Futures studies is in fact not an alien component in the design and development of curriculum for fields or
subjects such as engineering in developed countries. For example, via futures technique, Rowan University of
New Jersey decided to integrate biology in the future chemical engineering curriculum as their findings showed
that the integration seems to be the future for chemical engineering programs nation and worldwide (Saedah
Siraj, 2002a). The integration of biology in the chemical engineering curriculum claimed to help prepare
students for careers in food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in the future. On the other hand,
Michael and Laurence (2000) in their review of the undergraduate civil engineering curriculum of Georgia
Institute of Technology for the future emphasized adoption of a system’s perspective for civil and
environmental engineering; the incorporation of sustainability, technical communications and professional
ethics into the curriculum; the importance of team problem-solving; and the strong emphasis on science in
undergraduate education is expected to provide the students with a strong foundation for future success. The
role of future engineers is also undertaken to have different roles as leaders of society as is indicated in Purdue
University curriculum (Michael & Laurence, 2000) for future engineer as indicated in Figure 1.
It is pertinent that, other countries especially developing countries like Malaysia, should adopt similar
initiatives to develop the nation’s own design of future curriculum based on research to plan better for future
generations, rather than “adopt and adapt” curriculum developed by other countries which may not suit to the
needs of this country. Our own future curriculum should be developed rooted from our own present
environment, society and culture but not based on other countries’ context.