Research Advisory Council

Prof. Geoffrey Williams

Prof. Geoffrey Williams is a distinguished economist and the Founder and Director of Williams Business Consultancy, with over 20 years of experience in Malaysia. Formerly the Provost at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology, he currently serves as a Visiting Research Fellow at Bank Negara Malaysia and a columnist for major news outlets. He is a leading voice on macroeconomics, fiscal policy, and pension reform, frequently advising international organizations like the ILO and the EU Commission. His academic pedigree includes degrees from the University of Cambridge and prior roles at the London Business School and Oxford.

Dr. Lee Hwok Aun

Dr. Lee Hwok Aun is a Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore and the Co-coordinator of its Malaysia Studies Programme. Previously a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malaya, he is a leading expert on development economics, labor market inequality, and affirmative action policies. His extensive research provides critical insights into Malaysia's structural economic challenges and social protection systems. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is widely cited for his data-driven approach to inclusive growth.

Dr. Rachel Gong

Dr. Rachel Gong is a Deputy Director of Research at the Khazanah Research Institute (KRI), where she leads the research track on digital transformation and policy. Her work focuses on digital inclusion, governance, and the socio-economic impacts of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. She is the lead author of several influential publications, including KRI’s book on navigating digital challenges in Malaysia. A graduate of Princeton University with a PhD from Stanford, she offers AMEU a sophisticated understanding of the modern digital economy.

Dr. Ong Kian-Ming

A prominent academic and former policymaker, Prof. Dr. Ong Kian-Ming serves as the Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor’s University. He was the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) from 2018 to 2020 and served two terms as a Member of Parliament. Currently, he sits on the Board of Directors of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and is a Senior Adviser to Global Counsel. His unique background combines high-level political experience with a PhD in Political Science from Duke University and an MPhil in Economics from Cambridge.

Ms. Doreenn Leong

A veteran financial journalist, Ms. Doreenn Leong is a Deputy News Editor at The Star, where she specializes in corporate news and capital market analysis. With decades of experience covering Malaysia’s corporate sector, she is highly respected for her deep investigative reporting and insights into financial regulation. Her work provides a bridge between complex economic policy and the realities of the Malaysian business landscape. Her expertise helps AMEU maintain a pulse on the practical and immediate trends within the financial markets.

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