Advancing Foresight in ASEAN for a Postnormal World

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is strategically positioning itself to become a global powerhouse by 2035, moving beyond the instability of a “postnormal world” defined by chaos, complexity, and contradictions.

To navigate this volatility, a new, definitive foresight study, “ASEAN Ahead: ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond,” has been unveiled on 24 October 2025 by the Foreign Minister, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, on behalf of YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The landmark report was successfully launched as one of the 17 priority economic deliverables under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, demonstrating the region’s shift toward action grounded in strategic planning, not chance.

This foresight initiative responds to the immense scale and diversity of the region, which is home to over 690 million people, more than 1,600 tribes and ethnic groups, and a combined GDP that ranks third worldwide.

The report solidifies Malaysia’s leadership in foresight, showcasing the shared vision that future progress must be guided by knowledge and driven by science, technology and innovation.

The report is the culmination of a dedicated study led by the ASEAN Foresight Alliance (AFA) and spearheaded by ASM under MOSTI. Having been endorsed by all relevant ASEAN Ministerial and Committee bodies, the ASEAN Ahead report is now officially acknowledged as the backbone of the upcoming ASEAN Plan of Action (APASTI) 2026-2030.

The study, involving foresight researchers from all ten ASEAN member states, outlines four plausible future scenarios for the region.

The ultimate objective is to enable ASEAN to actively co-design and co-create a future where the region utilises strategic foresight to lead the way toward Collective Prosperity.

At the core of the ASEAN Ahead vision is a new framework for progress: the Triple-10 ASEAN STI Framework. This framework builds on the success of the 10-10 MySTIE Framework, introduced in 2020.

That original model was groundbreaking; it helped Malaysia align 10 national socio-economic drivers with 10 science and technology drivers, creating high-impact initiatives to advance our nation. The ASEAN Ahead introduces a third dimension, incorporating 10 forces of change that are shaping ASEAN’s future on the world stage.

ASEAN as a region must co-design and co-create a future in which ASEAN does not merely survive the poly-crisis and adapt to the ten forces of change, but leads the way towards achieving the Collective Prosperity scenario.

This requires strategic alignment across four foundational principles, four paradigm shifts, and eight key enablers. This effort will result in a robust and well-functioning STI ecosystem and an ASEAN community that is cooperative, coherent, and cohesive.

The launch was preceded by a crucial, two-day workshop co-organised by ASM and the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA).

The ASM-AASSA Workshop on Addressing Global Challenges in a Postnormal World featured 10 panellists and 3 moderators from 8 countries, whose discussions underscored the need for strategic foresight to build institutional resilience and adaptability in a globally disrupted environment.

By engaging with diverse international partners, the workshop serves as a platform for participating countries to share their expertise in foresight methodologies and resilience-building with emerging economies, transforming its internal cohesion into a practical resource for achieving an inclusive and sustainable future.

 

The workshop reinforced that foresight is not about prediction but about shaping the future through borderless collaboration: a vital approach in a highly diverse and interdependent region.

The workshop participants reinforced the powerful idea that diversity is ASEAN’s main strength, urging the region to leverage its differences as a unique systemic competitive advantage.

Building upon these insights, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to advancing foresight-driven collaboration across ASEAN and other countries.

Malaysia stands ready to share foresight methodologies and ways to harmonise data through open science, fostering open innovation.

 

With this practical tool, ASEAN can be transformed into a collective resilient region towards shared prosperity.

Through coordinated action and integrated ecosystem development, ASEAN can transform from merely reacting to challenges to proactively pursuing opportunities.

Invited guests were encouraged to take part in a batik drawing activity at the networking dinner to commemorate the event.

By strengthening ASEAN into a collective voice of influence, ASEAN can position itself as a global powerhouse and a game-changer in navigating post-normal times.

Read the full report at the ASM ASEAN Ahead website.