Penang Institute

The Penang Institute is the public policy think tank of the state government of Penang. Established in 1997 as the Socio-economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI), it has now been rebranded to better reflect the aspirations of the state to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city.

Objectives

• Conduct socio-economic and environmental studies related and relevant to the development of the State and to recommend policy options that would concur with the principles of sustainable development.
• Undertake 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.
• Undertake 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.
• Provide support services on socio-economic and environmental programmes to the State Government and its agencies.

Core Activities

• Providing monthly economic briefing to the State Government.
• Secretariat for Penang Educational Consultative Council.
• Secretariat for Penang Local Government Consultative Farum.
• Promoting conservation of natural environment and heritage buildings, green productivity, sustainable transport, non-handicapping environment, people & childfriendly society, a city of barrier-free and accessible to children, disabled and the elderly, at the same time promoting the learning of science and technology, and promoting ICT literacy.

Area of Interest

Research studies on social, economic, education and environment.

Type of Activity

Conducting research studies, organising workshops, seminars and forum, and providing consultancies on the various aspects, publication and dissemination of information.