By Sam Trailerman
Surviving the first quarter of the 21st century often felt like living through The Hunger Games — we were all just trying to make it out alive.
So, congratulations to everyone who did! Amidst the chaos, the world witnessed dramatic transformations: the rise of China and the US–China rivalry, rapid technological advancements, the shadow of cyber warfare, climate crises, and regional conflicts that reshaped our global landscape.
And of course, who could forget the COVID-19 pandemic? Malaysians, in particular, mastered the art of turning hardship into humour. Our memes became cultural lifelines — from poking fun at the “Malaysia Boleh” spirit to jokes about the weather. Popular themes included:
• Social distancing antics — laughing at the awkwardness of staying apart.
• Toilet paper tales — stockpiling jokes and creative alternatives.
• Homeschooling humour — parents suddenly playing teacher.
• Work-from-home wardrobes — pyjamas doubling as office attire.
Personally, I struggled to keep up with the ever-changing slang and memes — the goalposts kept moving! Between navigating social media, dodging climate change anxiety, deciphering Malaysian politics, and wondering why roti canai seems to get thinner every year, it’s a miracle I’m still functioning after those 25 years.
The Rise of App Technology
One undeniable bright spot has been the revolution in app technology. Paying utility bills in Malaysia has never been easier. With e-wallets and digital payments, electricity, water, and other bills can now be settled with just a few taps.
Gone are the days of queuing at the post office — a real-life horror movie of endless lines, grumpy faces, and broken air-conditioning. Just when you thought it was your turn, someone would ask for a tissue, and you’d think, “Seriously?!”
Still, it was prime people-watching material. Who needs OTT dramas when you’ve got a post office queue?
Looking Ahead: 2025–2050
As we move into the second quarter of the century, the questions only get wilder. If I had to guess, here’s what might be in store:
• AI everywhere — seamlessly integrated into daily life.
• Climate change — continuing to shape global policies.
• Science fiction meets reality — imagine a scenario like The War Between the Land and the Sea, where an ancient ocean species rises to return all the plastic and waste we’ve dumped.
• Space exploration — heating up, especially with Asteroid Atlas 31 (2001 FD58) making a close pass on Valentine’s Day 2026. Don’t worry — at 4 million miles away, it’s a safe distance, though twice the size of the Empire State Building!
• Space tourism — companies like Virgin Galactic are already offering suborbital flights, giving everyday citizens a taste of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth.
• Self-driving cars — poised to become the norm, reducing accidents caused by human error (and maybe ending our traffic jam dramas).
• Malaysian politics — still a rollercoaster, but always with a dose of humour. Memes like Bolehland prove that Malaysians can laugh even at political chaos, while comedians blend local wit with global trends.
Closing Thoughts
The next 25 years promise both challenges and wonders. At the very least, we’ll have cool tech to make life easier — and memes to keep us laughing through it all.
So, here’s the big question: What do you think will be the biggest game-changer in the decades ahead?