Framework of Malaysian Knowledge Society: Results from Dual Data Approach

Authors: Norsiah Abdul Hamid, Halimah Badioze Zaman

Abstract:

This paper outlines the research conducted to propose na framework of 'Knowledge Society' (KS) in the Malaysian context. It is important to highlight that the emergence of KS is a result of the rapid growth in knowledge and information. However, the discussion of KS should not only be limited to the importance of knowledge, but a holistic KS is also determined by other imperative dimensions. This article discusses the results of a study conducted previously in Malaysia in order to identify the essential dimensions of KS, and consequently propose a KS framework in the Malaysian context. Two methods were employed, namely the Delphi technique and semi-structured interviews. The modified Delphi involved five rounds with ten experts, while the interviews were conducted with two prominent figures in Malaysia. The results support the proposed framework which contains seven major dimensions in order for Malaysia to become a KS in the future. The dimensions which are crucial for a holistic Malaysian KS are human capital, spirituality, economy, social, institutional, sustainability, and driven by the ICT.

Keywords: Malaysia, Knowledge Society, Framework, Delphi Technique, Interview.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1056547

References:

[1] United Nations Development Programme. Creating a development dynamic: Final report of the digital opportunity initiative. Accenture, Markle Foundation, United Nations Development Programme 2001. Available: http://www.opt-init.org/framework/pages/es.html.
[2] P.F. Drucker, Post-Capitalist Society. New York: HarperCollins. 1993.
[3] P.B. Evans, and T.S. Wurster, Strategies and the new economics of information. Harvard Business Review (September):71-82. 1997.
[4] H. Evers, Towards a Malaysian knowledge society. Paper read at The 3rd International Malaysian Studies Conference (MSC3), 6-8 August 2001, Bangi, Selangor. 2001.
[5] S. Al-Hawamdeh and T.L. Hart, Information and Knowledge Society. Singapore: McGraw-Hill. 2002.
[6] M. Clarke, e-Development? Development and the new economy. In UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research, Policy Brief No. 7. Helsinki: United Nations University. 2003.
[7] J.J. Britz, P.J. Lor, I.E.M. Coetzee and B.C. Bester, Africa as a knowledge society: A reality check. The International Information & Library Review, 38:25-40. 2006.
[8] P.J. Lor and J.J. Britz, Is a knowledge society possible without freedom of access to information? Journal of Information Science, 33 (4):387-397. 2007.
[9] N. Stehr, Knowledge societies. London: SAGE Publications. 1994.
[10] D. Rohrbach, The development of knowledge societies in 19 OECD countries between 1970 and 2002. Social Science Information, 46 (4):655-689. 2007.
[11] M.K. Adams, Defining creative scholarship and identifying criteria for evaluating creative scholarship using a modified Delphi technique. Doctoral thesis, Graduate School, University of Wyoming, Wyoming. 2004.
[12] A. Abdul Rahim and J. Zulikha, Agenda ICT ke arah pembangunan kekonomi Malaysia. Sintok: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia. 2005.
[13] T.M.A. Shariffadeen. Existing definition of knowledge society, 8th Jan. 2009. Personal communication via email. 2009.
[14] Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia. Knowledgebased economy master plan. Kuala Lumpur: ISIS Malaysia. 2002.
[15] W.H. Melody, Toward a framework for designing information society policies. Telecommunications Policy, 20 (4):243-259. 1996.
[16] M. Mohamad. Malaysia: The way forward. Kuala Lumpur: Centre for Economic Research & Services, Malaysian Business Council. 1991.
[17] M.D. Lytras and M.A Sicilia, The knowledge society: A manifesto for knowledge and learning. International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 1 (1/2):1-11. 2005.
[18] J.H., Spangenberg, R. Mesicek, A. Metzner, and F. Luks. Sustainability indicators for the knowledge-based society: Measuring the sustainability of the information society. FUTURA, 85-95. 2002.
[19] Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia. The National Mission 2006-2020. http://www3.pmo.gov.my/RancanganWeb/Rancangan1.nsf/Misi Nasional Eng?openForm. 2006.
[20] World Bank. Knowledge assessment methodology. http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/WBI/WBIPROGRAMS/KFDLP/EXTUNIKAM/0,,menuPK:1414738~pagePK:64168427~piP K:64168435~theSitePK:1414721,00.html? 2008.
[21] A. Kova─ìi─ì, Sustainable development and the problems of measuring. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 30:83-91. 2007.
[22] Economic Planning Unit Malaysia. Penyediaan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK9). Available: http://www.epu.jpm.my/New%2 Folder/RMKe9%20presentation%20Approved.pdf. 2005.
[23] Y. Malhotra, Measuring knowledge assets of a nation: Knowledge systems for development. Paper read at "United Nations Advisory Meeting of the Department of Economics and Social Affairs", 4-5 September, New York. 2003.
[24] R. Ramachandran, Measuring knowledge development and developing official statistics for the information age. International Statistical Review, 71 (1):83-107. 2003.
[25] Communication Rights in the Information Society (CRIS). Is the ÔÇÿinformation society- a useful concept for civil society? (1). Available: http://www.wacc.org.uk/de/content/pdf/641. 2002.
[26] D.S. Scheele, Reality construction as a product of Delphi interaction. In The Delphi method: Techniques and applications, edited by H. A. Linstone and M. Turoff. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing. 1975.
[27] R.C. Bogdan and S.K. Biklen, Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theory and methods. 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. 1992.
[28] G.J. Skulmoski, F.T. Hartman and J. Krahn, The Delphi method for graduate research. Journal of Information Technology Education, 6:1- 21. 2007.
[29] F.T. Hartman and A. Baldwin, Using technology to improve the Delphi method. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 9:244-249. 1995.
[30] A. Fink and J. Kosecoff, How to conduct surveys: A step-by-step guide. London: Sage Publications. 1985.
[31] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO World Report: Towards knowledge societies. Paris: UNESCO Publishing. 2005.
[32] Forfas, e-Business Monitor Report. Available: http://www.forfas. ie/media/forfas031209_ebusiness_monitor.pdf. 2003.
[33] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Arab Human Development Report 2003: Building a knowledge society. Regional Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme. 2003.