Malaysia

About Our Work in Malaysia

In Malaysia, we promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth through the development of a highly skilled workforce, focusing on the digital skills and experience that women and girls need to succeed. We conduct research and engage policymakers to advance Malaysia’s environment and climate action agenda and support decision-making regarding its care economy. At the regional level, our Malaysia office coordinates several multicountry digital upskilling initiatives.

Country Overview

Contact Information

Robin Bush

Country Representative, Malaysia

Address and Contact

The Gardens South Tower Suite 13.05
Level 13
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 59200

[email protected]

+60 (3) 2282-0385

What We Do

Climate Action in Malaysia

Malaysia has ambitious climate aspirations and the potential to be a strong role model for climate action in the region. 

The Climate Action Initiative drives our research and engagement with key policymakers and stakeholders in support of the country’s environment and climate agenda. Since 2021, we have convened discussions on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Malaysia’s role in the Conference of Parties meetings. We recently conducted in-depth research into the feasibility of implementing carbon pricing in Malaysia and studied the climate policy and stakeholder landscape and impacts of carbon pricing on reducing emissions and contributing to forest conservation. Using these assessments, we have developed policy recommendations for Malaysia’s low carbon transition.

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Accessing the Digital Economy

As an advanced middle-income country, Malaysia requires a highly skilled and resilient workforce.

Covid-19 badly impacted Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises, many of which are led by women. The Foundation provides training, mentoring, and skill-building for women and marginalized communities to enable them to move their small businesses online, attend entrepreneurship ‘bootcamps’, access careers in tech, and upgrade their digital literacy.

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Improving TVET to support sustainable growth

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays an important role in bolstering Malaysia’s human capital towards a more inclusive and innovation-driven economy.

Recognition of its transformational potential has spurred increased support by the government for TVET. With eleven ministries, hundreds of training providers and thousands of industry partners involved, the Malaysian TVET system is particularly complex. Coordination between stakeholders is pivotal in achieving the synergies required for an efficient TVET system that produces graduates who are qualified to take on roles within industries that will drive Malaysia’s sustainable growth.

The Foundation conducted an in-depth study on the Malaysian TVET landscape to gain deeper insights on the challenges and opportunities within the context of governance, industry, quality assurance, funding, and branding. Our research includes key recommendations for improving the TVET ecosystem in Malaysia.

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Recent Publications

APAC Cybersecurity Fund Overview

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, has provided $15M to The Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cybersecurity Fund in partnership with CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance to bolster the cyber…

The State of Carbon Pricing in Southeast Asia

Carbon pricing has become an increasingly popular policy measure used to support growing global efforts to address the causes of climate change and adapt to its consequences. While historically the…

Upcoming Events

Staff in Malaysia

Mission-driven and multidisciplinary, our staff bring a broad range of talents and backgrounds to their work every day.

  • Ahmad Ikram Bin Abdullah

    Ahmad Ikram Bin Abdullah

    Senior Policy Advisor, Malaysia

  • Anith Simaa Binti Karim

    Anith Simaa Binti Karim

    Accounts and Finance Officer, Malaysia

  • Anthea Mulakala

    Anthea Mulakala

    Senior Director, International Development Cooperation

  • Hannah Najar

    Hannah Najar

    Regional Program Manager, Go Digital ASEAN

  • K. Shan

    K. Shan

    Program Manager, Malaysia

  • Li Yang Lau

    Li Yang Lau

    Program Officer, Malaysia

  • Mazreen Nordin

    Mazreen Nordin

    Program Administration Officer, Malaysia

  • Norhudayati Mustapha

    Norhudayati Mustapha

    Director, Finance and Grants, Malaysia

  • Robin Bush

    Robin Bush

    Country Representative, Malaysia

  • Sharifah Shahirah Idid

    Sharifah Shahirah Idid

    Program Manager, Malaysia

  • Tengku Nur Qistina

    Tengku Nur Qistina

    Program Officer, Policy, Malaysia

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