But what I think we need to spend more time on is this redistribution of power and privilege across society. And to do this, we need to accept that those with power and privilege need to give substantive amounts up.
All in Malaysia
But what I think we need to spend more time on is this redistribution of power and privilege across society. And to do this, we need to accept that those with power and privilege need to give substantive amounts up.
Trust is key to an all-of-society approach to tackling Covid-19, but trust must be earned, not just assumed.
Understanding the psychology of Malaysians is important because no institution, technology, “best practice” or even culture can ever be effective if it does not “fit” the social norms, and therefore psychology, of its people.
If successful innovation in nature comes from repurposing existing things to new functions, then we need to have as many “existing things” as possible.
In any case, the Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on many of our society’s strengths and, if we are to be honest with ourselves, society’s weaknesses as well.
A CRISIS OF SUCH MAGNITUDE IS BOUND TO HAVE SOME DEEP-LASTING CONSEQUENCES TO SOCIETAL BEHAVIOUR. THIS IMPACTS OUR CULTURES AND NORMS, WHICH THEN IMPACTS THE WAY OUR COLLECTIVE BRAIN FUNCTIONS.
“YOU CAN’T EVER WIN BUT THE FIGHT IS WORTH FIGHTING.” SIMILARLY, THE STRUGGLE FOR A MALAYSIA THAT WE CAN BE PROUD OF IS A NEVER-ENDING ONE. OVERCOME ONE CHALLENGE AND THERE WILL BE ANOTHER HILL AHEAD.
All this is important as we embark on the new wave of economic policymaking. Either go big or stay home.
Culture clearly matters and, unfortunately, culture is something that is super difficult to change overnight, especially a culture of tradition.
Are we prepared to handle the inevitable social fallout from greater automation, as well as the difficult decisions arising from creative destruction?
The choice of what economic activities to pursue – and therefore, what things to export – is the domain of Industrial Policy.