Growth, Competitiveness, and the Crucial Roles of the Social Sciences

I would like to focus on this question: In Malaysia’s drive for excellent universities that support and encourage the nation’s progress, where do the social sciences fit in? The usual argument is that they are part of a balanced liberal arts education, designed to shape responsible and well-informed citizens. I agree with this view, and think it is very important. However, I suggest that the social sciences have additional contributions that relate in very direct and practical ways to the challenges of technical and economic development and successful competition in the world economy.