The first thing that pops into one’s mind when the word neurotechnology is mentioned is something related to the medical field. However, neurotechnology is described as the set of tools for understanding and influencing the human brain is not limited to the medical field (Zack Lynch and Byron Laursen, 2009). In fact, neurotechnology is also driving advances in other fields: finance, marketing, religion, art and warfare, to name a few.

Because of its ever-widening impact, the Academy of Sciences Malaysia through its study on Emerging Science, Engineering and Technology (ESET) explored the prospects of neurotechnology towards 2050 and its possible convergence with other technology areas: biotechnology, digital technology, green technology and nanotechnology.

The findings from this study were documented in the Science and Technology Foresight Malaysia 2050 report that was launched in October 2017. The study recommended a series of strategic interventions needed to leverage these emerging technologies for Malaysia’s development/progress ranging from talent development, collaboration network, value creation from R&D and STI governance.

Realising the demand for talent and development in Malaysia’s neurotechnology area in the coming decades, the School of Medical Sciences and School of Computer Sciences, School of Education, School of Social Sciences, School of Management, School of Humanities, Graduate School of Business, Centre for Drug Research of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) collaboratively developed a programme titled Master of Cognitive Neurosciences. This programme is aimed at entrepreneurs, educators and social workers as well as those from other disciplines that can apply neuroscience knowledge in their own field in order to be more critical, creative and innovative. Upon graduating from this programme, a wide range of new career opportunities are available to explore such as neurobusiness, neuromarketing, computational neurosciences, social neurosciences, neurolinguistics, neuroeducation to neurobehaviours at various institutions or companies.

This new programme introduced by Universiti Sains Malaysia answers to the call of the Academy’s ESET study for dynamic strategy and synergy. It encourages convergence of multiple disciplines to encourage creative application of market information and knowledge of science and technology; this in turn realises value and results in products and services that are unique and differentiated. In addition, it addresses the need to invest in building the workforce of the future by strengthening and expanding the STEM talent pool. Furthermore, the programme aims to sharpen talent pool competencies in the 4Cs: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.

For more information on the ESET Study, please contact Ms Shaneeta Visuvanathan at shaneeta@akademisains.gov.my or call 03 6203 0633 ext. 123.

The S&T Foresight Malaysia 2050 report is available to download here.

For more information on USM’s Master of Cognitive Neurosciences, click here