Alignment with Award Category
Rajah Rasiah’s pioneering research on technology, industrial policies, and their link to development makes him an ideal candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work exemplifies excellence in innovation, sustainable development, and the ability to influence global change. The breadth and depth of his contributions make him a standout nominee in the field of international development.
Universiti Malaya | Malaysia
๐Early Academic Pursuitsย
Education and Training
Rajah Rasiahโs academic journey is a testament to his commitment to understanding complex global economic phenomena. He pursued his foundational education in social sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), where he earned a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) in Management. His thirst for knowledge led him to further study, earning a Master of Social Science (MSocSc) from the same institution. However, it was his Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious Cambridge University, awarded in 1992, that propelled him to the forefront of economic thought. This early academic background laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to the field of development economics, particularly in technology, industrial policy, and international development.
๐ผProfessional Endeavorsย
Academic Positions
Throughout his career, Rajah Rasiah has held multiple leadership positions, notably as the Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya. He has been an influential figure in shaping academic discourse and policy through his roles, such as the first holder of the Khazanah Nasional Chair of Regulatory Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration at the University of Malaya. Beyond his administrative roles, Rasiah has contributed to various academic and research institutions globally. His distinguished career includes serving as a Professorial Fellow at UNU-MERIT, Senior Research Associate at the Technology Management and Development Centre at Oxford University, and a Professorial Fellow at the Centre for Rising Powers at Cambridge University. Rasiah’s contributions to academia are extensive, having delivered lectures at numerous prestigious universities worldwide, including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Columbia. He has become a key figure in the international academic community, sharing his knowledge on development, technology, and industrial policy across continents.
๐Contributions and Research Focus on Climate change
Rajah Rasiahโs research primarily focuses on technology, industrial policy, and their link to development. His seminal work has significantly influenced the understanding of how technology adoption and industrial policies shape the economic landscape, particularly in developing countries. He has conceptualized technology as a crucial driver for economic progress and has developed methodologies for assessing technological capabilities, industrial clustering, and the dynamics of foreign investment. Rasiah’s policy-oriented research has led to commissions by international organizations such as the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World Bank, and Asian Development Bank. His contributions to guiding industrial policy in the Global South, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are notable. He has authored pivotal reports for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the UNESCO Science Report, showcasing his influence in shaping global industrial strategies.
๐Accolades and Recognitionย
Rajah Rasiah’s academic and professional contributions have been widely recognized. In 2014, he received the prestigious Celso Furtado prize from the World Academy of Sciences, which honors his advancement of social science thought. This recognition was further cemented when Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education awarded him the title of Distinguished Professor in Economics in 2017, an acknowledgment of his outstanding scholarly work. The Merdeka (Independence) Award for academic excellence, conferred upon him in 2018, serves as a testament to the lasting impact he has had on Malaysia’s academic and economic development.
๐ย Impact and Influenceย
Community Impact
Rasiahโs research has had a profound impact not only on academic scholarship but also on policy-making in developing countries. His work on industrial policy, technology development, and innovation has influenced government strategies in emerging economies, particularly in Asia. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and policy has made him a sought-after advisor to international organizations like the UN, World Bank, and ADB. Furthermore, his contributions to the global discourse on technology and development have helped shape international development agendas, particularly in the context of South-South cooperation. Beyond the classroom and policy circles, Rasiah’s influence extends to academia globally. His research has been published in over 280 international journals, making him one of the most prolific economists in his field. His academic leadership at the Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya, has helped shape the next generation of economists, fostering a legacy of excellence in economic research and policy analysis.
๐ฎLegacy and Future Contributionsย