About Us

The Persatuan Ekonomi Malaysia (PEM), or also known as the Malaysian Economic Association (MEA), was founded in 1962 by a group of Malaysian economists who have since carved for themselves prominent careers in various sectors of the economy. These founders include Tun Ismail Ali, Raja Tun Mohar, Tan Sri Jamil Rais, Royal Professor Ungku Aziz, and Dato’ Siew Nim Chee (Convenor).

One of the main aims of the Association is to provide a forum for economists to exchange ideas on matters relating to the Malaysian economy and to allow for the dissemination of new ideas, new insights and findings on local economic matters among fellow economists as well as interested members of the public. An important vehicle for the exchange, debate and dissemination of ideas on local economic matters of public interest is the biennial National Economic Convention, which has always been well-attended by members of the academia, private sector and the government. The Association also organises lectures and seminars by prominent foreign economists to help members keep abreast of current international economic issues and developments.

Another important objective of the Association is to facilitate and inculcate greater awareness and understanding of important economic issues among the Malaysian public. The Association has actively pursued this objective through its annual Post Budget Dialogue held immediately after the annual budget for the country is tabled by the Ministry. This is widely recognised as the source of thoughtful feedback on the Budget and its measures.

The Association is often called upon to provide ideas and analytical input in the formulation of government policies. The Association has also taken the pro-active step of initiating small group discussions on important public policy issues. Senior civil servants, academics and prominent personalities from a wide cross-section of industry are invited to these meetings led by prominent economists.

In a new and prestigious development, the PEM was given the distinct honour of organising and administering the first Tun Abdul Razak Awards for Best Written Contributions on the Malaysian Economy for the Tun Razak Foundation.

The Persatuan publishes Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies (formerly known as Kajian Ekonomi Malaysia) jointly with the Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya every half yearly. This journal invites local & foreign economists to present their thoughts, ideas and insights on a wide range of economic issues. In addition, the Persatuan publishes conference proceedings and occasional papers as well as a regular newsletter, the Ekonomika, for its members.