USM PENANG, 5 February 2026 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Policy Research (CPR) recently convened its CPR Policy Dialogue Series under the theme “ASEAN Policy Solutions for Shared Growth” at the Murad Mohd Noor Auditorium, Sains@USM, Bukit Jambul.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, economists, academicians, and leaders from key institutions to deliberate on pressing challenges and explore opportunities for steering ASEAN’s regional growth in a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

In his opening remarks, CPR Director, Associate Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk emphasised the importance of evidence-based discussions in shaping effective public policies.

“CPR is committed to serving as a strategic platform that bridges the gap between academic research and policy needs, while contributing to impactful and forward-looking solutions for Malaysia and the ASEAN region,” he said.

The programme featured the main plenary session presented by Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Ahmad Fuzi Haji Abdul Razak, the former Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang (Penang State Governor), entitled “ASEAN Free Trade Zone and Sub-Regional Collaboration.”

His address highlighted the vital role of regional collaboration in navigating global economic uncertainties and in strengthening ASEAN’s resilience.

A high-level policy panel was set up to address the challenges of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and Regulatory Fragmentation, which remain key obstacles to advancing ASEAN’s economic integration.

The session was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, which featured the notable panelist Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER); and Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng, Executive Director of Penang Institute.

The programme also featured the pre-launch of ‘IMPAKT Nasional’, a CPR initiative designed to enhance impact measurement in policy evaluation, to support national development and improving societal well-being. The initiative was officiated by corporate leader Dato’ Seri Nazir Ariff.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed was also pleased with the outcome.

USM remains committed to facilitating research on policy development and advancing regional thought leadership.

He stressed that through CPR, USM is reinforcing its role as ASEAN’s regional policy hub by tackling critical issues such as Non-Tariff Barriers and spearheading initiatives like IMPAKT Nasional, which enhances evidence-based policy impact evaluation.

He also hoped that through CPR, USM can continue to play a proactive role in supporting the growth of evidence-based policies and sustainable development, and contributing to meaningful solutions for Malaysia and the ASEAN region throughout.

The programme ended with an interactive dialogue session among the participants, which was followed by a networking session over lunch.

Text: Centre for Policy Research (CPR), USM/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa