Being multi-disciplinary in development studies: why and how

The field of Development Studies is undoubtedly pertinent and relevant as it focuses on issues and problems of less developed countries in the post World War II. After the 1950s, Development Studies with multi- and inter-disciplinary base was established to explore the dynamics of changes taking place in postcolonial societies. This was perceived as the key approaches to the complex development issues, however the concept itself is still poorly understood and misconstrued. This article aims to discuss the relevance, directions and destination of Development Studies, particularly in Malaysia. Included in these highlights are the epistemology of Development Studies, the socio-historical path that this discipline had gone through in the developing countries and also in Malaysia, and the sustainability and challenges of a multi- and interdisciplinary knowledge, established in local universities. This article ends with recommendations proposed in promoting ways and strategies to develop and sustain a multi- and inter-disciplinary Development Studies for the future