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We have carried out in-depth policy research and planning projects for government agencies and international organisations, including ADB, DANCED/DANIDA, JICA, UNDP, and UNESCAP. Our Malaysian clients include the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the Small and Medium Industry Development Corporation (SMIDEC), and several state and private sector organisations.
PE’s policy research and planning projects include socio-economic studies, industrial planning and development, environmental research and management, strategic and development planning, urban and rural development planning, human resource development, information technology studies, institutional development and capacity building, and project feasibility studies. PE also has the capacity to carry out Social Impact Assessments (SIA). The PE team was actively involved in the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development/UNDP study to develop a manual and guidelines for the practice of SIA in Malaysia.
Where applicable PE has incorporated stakeholder participatory techniques in the research activities and has developed the capacity to facilitate these programmes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Proposed Incinerator Project at Semenyih, Broga (2003)
The SIA component of the detailed EIA study for the Malaysian Ministry of Housing and Local Government involved determining the socio-economic profile of stakeholders, understanding the stakeholders’ reaction and preferences towards the proposed incinerator project as well as the social impact. Several discussion group meetings were held to elicit the views of the stakeholders. In addition mitigation measures and the residual impacts of the project were identified.
Economic Approaches in Sustainable Development (2000 - 2003)
PE was the local consultant for this project to assist the Malaysian Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s Department in developing economic approaches to achieve sustainable development. This was carried out through demonstration projects at various levels and entailed developing the capacity of the three levels of Government in using and expanding the scope of its application. For the initial stage, PE identified potential case studies including preparing preliminary case studies for consideration at an EPU workshop. For the implementation stage, PE carried out research as inputs into the background papers on the current status of the identified projects. All these were used for recommendations of action as well as in the handbook that was developed. The case studies included Pesticides Container Disposal, Management of Non-Useable Waste Lubricant Oil, Used Tyre Disposal Management, Solid Waste Management, Collection and Disposal of Handphone Batteries, and Management of Plastic Wastes.
Economic Approaches Homepage
Review and Feasibility Study of Water Charging Schemes (2003)
This study for the Selangor Water Management Authority examined issues, challenges and options for introducing raw water charges for managing natural water resources. It investigated into the justification for raising revenues through various sections of its legislation. The focus was specifically on two instruments: a raw water charge, and a pollution charge.
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Multi-Disciplinary Assessment of South-East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (2003)
The UNDP/GEF project was administered by Wetlands International used a multi-disciplinary approach. PE was responsible for the socio-economic and macroeconomic assessment components which entailed making site assessments as well as undertaking a threat analysis while carrying out the socio-economic assessments in the project site.
Formulation of a Spatial and Conceptual Guideline for the Sustainable Nature Tourism Development of the Forests of Ulu Muda, Kedah (2002/03)
This WWFM project for the Kedah State Government addressed one of the fundamental goals for the effective management of the Ulu Muda forest and entailed (i) developing a framework for a management plan for the large Ulu Muda forest; (ii) exploring the potential of the Ulu Muda forest as a nature tourism destination; and (iii) developing a zoning concept plan for the Ulu Muda forest area.
Firefly Studies in Kuala Selangor District (2000-2001)
This Malaysian Nature Society study for the Selangor State Government examined options for sustainable tourism development involving the local community, using the principles of carrying capacity as a means for long-term sustainability. The study covered the villages along the Sungai Selangor where fireflies are found, namely Kampung Kuantan and Bukit Belimbing.
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Local Recycling Networks and Source Separation of Municipal Solid Waste in Subang Jaya Municipal Council (Pilot Project II) (2005)
This pilot project was part of the Study on National Waste Minimisation in Malaysia carried out by the JICA Study Team. To establish the sustainable recycling system/network in MPSJ and to improve the capacity of MPSJ officials to manage/monitor recycling activities as well as to increase the collection amount of recyclable materials at source. For detail refer to thr website (http://www.rnumpsj.net)
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Consignment Study on Infrastructure Finance in Malaysia (2004/2005)
This study entailed researching into various aspects of infrastructure finance for five priority sub-sectors, viz. water, sewerage, mass rail transit, area development and ICT, to complement the capacity building programmes on project risk evaluation and financial modelling skills conducted by the JICA Expert Team as part of the technical cooperation project between JICA and Bank Pembangunan & Infrastruktur Malaysia Berhad. The PE study provided industry information on specific trends and situations of infrastructure finance in Malaysia for the priority sectors.
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Establishment of a Framework for the Formation of a “NEWCO” for Forest Plantation Development in Malaysia (May 2005)
Commissioned by the Malaysian Timber Council to establish of a framework for the formation of a “NEWCO” for forest plantation development in Malaysia, this study was to formulate a strategy for sustainable production of tropical timber that tried to circumvent existing market failures in its investment. The strategy called for an innovative funding mechanism, among many, to ensure that Malaysia’s timber industry would continue to sustain and perform in the future. The “NEWCO” framework entailed a review in its legal and institutional dimensions, analyses and recommendation on the investment, financial and budgetary elements, a discussion in the areas of policy and a detailed plan of action.
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Environmental Planning and Strategy Component (2004-2006)
As the local consultant for the Malaysian-Danish Environmental Cooperation Programme for 2003-2006, PE works with CarlBro to strengthen the capacity of the relevant EPU sections and line ministries in order to improve their capability to plan and implement sustainable environmental investments. PE will be involved in various support activities that will enhance relevant line ministries ability to incorporate environment as a crosscutting policy and strategy concern when preparing and reviewing the 5-year Malaysia Plans. For detail you can refer to the website (http://www.epscomponenet.org.my).
Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA): Capacity Building and Implementation, (2003 – 2005)
As the local consultant for this DANIDA-funded project to support the Conservation and Environmental Management Division of the Malaysian Ministry of Science Technology and Environment, PE works with COWI in developing the capacity of the Division vis-à-vis Malaysian participation in international negotiations and Malaysian national implementation of commitments under MEAs. PE is involved in delivering several components of the project including the Quality Assurance and Organisational and Management Monitoring.
Enhancing the Supply Chain for Downstream Timber Processing Industries (Furniture Industries) in Peninsular Malaysia (2003/04)
The study for the Malaysian Timber Council assessed the current infrastructure and linkages between the different sectors in the wood-based furniture industry to determine how these can be strengthened in order to enhance the competitiveness of the industry.
Small and Medium Industries Development Plan (SMIDP) (1999 - 2001)
The study for the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation entailed developing the policy framework, strategies and programmes to address areas of concerns of SMEs in order to spur the development of resilient and globally-competitive SMEs. The study included 12 technical studies of which four were crosscutting themes and encompassed public sector incentives and ICT for SMEs; the other 8 technical studies were industry themes. The advancement of SMI/Es is critical to the further development of Malaysia's industrial clusters under the Second Industrial Master Plan.