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 caring and sharing society concept.

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 nad to recommend policy option that would concur with the principles of sustainable development;
• Undertakes 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;
• Undertakes 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 service on socio-economic and environmental programs to the State Government and its agencies.

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 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 guidelines, help sets its research agenda and manage its finance.

Funding

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

Board of Directors (As of August 2004)

YB Dato’ Dr Toh Kin Woon (Chairman)
Dato’ Ahmad Fuad Ismail
Dato’ (Dr) Anwar Fazal
Dato’ Chet Singh
Dato’ Dr Leong Yueh Kwong
Dato’ Dr Shahrom Ahmat
Dato’ Nazir Ariff bin Mushir Ariff
Dr Tan Liok Ee

Research and Programme Staff

Tan Pek Leng, Executive Director

Chan Huan Chiang, Consultant Economist
Lee Shok Mee, Senior Programme Coordinator
Khor Hung Teik, Senior Research Analyst
Lim Wei Siong, Senior Research Analyst
Poh Heem Heem, Economist
El'millian Chew Saint Fey, Economist
Fatimah Hassan Research Officer
Baharulnizam Baharum, Research Officer
Tan Yin Hooi, Research Officer
Chua Hang Kuen, Research Officer
Ooi Ying Chieh, Research Officer
Leong Min See, Coordinator, Bureau on Learning Difficulties (BOLD)
Teoh Soo Keow, Assistant Programme Coordinator (PACE)
Brandon Leong Kam Wai, Assistant Programme Coordinator (BOLD)

Support Staff
Dorothy Teng, Accounts and Administrative Executive
Rohana Abdul Aziz, Administrative Assistant
Srithala d/o Marison, Administrative Assistant
Noordin bin Mohamad, Caretaker