MEDIA STATEMENT
MPDP 3.0 RESEARCH GRANTS UP FOR GRABS
3 MARCH 2025
KUALA LUMPUR –The MASA Policy Development Programme (MPDP), launched in two successful cohorts (MPDP 1.0 in September 2021 and MPDP 2.0 in January 2023), has garnered an overwhelming response from academia nationwide.
To date, the programme has received 388 proposal papers from over 30 public and private higher education institutions, resulting in the production of 57 Policy Briefs – 30 from the First Cohort and 27 from the Second Cohort. These briefs cover critical areas such as economics, social issues, education and sustainable development, solidifying MPDP as a flagship initiative under Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA).
Building on this success, MASA is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the MPDP 3.0 research grant for 2025, inviting researchers and academics from both public (IPTA) and private (IPTS) higher education institutions to participate.
MPDP 3.0 is set to take a more strategic and high-impact approach, focusing on the theme “Bumiputera Empowerment and Shared Prosperity”. In line with its mission as a think tank, MASA aims to foster strategic collaborations in research and policy development.
MPDP 3.0 offers grants of up to RM10,000 for each selected research proposal, designed to add value to existing policies and serve as a check-and-balance mechanism to ensure their effectiveness. The research findings will contribute significantly to the nation’s Bumiputera economic agenda and align with the broader goals of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
This initiative also builds on MASA’s initial efforts, including the publication of “Bumiputera Socioeconomic Report Current Situation” which aims to further explore this critical area within the framework of national development.
Interested researchers and academicians are required to produce a Policy Brief, focusing on the following seven key areas, relating to Bumiputera:
- Income, Living Standards and Social Welfare
- Asset Ownership, Equity and Wealth
- Human Capital Development
- Regional and Rural Development
- Education and Skills
- Competitiveness and Business Ecosystem Value
- Empowerment of Institutional Reforms and Inclusivity
They are encouraged to disseminate their findings in the print media, electronic platforms and/or leading academic journals to ensure widespread impact and visibility.
Those interested are encouraged to submit their proposals by 31 March 2025 (Monday). For more information, including application guidelines and eligibility criteria, please visit the official MASA portal at https://institutmasa.com/masa-policy-development-programme-3-0/. Alternatively, you may contact the Policy and Research Division via email at policy@institutmasa.com.
MPDP 3.0 represents a unique opportunity for researchers and academics to make a tangible impact on Malaysia’s future. By addressing critical issues facing the Bumiputera, participants will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative initiative and contribute towards building a brighter future for Malaysia.
AZRIL MOHD AMIN
Chief Executive Officer
Institut Masa Depan Malaysia
