For most people on this planet, 2020 was without a doubt a terrible year. As of this time of writing, 1.7 million people have died from COVID-19. This disaster has brought upon economic hardship to many, and showed how vulnerable we truly are as global citizens.
Can we really say we didn’t see it coming? Hear Bill Gates talk about preparing for something just like this in a 2015 TED Talk.
Our vision is oftentimes crystal clear looking back. But, there are most definitely telltale signs of what’s to come by examining present evidence.
As I reflect on the year 2020, I can’t help but wonder what would a (very different) 2030 look like.
Here are my predictions:
By 2030…
ASEAN Winner
- Vietnam will be the ASEAN leader and economic powerhouse. Profiting off US – China’s turbulent trade relations in the early 2020’s, it will continue to enjoy exponential growth in export manufacturing throughout the decade. With strong economic fundamentals and stability in government and civil society, its citizens will enjoy a transformational abundance. There will be quality healthcare and education with a burgeoning middle class, making this country an ASEAN winner. (Present: read here)
- Given the right recipes of being in the country along with access to economic and educational privileges, it is most likely that Vietnam will produce a global icon (such as the likes of Jack Ma, Gates, Zuckerberg). This person will found one of the unicorn juggernauts of the region by injecting innovation to the economic opportunities presented in his/ her geography.
Malaysia
- The government can no longer maintain a bloated public sector and its pension. All public sector workers hired in the past few years are contract workers. It becomes the least favored employment pathway with an uncertain future. (Present: read here)
- Malaysia will continue to deteriorate in overall economic performance and ratings. It continues to be plagued by financial leakages and mismanagement due to corruption. This is maintained by politics of race and religion. Due to this, Malaysians experience a lackluster quality of life. (Present: read here)
- There will be an uptick in demand for the Mandarin language and technology skills. Graduates aspire to land highly competitive tech jobs in China. Most Malaysian graduates see manufacturing jobs in Vietnam as a solution to their financial needs. (Present: read here)
Technology & Environment
- Humans will be communicating in ways which are completely different than how we do now. This may include a fusion between our biology and hardware. There is a sharp division between use of technology for those born before and after the 2000’s. The former will demonstrate an attitude of strong resistance, while the latter an open adoption. Traditional medias (e.g. social media platforms as we know now) will begin its extinction, being replaced by more organic technologies. (Present: read here)
- With rapidly increasing pollution and climate change, global calamities become the norm. Countries are pledging and working towards zero emissions, but are not up to speed in addressing this. There is now a near and concrete timeline to when extinction of life will be met. There is no solution yet. Humankind mostly feigns ignorance. (Present: read here and read here)
Health & Society
- In developed countries, traditional marriages and nuclear families form a minority group in society. Society now consists of a growing mix of various forms of unions and family structures. These include same-sex marriages, stepfamilies, financial-based relationships, digital relationships, and other variants. (Present: read here)
- In developed countries, atheists form the majority group. Memberships in organized religion continue its rapid decline. (Present: read here)
- Due to advances in science and technology, global mortality rates and life expectancy will continue to improve. However, depression (a mental disorder) becomes the leading health problem worldwide. Suicide becomes the leading cause of death among young adults. (Present: read here)
Geopolitics
- ISIS is completely eliminated. (Present: read here)
- If war were to happen, the reason given will be Iran’s nuclearization. Iran will become a site for a proxy war by the world’s superpowers. (Present: read here)
- This last point is without much basis due to the randomness of its country’s management, but I’d wager that North Korea will not be able to continue withstanding economic pressure. As such, it takes on a soft approach to a denuclearization deal in a bid to begin opening its economy. Due to this, North Korea will start to show beginning signs of an emerging economy.
So that’s it. The above are what I think would happen in the coming 10 years.
Although its only the 24th of December 2020, I feel like I’m officially done with this year. Regardless of what’s to come in the coming decade, I’m looking forward to 2021, which will be the year for me to start breathing again.
Happy holidays, and Happy New Year 2021!