ABOUT US
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS)
is a nonprofit research institute based in Malaysia dedicated to promoting solutions to public policy challenges. Our work is independent of vested interests and partisan influences.
Purpose
Our purpose is to build a better Malaysia for all
Vision
We envision a nation that upholds liberty and justice
Mission
Our mission is to conduct evidence-based public policy research to stimulate critical discourse
We act as an intellectual centre, creating space for cross-partisan, principles-centric, and results-oriented dialogue
Our work focuses on three overarching missions:
- Advancing a competitive economy,
- Ensuring trust in institutions, and
- Promoting an inclusive Malaysia.
We achieve our goals by:
- Publishing cutting-edge research work.
- Initiating dialogues with government, lawmakers, businesses, and civil society.
- Providing thought leadership.
- Facilitating networking between like-minded individuals.
- Organising educational programs.
OUR HISTORY
The idea to establish an institute for fostering discussions on public policy ideals was initially proposed by YAM Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, and Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuaad in early 2006. Recognising the necessity to strategically promote liberal ideas to Malaysians, they drew inspiration from the vision of Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, who advocated for principles of liberty, justice, and the welfare of the people.
In October 2006, the organisation was registered as a non-profit company limited by guarantee in England and Wales under the name Malaysia Think Tank London (MTTL).
In May 2009, the Executive Board made a strategic decision to relocate all operations to Malaysia. On 1st October 2009, all operations moved to Malaysia permanently and the London office was closed.
On 14th December 2009, the organisation was relaunched as the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS).
IDEAS was officially launched on 8th February 2010, a date chosen to honour the birthday of Tunku Abdul Rahman. The inaugural ceremony took place at the Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Kuala Lumpur and was graced by three generations of Tunku’s families. The Tunku’s close friend and former Finance Minister of Malaysia, YBM Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, delivered the launch speech. More than a decade since our inception, IDEAS has become a prominent force in Malaysia's think tank community, influencing policy discussions and driving meaningful reforms. Our commitment to progressive ideals, evidence-based research, and cross-partisan dialogue has earned us recognition as a trusted voice in shaping Malaysia's socio-economic landscape. As we continue to advocate for a more inclusive, competitive, and accountable Malaysia, IDEAS remains dedicated to fostering progress and prosperity for all.
WAU BEBAS
IDEAS' logo features the wau bulan soaring freely in the sky, earning it the name "Wau Bebas" or the Kite of Freedom. The wau symbolises freedom, IDEAS’ founding value, and just like a wau relies on a string rooted to the ground for stability, we advocate for freedom anchored to the rule of law.
