(Back row) Muhyiddin (fifth from left), Institut Masa Depan Malaysia board of trustees member Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin (next to him) and Azril (fourth from right) with some of the MPDP 2.0 research grant recipients.
INSTITUT Masa Depan Malaysia (Masa) presented RM270,000 in research grants to the second cohort of applicants under the Masa Policy Development Programme (MPDP 2.0).
The programme is in line with Masa’s role as a pioneer in policy research focusing on high-impact studies that contribute towards the nation’s socio-economic development.
MPDP 2.0 is a continuation of the MPDP research grants first introduced in September 2021.
This year, 27 research proposals were selected out of 254 proposals from 29 universities and educational institutions nationwide.
The proposals focused on topics like climate change, food security, health and future crisis preparedness, addressing issues such as school dropouts and affordable housing.
All the research proposals had undergone an initial screening process by the MPDP secretariat, followed with evaluation by a panel comprising field experts, former high-ranking government officials and academics.
“Those selected were awarded a research grant worth RM10,000 for each policy paper to be produced,” said Masa chief executive officer Azril Mohd Amin in a media statement.
“MPDP 2.0 grant recipients are also encouraged to publish their research reports in leading journals, either locally or abroad.”
He expressed hope that all research output from MPDP 2.0 could support Masa’s mission and vision as an independent think tank promoting prosperity for the nation and global community.
Masa founder and chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin presented the grants to the researchers at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
“The MPDP programme is one of Masa’s flagship programmes to fulfil its role to strengthen national development,” said Muhyiddin.
“Some 30 policy papers were published last year, focusing on critical issues related to the country’s economic recovery.
“The grant recipients also produced a resolution at the National Seminar on National Recovery and Social Inclusion organised by the National Recovery Council.
“I chaired this council, which aimed to help the country take post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery measures,” he added.
Muhyiddin urged MPDP 2.0 researchers to consider looking at issues beyond their research proposals, especially those involving B40 folk who were badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
