WORK WITH US

Putting evidence at the heart of policy debate

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) is an independent research institute committed to promoting research-backed solutions to public policy challenges.

We take pride in our dynamic team. At IDEAS we believe in a flat hierarchy where everyone from interns to employees can make valuable contributions to our work. We believe in being knowledge-driven, transparent, collaborative and autonomous. We foster our employee’s natural curiosity and encourage innovation in our organisation.

Do you share our passion in wanting to promote and develop better public policies in Malaysia? Do you want to influence politicians, corporate captains, the media and the wider public? If yes, then come and join us. To know more about the leadership in IDEAS, please see this page.

List of vacancies:

Manager/Senior Manager, Research

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and manage IDEAS’ research portfolio on public finance and governance.
  • Design and oversee rigorous policy research and analysis.
  • Engage policymakers, funders, and civil society to drive evidence-based reform.
  • Provide strategic insight and policy recommendations to influence national debates.
  • Represent IDEAS in dialogues, conferences, and media to enhance institutional visibility and impact.
  • Strengthen internal research systems, processes, and capacity for continuous improvement.
  • Mentor junior researchers and ensure delivery of high-quality, impactful outputs.

What we’re looking for:

CORE KNOWLEDGE & SKILL SETS

  • Strong grasp of governance systems, public finance structures, and legal-policy environments in Malaysia.
  • Advanced analytical, writing, and data interpretation skills.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and communication capabilities.
  • Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management proficiency.
  • Familiarity with international governance standards, fiscal transparency frameworks, and public sector reform practices.
  • Deep understanding of Malaysia’s policy and institutional landscape.
  • Excellent command of English and Bahasa Malaysia.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Law, or related field.
  • Minimum 6–8 years of relevant experience in governance, public policy, or research management.
  • Demonstrated track record of producing and communicating impactful research.
  • Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects and external partnerships.
  • Excellent written and spoken command of English and Bahasa Malaysia.

If you are a driven, strategic thinker who values integrity, non-partisanship, independence and impact, we invite you to join IDEAS in shaping better policies for Malaysia.

How to apply:
Email your CV, cover letter, and writing samples to hiring@ideas.org.my with the subject line: “Manager/Senior Manager, Research – Application.”

Assistant Manager, Research

ABOUT THE ROLE:
Are you passionate about governance, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking in Malaysia? IDEAS Malaysia is seeking an Assistant Manager, Research to support our research and advocacy work on governance and public finance reform.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence Malaysia’s governance and fiscal reform agenda through evidence-based research and strategic advocacy.

Key responsibilities:

  • Manage and coordinate research projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with IDEAS’ mission.
  • Lead and support the development of junior researchers.
  • Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable policy recommendations for policymakers and the public.
  • Build and maintain relationships with government, funders, and civil society to promote evidence-based policymaking.
  • Contribute to IDEAS’ institutional visibility through publications, events, and collaborative initiatives.

Core knowledge & skill sets:

  • Good understanding of governance systems, public finance, and Malaysia’s policy landscape.
  • Strong research, analytical, and writing capabilities.
  • Good leadership skills and ability to guide junior researchers and interns.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  • Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects.
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Qualifications & experience:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Law, or related field.
  • 3–6 years of relevant research or policy experience.
  • Experience supervising 1-2 junior staff.
  • Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement is an advantage.

If you are driven, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to meaningful policy change, join IDEAS in shaping better governance for Malaysia.

How to apply
Email your CV, cover letter, and writing samples to hiring@ideas.org.my with the subject line: “Assistant Manager, Research – Application.”

IDEAS Internship

The IDEAS Internship Programme is designed for those who want to make a difference and contribute to the development of public policy in Malaysia. An internship at IDEAS allows you to tackle real issues in policy areas spanning the full breadth of work. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced full-time staff in helping out in the day-to-day operations at a research institute.

Interns are an integral part of the team. They take charge of tasks that support the organisation’s work and operations. We welcome dedicated, resourceful, and motivated individuals from various academic backgrounds to join our team and make an impact on building a better Malaysia.Here you not only build your knowledge and skills in a thought-provoking think tank environment, you will also gain experiences that will be beneficial to your personal and professional growth.

We offer an internship programmes:

Programme Types

INTERNSHIP (RESEARCH)

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) offers an internship programme for interns to gain valuable experience in an institute that is dedicated to carrying out rigorous research and providing actionable policy recommendations to promoting solutions to public policy challenges, advancing a competitive economy, ensuring trust in institutions, and promoting an inclusive Malaysia.
Interns are an integral part of our team. You will have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced full-time researchers and support our day-to-day operations. You should be interested in contributing to policy research and advocacy and have excellent time management and administrative skills. Some knowledge in executing social media work, video creation or editing, graphic design and/or photography is a plus.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should:

  • Be first, second or penultimate year students across all degree backgrounds.

Preferably backgrounds in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Political and International Relations Studies, Public Policy and Public Administration, Economics, International Political Economic, Developing and Environment Studies, and Law.

  • Possess strong academic results – minimum CGPA of 3.0
  • Possess strong writing skills and fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
  • Possess an interest in policy research and the multi-faceted causes and potential solutions to the issues tackled in this field.
  • Be able to demonstrate strength in qualitative and/or quantitative research, with interest in sharpening their existing research competencies as well as learning other methodologies.
  • Highest regard and appreciation of the sensitivities that comes with exposure to confidential information.
  • The candidate must be able to commit for a minimum of 3 months.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following documents to hiring@ideas.org.my:

  • An updated CV and cover letter
  • An official academic transcript
  • A sample of written work (in English)

Please also indicate the dates during which you will be available for internship.

We accept applications on a rolling basis, but the availability of internships depends on the capacity and needs of our team. Selected interns are on-boarded both remotely and in a hybrid form until further notice.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates who are shortlisted for the interview process will be contacted.

Preparing Yourself

At IDEAS you will be exposed to the basic principles underpinning free market ideas. We expect that you will further your personal development during your internship by reading articles and books, leading internal discussions, contributing ideas to existing projects and finally, present to the organisation your personal learning throughout the period.

This is a recommended reading list if you are interested in interning with IDEAS:

  • The Tunku’s Great Ideas by Lenard Lim
  • I, Pencil by Leonard Read
  • Why Liberty by Tom G. Palmer
  • Hayek’s Road to Serfdom
  • Economics in one lessons – Henry Hazlitt
  • Hayek’s ‘The Use of Knowledge in Society’.