Socio-economic Studies

TNA of SMEs in Distributive Trade (2007 - 09)
The objective of the study for Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad was to identify the training needs of SMEs in the Distributive Trade sector and to make recommendations to address their current and future training needs. The findings from this study will identify the core competencies as well as the competency gaps of SMEs in the sector to formulate training strategies for this sector.

Social and Economic Impact Assessment of the Proposed East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (2005)
This assessment for the Terengganu State Economic Planning Unit was to identify the social and economic impacts of the communities affected by the highway during its construction and operation phases. This entailed looking into the economic impact of the highway in terms of business, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities; the spill-over effects during construction and operation phases; the impact on the standard of living of communities with a direct link to the highway particularly those that are direct affected by the highway; the social impact on communities in the vicinity of the highway; the overall impact on the development of regional growth centres, towns and villages, particularly those distant from the highway alignment; and other impacts arising from the construction and operation of the highway.

Baseline Study on Malaysian Industrial HRD Policy Focusing on Vocational Training Institutions (2004/05)
This study for JICA Malaysia Office was to gather comprehensive information and data relating to HRD policy and programmes on industrial development as well as information on training institutes as inputs for future Japanese Technical Cooperation in the area of vocational training. The study examined the various policies and programmes related to industrial human resource development. On the supply side, the study included an interview survey of vocational training institutions to determine their capacity in meeting the demand for vocational skills. A survey of industry was also conducted to determine the vocational skill needs of industry.

Baseline Study on Social Welfare Services for People With Disabilities (2004)
This study for JICA Malaysia Office was to determine the past achievements as well as the current policies, programmes and activities regarding social welfare services for the disabled. The study examined the various programmes and activities to empower PWDs in participating in social activities, employment, recreation and cultural activities. On the supply side, the study looked into policies and activities to produce experts on various social welfare services for PWDs. A survey of institutional stakeholders was carried out to determine their involvement in disability issues. In addition an accessibility survey was carried out to gauge the progress of initiatives to create a barrier-free environment.

Study on Preparing Human Resources for the New Economy (2002/03)
To develop an understanding of the occupational trends, in the new economy, the EPU study identified and addressed issues in the changing patterns of human resource requirements as APEC countries shift into the new economic structure. The study looked into (i) policies and strategies the participating countries have in respond to the anticipated change; (ii) the kinds of firms established in the countries, their outlook, orientation and their ability to shift to the new economy, and their demand for new skills and jobs; and (iii) training/teaching infrastructure that can bring those desired changes. A Survey of Employers of firms in the Knowledge Sector and a series of Focus Group Discussions were carried out to gain a deeper understanding of how selected knowledge workers view the skills and training needs, particularly those that are foreseen over the next five to ten years.

New Villages Master Plan Study in Peninsular Malaysia (2002/04)
PE Research was responsible for the nationwide survey of 450 new villages throughout Peninsular Malaysia as well as the socio-economic and demographic components of this Master Plan study for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The aim was to formulate and propose development policies and strategies for the new villages in order to integrate them with the economic and social mainstream of the country. *

Sungai Langat Integrated River Basin Management Study (2002/03)
The study for the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia entailed formulating an integrated river basin management master plan for the Sungai Langat river basin. PE Research was responsible for carrying out the socio-economic assessment of the river basin as well as undertaking an economic analysis for before-after flood mitigation project. Field surveys were carried out using structured questionnaires to obtain response from stakeholders. In addition PE established the environmental economics and socio-economic cost benefits and implication to the community.

National Solidwaste Masterplan (2002)
PE's role in this plan for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia entailed financial and socio-economic analysis for the project. This included an appraisal of the impact of current privatisation-cost/benefit analysis, providing inputs on strategies for privatisation, modelling various scenarios related to customer base, waste generation, user charging, capital investment, examining the impact of taxation mechanisms on financing solid waste management and recommending the level and arrangement of tariffs appropriate to the varying circumstances in Malaysia.