance efficacy. The paper explores how these elements connect to future horizons, showing how past and present dynamics shape future possibilities. It underscores the importance of managing transitions to achieve envisioned futures, framing it as critical to successful foresight planning. This document serves as both a guide to foresight practice and a call to adopt holistic, forward-thinking decision-making for future readiness.

Reference: Ahmed, P. K., Nair, M. S., Vaithilingam, S., & Teow, H. H. (2024). Holistic framing of the future: The 4F Foresight Framework (Working Paper No. IGSC WP 2024 002). Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.

Keywords: 4F framework, forensics, forecasting, future-sighting, future-proofing

Title: Planetary Health and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development: An Ecosystem Approach

Abstract: The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century greatly increased the wealth of the global community, but much of this development was dependent on technology that relied on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the use of fossil fuels, deforestation for industrialisation, and the erosion of biodiversity have had major effects on the Earth's natural systems. These changes have contributed to global warming, unstable climate conditions, the emergence of harmful microbes, the loss of many biological species, disruption in food systems, an increase in contagious diseases, and other natural disasters that adversely impact the quality of life for all species on Earth. The consequences of these changes have also affected worker productivity, increased the cost of resources for firms, disrupted global supply chains, and adversely impacted the health of economies. This paper proposes a new values-based socio-economic development framework that aims to transition economies from a "zero-sum" development model to a "nature-centric" sustainable development framework. This new framework is critical for ensuring the planet's health and the human species' survival.

Reference: Nair, M., Ahmed, P., & Vaithilingam, S. (2022). Planetary Health and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development: An Ecosystem Approach (Policy Brief No. 2022-002) Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness. (Updated, March 2024)

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Global warming, Biodiversity loss, Climate change, Planetary Health, Values-based Socio-Economic Development

Title: 8i Ecosystem Analysis of the Maturing ASEAN Country Malaysia

Abstract: This paper examines Malaysia’s ecosystem and its current state. Malaysia, with its rich cultural diversity, has transformed economically since its 1957 independence, moving from agriculture to manufacturing and services. Strategically located in Southeast Asia, it is a major exporter of electronic products to markets such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and ASEAN. As it matures, Malaysia is driving innovation, digital transformation, and a green economy. Despite progress, challenges remain, including political instability, a lack of a robust collaborative ecosystem, urban-rural development disparities, and a skills mismatch in the labor market, all threatening its global competitiveness. This paper uses the 8i ecosystem framework—institutions, interaction, integrity, infrastructure, infostructure, intellectual capital, incentives, and internationalization—to assess Malaysia's situation and provides recommendations to address these challenges.

Reference: Teow, H. H., Balakrishnan, D. G., Ahmed, P. K., Nair, M. S., & Vaithilingam, S. (2023). 8i ecosystem analysis of the maturing ASEAN country –Malaysia (Working Paper No. IGSC WP 2023-003). Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.

Keywords: Malaysia, the maturing ASEAN country, the current state of play, 8i ecosystem analysis

Title: IGSC Working Paper Series: Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022/2023

Articles included: 

1. Marine Protected Area in Southeast Asia: A Brief Look into the Current Landscape, Key Benefits, and Challenges
2. Terrestrial Biodiversity and Protected Areas in Southeast Asia
3. Unveiling the Significance of A*STAR’s Contributions to Singapore’s National Development Plan
4. Roles of Malaysian Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study Approach
5. 8i Ecosystem Analysis of the Pace Setter ASEAN Country – Singapore

Author(s):

1. Shirlyn Tang, Hui Hui Teow, Pervaiz K. Ahmed, Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, and Santha Vaithilingam
2. Hui Hui Teow, Shirlyn Tang, Pervaiz K. Ahmed, Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, and Santha Vaithilingam
3. Hui Hui Teow, Pervaiz K. Ahmed, Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, and Santha Vaithilingam
4. Hui Hui Teow, Shirlyn Tang, Pervaiz K. Ahmed, Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, Santha Vaithilingam
5. Hui Hui Teow, Dhiviya Gopal Balakrishnan, Pervaiz K. Ahmed, Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, Santha Vaithilingam

Title: 8i Ecosystem Analysis of the Pace Setter ASEAN Country: Singapore

Abstract: This paper explores Singapore's economic success. Despite its small size, the country has rapidly grown since independence in 1965. Its strategic Southeast Asian location, pro-business atmosphere, strong governance, effective policies, top-notch infrastructure, and human capital development have driven its shift from a low-income to a high-income economy in under five decades. Education excellence and a skilled workforce have propelled Singapore up global value chains, attracting high-value foreign investments. This paper uses the 8i ecosystem framework (institutions, interaction, integrity, infrastructure, infostructure, intellectual capital, incentives, and internationalization) to analyze Singapore's success, revealing its impact on politics, society, and the economy. Other nations can draw insights from Singapore's accomplishments.

Reference: Teow, H. H., Balakrishnan, D. G., Ahmed, P. K., Nair, M. S., & Vaithilingam, S. (2023). 8i Ecosystem Analysis of the Pace-Setter ASEAN Country: Singapore (Working Paper No. IGSC WP 2023-002). Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.

Keywords: Singapore, the pace-setter ASEAN country, the current state of play, 8i ecosystem analysis

Title: Roles of Malaysian Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study Approach

Abstract: This paper presents two case studies emphasizing the role of indigenous communities in biodiversity conservation. The first case study shows how integrating indigenous knowledge in scientific investigations is vital for optimal biodiversity preservation. The second case study demonstrates involving indigenous communities in forest patrolling and ecotourism benefits biodiversity and their livelihoods. To promote this involvement, authorities must develop effective strategies.

Reference: Teow, H. H., Tang, S., Ahmed, P. K., Nair, M. S., & Vaithilingam, S. (2023). Roles of Malaysian Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study Approach (Working Paper No. IGSC WP 2023-001). Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.

Keywords: Indigenous communities, biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge and practices

Title: Planetary Health and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development: An Ecosystem Approach

Abstract: The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century greatly increased the wealth of the global community, but much of this development was dependent on technology that relied on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the use of fossil fuels, deforestation for industrialisation, and the erosion of biodiversity have had major effects on the Earth's natural systems. These changes have contributed to global warming, unstable climate conditions, the emergence of harmful microbes, the loss of many biological species, disruption in food systems, an increase in contagious diseases, and other natural disasters that adversely impact the quality of life for all species on Earth. The consequences of these changes have also affected worker productivity, increased the cost of resources for firms, disrupted global supply chains, and adversely impacted the health of economies. This paper proposes a new values-based socio-economic development framework that aims to transition economies from a "zero-sum" development model to a "nature-centric" sustainable development framework. This new framework is critical for ensuring the planet's health and the human species' survival.

Reference: Nair, M., Ahmed, P., & Vaithilingam, S. (2022). Planetary Health and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development: An Ecosystem Approach (Policy Brief No. 2022-002) Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Global warming, Biodiversity loss, Climate change, Planetary Health, Values-based Socio-Economic Development

*** The latest version of this paper is available to download here:

Title: Unveiling the Significance of A*STAR's Contributions to Singapore’s National Development Plan

Abstract: A*STAR is instrumental in spearheading and navigating Singapore’s research and development direction. A*STAR’s primary goals align with the national Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) Plan. Specifically, the RIE plan is refreshed every five years to establish an ecosystem that accelerates the translation of research and development into innovation and commercialization (RIE, 2020). The five-year blueprint focuses on four broad strategic domains: advanced manufacturing and engineering (AME); health and biomedical sciences (HBMS); urban solutions and sustainability (USS); and Services and digital economy (SDE) (RIE, 2020).

Reference: Teow, H. H., Ahmed, P. K., Nair, M. S., & Vaithilingam, S. (2022). Unveiling the Significance of A*STAR’s Contributions to Singapore's National Development Plan (Working Paper No. IGSC WP 2022-003). Sunway Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.

Keywords A*STAR, research and development, innovation, commercialization