Frequently Asked Questions

The Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI) is a non-profit academic research and industry collaboration platform registered with multiple Asian governments. It specializes in Asian macroeconomic analysis, regional economic cooperation, industrial development, financial cooperation, and digital economy research. AERI operates specialized bodies including the Education Development Committee, the Digital Economy Committee, and the Economic and Trade Committee. Under the leadership of Advisor Dato' Loh Sua Yaw, Secretary-General Raymond Kuan, and Deputy Dean Chen Chao and Assistant Dean Henry H. L. Law, AERI is committed to supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting sustainable economic development and integration across Asia.

You can apply for AERI membership through the online application form on our Membership page. The application process involves four steps: (1) Submit your application online with supporting documents; (2) The Secretariat and relevant committees review your materials within 15–30 working days; (3) The Board of Directors votes on the application — approval requires a two-thirds majority; (4) Upon approval, both electronic and paper membership certificates are issued. We offer Individual Membership (for researchers and professionals with a master's degree or above), Institutional Membership (for universities, enterprises, and associations), and Honorary Membership (for outstanding contributors to Asian economic development). Individual members are currently exempt from membership fees.

AERI members enjoy comprehensive benefits across three categories: Resource Access — free access to annual reports, industry white papers, and public research outcomes; priority participation in closed-door seminars, international summits, and industry-academia collaboration projects. Voice Platform — publish research updates, enterprise case studies, or policy recommendations on AERI's platform; nominate and elect Board of Directors members. Service Support — individual members receive career development consulting and academic matchmaking; institutional members receive customized market research, technology transfer support, and brand exposure opportunities. Members also gain access to exclusive networking events with regional leaders and the opportunity to participate in AERI's advisory committees and delegation visits across Asia.

AERI publishes comprehensive investment cooperation guides covering key Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Our guides are available for free on the Investment page and include: Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Miri/Sarawak; Southeast Asia — Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines; Middle East — UAE and Saudi Arabia. Each guide provides detailed information on local investment policies, market conditions, regulatory frameworks, key industries, and cooperation opportunities. Members can also access hard copies and customized advisory services tailored to specific investment needs.

You can reach AERI through multiple channels: Email — chairman@aeri.org.cn for general inquiries, membership applications, and collaboration proposals; Online Form — use the contact form on our Contact page; Main Website — visit www.aeri.org.cn for additional information about our programs and activities. Our team typically responds to inquiries within 1–3 business days. For urgent matters or media inquiries, please indicate the urgency in your email subject line.

AERI covers the broader Asian region with strategic focus areas aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN economic cooperation. Our primary coverage includes: ASEAN — Malaysia (with offices and partnerships in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Miri/Sarawak), Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines; Middle East — the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; East Asia — China and the broader East Asian economic zone. We maintain research cooperation relationships with institutions throughout these regions and are continuously expanding our network to support cross-border investment and academic exchange.

Individual members are currently exempt from membership fees. Institutional membership fees are structured in three tiers: Basic (HKD 5,000/year for SMEs and startups), Advanced (HKD 15,000/year for large enterprises and multinational organizations), and Strategic (HKD 50,000/year for top-tier enterprises and government partners). Fee waivers may be available for members from developing countries.

The standard review process takes 15–30 working days from the date of complete application submission. This includes initial review by the Secretariat, professional assessment by the Academic Committee (for individual applicants) or the Industry Cooperation Committee (for institutional applicants), and final approval by the Board of Directors. Applicants will be notified of the result via email.

Yes. AERI welcomes applications from qualified individuals and institutions worldwide who are committed to Asian economic development and regional cooperation. Our membership includes scholars, professionals, and organizations from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other regions.

AERI publishes research outputs in English, Chinese, and Malay. Our investment guides, policy briefs, and annual reports are available in all three languages. We are expanding our multilingual publishing capabilities to include additional languages based on member demand.

Yes. AERI offers research fellowship programs and internship opportunities for qualified candidates, particularly those focusing on Asian economic research. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through our website or by contacting our Secretariat directly.

We welcome partnerships with universities, research institutions, government agencies, and enterprises. Partnership opportunities include joint research projects, co-hosted academic conferences, knowledge-sharing agreements, and delegation exchanges. Please contact us at chairman@aeri.org.cn to discuss collaboration possibilities.

Yes. All of AERI's investment cooperation guides are available for free download on our Investment page. We also provide hard copies and customized advisory services to members upon request.

AERI's headquarters is located in Singapore at 8 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre. We also maintain regional offices in Hong Kong (Greater China), Kuala Lumpur and Miri (Southeast Asia), Dubai (Middle East), and Mumbai (South Asia).

All AERI research outputs undergo a rigorous peer review process supervised by our Academic Committee, composed of leading international economists and policy experts. Major research publications require approval from at least two-thirds of the Committee members before release.

Individual membership is designed for academic researchers, business executives, policymakers, and industry experts. It provides personal access to AERI's research resources, events, and networking opportunities. Institutional membership is for legally registered organizations (universities, enterprises, associations) and includes additional benefits such as customized market research, technology transfer support, and brand exposure on AERI's platform.

You can follow AERI's latest news, research publications, and event announcements on our News & Updates section. Members also receive priority notifications about upcoming events, new publications, and exclusive research briefings.