Malaysian Institute of Economic Research

The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) is an independent, non-profit organisation devoted to economic, financial and business research that would serve as a think-tank for the government and the private sector. It was first mooted in the Prime Minister's Economic Panel and later promoted by the Council on Malaysian Invisible Trade (COMIT). It was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 30 December 1985 and began operations on 2 January 1986.

The research activities of the Institute are organised into three research divisions or bureaus, namely, the Economic Policy Research Division, the Macroeconomic and Forecasting Bureau and the Bureau for Malaysian Enterprise. Within the Economic Policy Research Division are six areas of study which comprise Population, Labour & Manpower, Economic Policy & Planning, International Trade, Finance & Banking, Industry, and Agriculture. The research projects undertaken by the Institute are mainly applied and policy-oriented in nature.

The Institute is governed by a Board of Trustees which sets its policy directions. An Advisory Panel provides guidance to the Institute in the planning of its research activities. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer, supported by a Deputy Director and an Assistant Director. Besides its full-time research staff members, the Institute engages a number of associate research fellows and consultants, as well as receives exchange staff from overseas.

The Institute's activities are funded by income from an Endowment Fund established with contributions from private corporations and the government. Direct project funds as well as consultancy fees make up the main bulk of the Institute's budget. The Institute also receives technical assistance from foreign governments and foundations, including Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through Queen's University.

The Institute's Mission

The main aim of MIER is to undertake independent and high quality problem-oriented research on economic, financial and business issues facing the country, and to provide well-founded advice on macroeconomic management, development and future economic perspectives. In undertaking this task, the Institute hopes to achieve the following objectives:

serve as a bridge between the government, the private sector and the universities, and become a focal point for economic, financial and business research in the country;
undertake economic research projects commissioned by clients in the public and private sectors;
collaborate with other research institutes, at home and abroad, on topics relevant to the country;
publish and disseminate the results of its research work, and organise symposia and conferences to promote exchange of ideas and views; and
undertake occasional training of officials from government agencies and private sector organisations.

[TDRI/MIER Projects]