SELECTED DEVELOPMENT THEORIES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY IN MALAYSIA IN THE ERA OF IR 4.0

Abstract

For centuries, literature has suggested that for an area to become useful to the community, its development should be planned well and strategised. In recent years, the industrial revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) has taken over most developmental progress, in various aspects of life, such as education, economy, construction, health, banking and other areas. The issue now is whether the existing theories of development could accommodate the advancement of the technological era and industrialisation of the nation. For third world countries like Malaysia, such theories might be unfit to the local contexts, albeit the emergence of various technological advancements and industrialisation initiatives. Therefore, this paper examines the application of the development theories in Malaysia and how the implementation has improved the quality of life of the community in Malaysia in the era of IR4.0. Engaging in paper analysis of major references on theories of development and other related references, coupled with example governmental policies motivated by these theories in Malaysia, the study found that most of the developments in Malaysia apply several theories namely modernisation theory, sustainable development theory and basic needs approach. The study proposes further research be carried out in order to test these theories to the local contexts in the era of IR 4.0. Hopefully, this paper can become a contribution to the body of knowledge on development management and IR 4.0.