Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute

About SERI

SERI's MISSION

To serve as the think tank of Penang, formulating strategic planning and policy recommendations based on sound research, analysis, and judgment underlined by a caring and sharing society concept. (top)

Seri's OBJECTIVES

To fulfill its mission to facilitate the building of a balanced and fully developed Penang, SERI undertakes to:

Conduct socio-economic and environmental studies related and relevant to the development of the State and to recommend policy options that would concur with the principles of sustainable development ;
Undertake research and analysis of public policies in order to provide inputs for strategic planning in Penang;
Provide a forum for intellectual and professional exchange on critical, current and strategic issues that would have an impact on Penang's development;
Undertake research commissions by private and public sector clients, both local and international;
Maintain a comprehensive databank and resource center in order to facilitate research on the State;
Publish and disseminate research findings that would enrich public discourse and promote sustainable development in Penang; and
Provide support services on socio-economic and environmental programs to the State Government and its agencies. (top)

ORGANIZATIONAL SETUP

SERI was established on 19 March 1997, and officially launched on 8 November 1997 by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, as an independent, non-profit research organization, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. It is under the charge of a Board of Directors who oversees the smooth operation of the Institute by providing policy guidelines, help set its research agenda, and manages its finances. (top)

FUNDING

SERI is partially funded by grants from the Penang State Government and the Penang Development Corporation. It also receives funds from other international organizations on project basis, such as the ABILIS Foundation, Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Royal Netherlands Embassy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). (top)

STAFF

Board of Directors

YB Dato Dr. Toh Kin Woon (Chairman)
Dato (Dr.) Anwar Fazal
Dato Chet Singh
Dato Dr. Shahrom Ahmat
Dato Siti Balkish Shariff
Dr. Leong Yueh Kong
Lim Pao Li

Research and Program Staff

Tan Pek Leng, Executive Director
Khor Hung Teik, Senior Research Analyst
Lee Shok Mee, Senior Progam Co-ordinator
Anna Ong Cheng Imm, Senior Analyst
Dr. Chan Huan Chiang, Consultant Economist
Baharulnizam Bin Baharum, Research Officer
Leong Min See, Assistant Program Co-ordinator
Lim Chung Wei, Assistant Program Co-ordinator
Lim Poh Im, Program Officer
Teoh Soo Keow, Assistant Program Co-ordinator
Terence Too Yang-Yau, Research Officer

Administrative Staff

Rohana Bt. Abdul Aziz, Administrative Assistant
Dorothy Teng, Administrative & Accounts Executive
Subramaniam A Palanee Samy, Caretaker/Gardener
(top)