admin@msri.org.my (+603)-4252 8699 (+60)-11 6252 8699
Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) (657776-U) (200401019273), formerly known as Malaysian Sociological Research Institute, was founded by Dato' Dr Alijah Gordon on 24 November 1959. The main purpose of the Institute was to publish and promote Malaysian culture and assist Malaysian authors who were at the forefront of Malaysian writing to publish works on Malayan culture, history, religion and customs. In the 1970s MSRI ventured into its first humanitarian project sending several medical aid teams to the refugee camps in Lebanon and initiated the Sponsor-a-Palestinian-child Programme. Today, MSRI has grown to serve not only the local community but more than 20 different refugee communities from the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.
Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the poor, hungry, marginalized and politically under-represented people in the local communities and across the world. We actively seek to improve their standard of living and make a long-lasting impact with sustainable solutions, operating through grassroot projects and educational initiatives. Beyond helping the local communities, we also work with refugee and asylum-seeker communities whose country of origins are those within the Middle Eastern, Central Asian and African regions; which include Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
MSRI is registered with the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act 1965. All cash donations to MSRI are LHDN tax deductible effective until 2026.
Vision
An institute of knowledge for conscientization and action towards promoting justice for vulnerable communities in Malaysia.
Mission
Undertake and support innovative ideas and impactful solutions on issues of social justice in Malaysia.
Scope of Activities
For the realization of our objectives and in line with our vision and mission the focus will be on the following activities:
1) Research and publication
To publish printed or electronic materials such as books, newsletters and journals for general reading on current socio-economic issues.
2) Intellectual discourse
To organise physical and virtual seminars, conferences, forums and other forms of intellectual discourse in diversifying ideas to find solutions to specific issues in Malaysia.
3) Partnership and collaboration
To collaborate with local and international agencies in carrying out programmes for mutual benefits.
4) To support action research and intervention activities on education for displaced and marginalised children in urban setting, covering the following areas :
i. Trauma management
ii. Learning motivation
iii. Curriculum effectiveness
iv. Assessment instruments
v. Capacity building for teachers
vi. e-Learning effectiveness
vii. Parental engagement and effectiveness
5) To support participatory research on protection for women and girls against SGBV and other forms of exploitations, with the aim of enhancing community-based protection.
6) To provide cash-based assistance or in-kind to communities in Malaysia who are facing temporary disruption to access to basic needs such as food, shelter and medical care.
7) To provide partial or full scholarship for tertiary level studies in social sciences.
At the core of the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) is a Board of Governors with diverse professional backgrounds and expertise. The Board is responsible and accountable for the overall governance and performance of MSRI. The Board steers the organisation towards its mission and purpose through sound, ethical and legal governance and financial management policies.
Dato’ Mohammed Ab Halim has built a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years in diplomacy and international trade. He served the Malaysian Government in several senior capacities, including as Malaysia’s Ambassador to Mexico and Ambassador to Lebanon. He was also Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and held postings as Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Brussels, Singapore, and New York. Since 2016, he has brought this extensive experience to his role as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI). At MSRI, Dato’ Mohammed continues to leverage his expertise in governance and international affairs to identify critical service priorities, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the organization’s impact in supporting vulnerable and displaced communities.
Contact: mahalim@msri.org.my
Since Dato’ Mohammed Ab Halim’s appointment in 2016, the MSRI’s humanitarian programmes have expanded to be more inclusive, such as promoting greater interaction between Malaysians and refugees at its school. The MSRI has also begun strongly advocating for the need for protection for women and girls at risk against gender-based violence, and will continue to identify more areas to better serve the community. Prior to his appointment as the Chairman on MSRI, Dato’ Mohammed Ab Halim worked for 35 years with the Malaysian Government in various capacities before his retirement in June 2009. He served as Malaysian Ambassador to Mexico in 2002 and Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon in 2005. Before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Matrade in 1998 after his post as Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Brussels, Singapore, and New York.
Puan Fatimah Haron brings over four decades of academic and institutional experience to MSRI. A retired academic, she specialized in teacher training, developmental and educational psychology, gifted education, and human services. She served at the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya (1981–2001), and later at the Department of Psychology, HELP University (2001–2021), where she was actively engaged in teaching and research at both local and international levels. Her academic credentials include an MA in Early Childhood Education from George Peabody College, Tennessee, a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Malay Studies from the University of Singapore, and a Certificate-in-Education from the Singapore Teachers’ Training College. She began her career teaching in a secondary school in Singapore in the early 1960s. Fatimah’s association with MSRI dates back to the late 1960s, when the Institute was based in Singapore, where she worked closely with its founder, the late Dato’ Dr. Alijah Gordon, contributing to its publications and humanitarian initiatives. Since then, she has continued her commitment to MSRI, serving as Governor and Honorary Treasurer. In this role, she oversees the organisation’s financial governance, ensuring prudent stewardship, transparency, and accountability in support of MSRI’s mission to protect and empower vulnerable and displaced communities. Contact: fatimah@msri.org.my
Dato’ Haji Hishamudin bin S.O.K Ubaidulla is a seasoned corporate leader and community advocate with more than four decades of experience in governance, strategic leadership, and non-profit development. He holds a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from the University of Malaya and an MBA from Lausanne, Switzerland. Over the years, he has served as a longstanding Director of Ubaidulla & Co Sdn. Bhd. and Trustee of Yayasan Ubaidi, bringing strong financial stewardship, policy oversight, and institutional governance expertise to his professional and community roles. He also serves as President of the Research and Information Centre on Islam (RICOI) and has held leadership positions in various educational, research, and community-based organizations. In recognition of his service, he was conferred the Darjah Johan Negeri (2015) and Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (2020) by the State of Penang, underscoring his longstanding contributions to society. Since 2003, he has applied this extensive experience to his role as a Governor on the Board of the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI). His expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and non-profit governance strengthens MSRI’s mission in community empowerment.
Aliza Haryati Khalid has over 20 years of experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR), community development, and non-profit work across Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Her career spans both corporate and NGO environments, with a focus on strengthening community systems, improving program delivery, and supporting long-term social outcomes. At YTY Group, she guides the organization’s CSR direction and works closely with local authorities, civil society partners, and community groups to implement initiatives under the Pillars of Goodness framework. Previously, as Executive Director of the Malaysian Social Research Institute, she led efforts to strengthen organizational processes and oversaw programs in education, protection, and livelihoods benefiting refugee communities. Earlier in her career, Aliza served with the MyKasih Foundation, where she managed community-based initiatives focused on income generation, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship skills. At MSRI, Aliza provides guidance on organizational policies, supports resource mobilization, and contributes to strengthening the institute’s overall operational and strategic functions.
Contact: aliza@msri.org.my
Khalek Awang is the Co-Founder and Principal Partner of Khalek Awang & Associates, a firm of Advocates & Solicitors, and brings more than 22 years of experience in legal practice. His professional career reflects a deep commitment to principled advocacy, sound legal advisory, and ethical standards. Prior to entering full-time practice, he served for five years as a law lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia, where he was engaged in teaching and mentoring future legal professionals. His academic foundation includes a Master of Comparative Laws, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Shariah Law and Practice from the International Islamic University Malaysia. Since joining the Board of Governors of the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI), Khalek has contributed legal expertise to the Institute’s governance and policy development.
Contact: khalek@msri.org.my
Tengku Mohamed Fauzi bin Tengku Abdul Hamid brings decades of leadership in law, governance, academia, and human rights. His professional background includes four decades in legal practice specializing in corporate-commercial and intellectual property law, alongside senior corporate leadership roles. He served as Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, where he oversaw initiatives in business and human rights, sustainability, climate policy, and international advocacy. He is also President of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (MBRAS), a historic institution established in 1877 dedicated to regional heritage and scholarship. A Council Member since 1993 and former Honorary Treasurer, he has strengthened institutional governance, financial stewardship, and global academic engagement. Appointed to the Board of Governors of the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) in 2023, Tengku Mohamed Fauzi contributes to policy oversight on research and partnerships.
Contact: tmfauzi@msri.org.my
Natasha MH brings over 25 years of experience in education, specializing in curriculum design and creative communication. An abstract artist and published author, she combines creative insight with executive leadership. Natasha has held C-level roles across education and corporate sectors, with deep expertise in governance, organizational transformation, and stakeholder engagement. She completed her doctorate in organizational management, focusing on design and transformational leadership, and continues to champion innovative approaches that bridge education, research, and cultural advocacy.
At MSRI, Natasha oversees matters pertaining to governance and education and conducts training workshops that strengthen institutional capacity and community impact. For research and training inquiry,
contact: NatashaMH@msri.org.my
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