Our Mission

MIER undertakes independent and high quality problem-oriented research on economic, financial and business issues facing the country and provides advice on macroeconomic management, development and future economic perspectives. In undertaking this task, the Institute seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1. 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;
2. Undertake economic research projects commissioned by clients in the public and private sectors;
3. Collaborate with other research institutes, at home and abroad, on topics of relevance to the country;
4. Publish and disseminate the results of its research work, and organise symposia and conferences to promote exchange of ideas and views;
5. Provide occasional training for officials from government agencies and private sector organisations.

History of MIER

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

The Institute began operations in January 1986 at its temporary premises in the SEACEN Centre in Petaling Jaya with Tun Ismail Ali as the inaugural Chairman and Datuk Dr. Kamal Salih the Executive Director. In August, 1986, MIER moved to the Bank Negara building.

Initial funding for the Institute came from the Association of Banks and other financial institutions as well as a launching grant from the government. The Canadian government provided initial support. The Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department had endorsed MIER’s work plan under the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). A government-to-government agreement was signed and the action plan under the CIDA programme was implemented in 1987.

The Government introduced an amendment to the Income Tax Act (1967) to provide for tax-exempt status for public donations to institutes such as MIER.

The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) made an invaluable contribution by offering office space within the BNM building for a decade. Later, they assisted in relocating MIER to Dayabumi, which was generously provided by Petronas as the institute’s new office location. Currently, with support from the Prime Minister’s Department, MIER operates from its present office on Jalan Bukit Petaling, furthering its mission to advance economic and financial research in Malaysia.