Achieving a Decent Standard of Living in Malaysia

  • Admin Institut MASA
  • March 18, 2021

This study proposes a set of requirements for a decent standard of living. It constructs and computes the set of requirements and a minimum level of income needed to provide a decent standard of living for a single adult and household with and without children at the state level. A wage level that is in accordance with a decent standard of living income may yield positive spillover to the economy, such as reductions in employee turnover rates and improvements in employees’ morale and productivity.

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Mr. Mohd Hashrizal Zainol Haris

Trustee

Mohd Hashrizal is the Founder & Group Chief Executive Officer of Aexis Group of Companies with an interest in information technology and agriculture industries. Equipped with sound technical and commercial skills acquired throughout the years and practiced across a wide range of demanding roles in various fields (namely healthcare, telecommunication, public safety, education & agriculture) with more than 19 years of experience.

He is former President TGOC (Alumni for MARA Science College Trolak / 2016-2019). Helmed the alumni members through various CSR Programmes ranging from a flood assistance programme, unity programmes such as Hari Raya & Chinese New Year festive programme, aid for underprivileged community and motivational program for SPM candidates 2019. 

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Nardin Bin Haji Awang

Trustee

Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Nardin received his education in Accounting from Institut Teknologi Mara in 1984. He started his career in Nadi Holdings as an Admin Executive moving on to Sky Courier International and Pro-Active Solutions Sdn. Bhd. as a Commercial and Operation Manager.

In 1999, he became a facilitator and trainer in Biro Tata Negara (BTN) under the Prime Minister’s Department. He went on to become the Special Officer to YAB Deputy Prime Minister in 2009, Political Secretary to the Education Minister in 2011, Deputy Prime Minister in 2013 and Home Affairs Minister in 2018.  He also held the position of Secretary General of Gabungan Pelajar-Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung Kebangsaan and Vice President of Gagasan Pendidikan Melayu Malaysia.

Datuk Dr. Marzuki Mohamad

Trustee

Datuk Dr. Marzuki Mohamad holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Australian National University, a Master from the National University of Malaysia, and an LL.B with Honors from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His decorative career is in the academic and governmental arenas holding positions as Special Tasks Officer to the Minister of Home Affairs, Head of the Department of Political Science from IIUM, and Political Secretary to the Minister of Education.

He has written for journals, book reviews, news articles, and magazines in the field of Law, Civil Rights, in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. He has also written many speeches and papers presented at seminars and conferences engaging with the young generation, students, professionals, and leaders; teaching them how to communicate their message while stimulating high participation from the audience. The majority of speeches have been written for YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Hj Mohd Yassin, our current Prime Minister of Malaysia. As a dynamic speaker and seminar leader, Datuk Dr. Marzuki has contributed both locally and internationally in the field of promoting stability through good governance, transformation, engagement in Industry and Education.

A few of his important contributions included speaking at the 184th UNESCO in Paris, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in “Islam and Critical Challenges in Multireligious Malaysia”, and Transformation in Malaysia in Canberra, Australia. He has also appeared in numerous Television shows commenting on Malaysian politics and current issues. He often lends his opinions as a consultant including providing inputs in drafting research questionnaires, analysing research findings, and reports for clients.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob

Trustee

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman was a prominent career public servant and his last designation was the Director-General of the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (2006 – 2009). He also served in the Ministry of Finance (Economics and Budget Divisions) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affairs.

After three decades of public service, he was appointed as the Group Chairman of Telekom Berhad and by virtue of that position he is also the Chairman of Multimedia University. He also serves as the Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), an independent think tank on economic policy. 

Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at the International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA), Universiti Malaya and University Tun Razak, where he teaches Economics and Public Policy. Tan Sri Sulaiman frequently contributes articles on Economic Policy and Development to the local press, in particular, the New Straits Times. He is trained in economics, first at the University of Malaya, and then at the University of London. He completed his Ph.D. study at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in the United States of America in early 1986.

YB Senator Datuk Dr. Mohd. Radzi Md. Jidin

Chairman of Board of Trustees

YB Datuk Dr. Mohd. Radzi holds a Ph.D. specialising in Auditing from the Australian National University, a Master in Business Administration from Universiti Utara Malaysia and a Bachelor of Commerce from the La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. He has dedicated time in the academic fields as a lecturer in Economics, Accounting, and Auditing. 

YB Datuk Dr. Radzi’s writings have been published in journals, book chapters, and multiple conferences mainly in Australia and New Zealand. His research projects have included cultural reflections, Professional Scepticism Traits on Auditing, and Auditors. His accolades include the Best Paper Award, High Distinction in Reporting, Assurance Services, and Auditing Segments just to name a few. He continues to be an Ad-hoc reviewer for academic journals for local and international publications.

YABHG. TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Patron & Founder

Quotes:

“No one should have extra influence on an organization. We should always regard ourselves as equals in the organization, and we should be concerned about each other’s problems.” 

“To be a great leader, one needs to have good strategies, be knowledgeable, and able to predict the future.”

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad served as the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia. His first term was from 1981 to 2003 and his second was between 2018 to 2020. With a career spanning over seven decades, he is one of the most respected political figures in Malaysia. 

He was granted the title of ‘The Father of Modernization’ by the Malaysian people for his work in economic development. He has published over 16 books and continues to be an active contributor to journals and other printed materials as well as keeping a blog that has amassed over a million subscribers. 

YAB TAN SRI DATO’ HAJI MUHYIDDIN BIN HAJI MOHD. YASSIN

Honorary Chairman & Founder

Quotes: 

“An integrated and comprehensive explanation of the essence of the Government’s policies and strategies needs to be disseminated to strategic partners, GDP experts and the community through various mediums and forums.” – Resolving Issues

“Our role, especially as a citizen of the country, is very important not only as an enforcement agency but also as an important role in providing understanding to the people not to spread false information.” – The 3R Issue (Religion, Race, Royalty)

YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin is the eighth Prime Minister of Malaysia since March 2020. He is a man of vast experience and has served three different governments in the modern Malaysian political era.

Within the governance of the nation, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin has held as many as six positions in various ministries including the Deputy Prime Minister in 2009: 

  • Ministry of Youth and Sports (1995-1999)
  • Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumerism (1999-2004)
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Industry (2004-2008)
  • Ministry of International Trade and Industry (2008-2009)
  • Ministry of Education (2009-2015)
  • Ministry of Home Affairs (2018-2020)

Now the leadership of YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin is becoming more prominent by guiding Malaysia through the COVID-19 pandemic. He is seen as a calm leader, of calibre, and most suitable for Malaysia in the face of economic, health, and social uncertainty due to this pandemic as well as the country to a new era.

MOHD ARIF KAMARUDDIN

SUPPORT STAFF

Arif has almost 10 years of experience in supporting office administration and management. He also plays an important role in facilitating the CEO’s office. Arif is among the pioneer staff members of Institut MASA.

AMIRUL ASYRAF JOHANIS

PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE

Amirul recently graduated with a Bachelor of Economics (Hons.) (Majoring in Industrial and International Economy) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He joined Institut MASA as a Research Analyst Intern amidst the pandemic yet gained valuable experiences including the development of the 12th Malaysian Plan specifically on advancing women’s agenda in the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. Following his aspiration to pursue his career as a project management specialist, Amirul continued his stint at Institut MASA as a Project Management Executive with the responsibility to facilitate the end-to-end implementation projects. He is currently assisting the Project Manager to manage key projects such as PEMACU, a project that aims to spread awareness to the Rakyat about Shared Prosperity 2030 (SPV2030) through townhall, seminars, boot camps and focus group discussions.

NOORAZILAH ISHAK

PROJECT MANAGER

Over the last 10 years, Noorazilah had involved in various projects including organization planning and blueprint of DPMM and IDRIS Association, developing research framework for Bumiputera Socio-Economy Report input for the Eleventh Malaysia Plan and many others. Noorazilah’s interest is to create value in an established organization by applying knowledge that is related to management and at the same time to take full advantage of the business environment to enhance and practice skills and technique gained from the formal and informal learning process and also to strengthen her natural ability to explore new areas.

MUHAMMAD ‘AAMIL AZHAR

RESEARCH ANALYST

A distinguished graduate of MMU, ‘Aamil is the economic research analyst at Institut MASA. He is a highly analytical development economist. Passionate in research involving cause and effect of poverty, inequalities in education, as well as the potential power of labour unions in Malaysia. ‘Aamil has written opinion pieces for online news sites. Currently involved in the planning and improvements of the 12th Malaysian Plan as well as the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

AMIRUL HAMZA ABDULLAH

RESEARCH ANALYST

Hamza is the lead of our Economics Cluster. His primary research interests include economic growth and development and socioeconomic development. Some of Hamza’s recent work has focused on industry development on endemic, Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, and Bumiputera economy development program. He was part of the core pioneer team responsible to develop the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 for the Government of Malaysia. He holds a degree in Economics with a focus on Human Resources from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and a Master’s degree in Economics majoring in Econometrics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Prior to joining us, Hamza was a research assistant at a public university.

DR. NUR AAINAA SYAFINI

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST

Dr. Nur Aainaa is the lead of our Science & Technology Cluster. Apart from holding a PhD in Chemistry (Specialisation in Environmental Pollution) from the University of Malaya with full sponsorship from Yayasan Khazanah, Dr. Nur Aainaa has more than 10 years of work experience in the field of services, commercialization of technology & innovation, and policymaking; having served as Dean, Project Manager, CEO / Managing Director, as well as Research Analyst during her tenure in these portfolios. She has been intensively involved in activities in relation to the commercialization of technology and innovation, ecosystem development, trends’ monitoring, project management, policy research, development and recommendation as well as in stakeholders’ engagement & management (Ministries, Government Agencies, Universities, and industries, locally and internationally).

MOHD AZMI RASHEED KHAN

DIRECTOR, CORPORATE SERVICES

Azmi comes from a corporate background and has over 12 years of experience in project management, corporate compliance, and project financial planning/management. He has worked with various organizations such as the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, University of Malaya, Malaysian Orphan Foundation (YATIM), and Sime Darby Foundation. He is also active in humanitarian and NGO works and currently sits at the Board of Malaysian Orphan Foundation.

KAMILAH SHAHIDAN

DIRECTOR, PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH & STRATEGY

Kamilah is a qualified lawyer with more than 13 years of progressive career in public policy formulation and delivery of public sector transformation initiatives, strategy & execution. During her significant stint with the Government, she has commandeered at least 20 public policy initiatives including the national transformation projects in agencies reporting directly to the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia and the President’s Delivery Bureau of Tanzania from the ideation stage to implementation which effected changes in government’s policies. Her wing-to-wing involvement in public policymaking covered diverse areas of policies such as Poverty Eradication, Gender Equality and Graduate Employability just to name a few. Beyond her professional capacities, Kamilah is also a changemaker in improving people’s lives. She is an active volunteer in community works locally and globally who has affected lives in different layers of the society, from the farmers of a remote village in Keningau Sabah to the street kids in a populous city of Mexico City. 

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LL.B(Hons.)) from Universiti Teknologi MARA and has been admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor, High Court of Malaya since 2008. Kamilah is a polyglot who speaks multiple languages including Spanish, French and Swahili. Currently, on top of heading the Research Department, she is also leading our flagship project which is the Feasibility Studies of Shared Prosperity Vision as the New Direction of Malaysia 2021-2030 for the Government of Malaysia. 

YM TUNKU AZELA TUNKU AZIZ

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

Tunku Azela brings with her over 23 years of experience in entrepreneurship development, strategic planning, government relations and program management. She served the Digital Malaysia Economy Corporation (MDEC) for over 10 years where she was involved in various policy and strategic planning e.g. PEMANDU’s Strategic Reform Initiative (SRI) ‘Narrowing Disparities of Bumiputera SMEs’; MDEC’s Digital Malaysia ‘Telecenters’; MIGHT’s ‘Smart Village’; amongst others. She was also instrumental in the implementation of various developmental programs impacting over 8,000 entrepreneurs in particular rural and women entrepreneurs in digital adoption. She had also previously worked as a communications and oil & gas engineer for Maxis Communications Berhad and Esso Production Malaysia Incorporated respectively.

In addition to her accomplished professional experience, Azela was also active in humanitarian work. She served MERCY Malaysia and Yayasan SALAM in fundraising and international relief roles for humanitarian missions to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Iraq and Indonesia (Acheh & Pulau Nias). Azela holds an MPhil in Technology Policy from the University of Cambridge and a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Imperial College of London. She is currently the Interim Chief Executive Officer in Institut Masa Depan Malaysia, a think tank that focuses on strategies and policies to make Malaysia achieve efficient use of resources especially wealth distribution and nation-building.