Latest activities, delegation visits, research publications, and announcements from AERI.
Wang Ruihan expressed strong optimism about the food and beverage market potential in Miri, Malaysia, highlighting the growing dining scene supported by tourism growth, infrastructure development, and the city's strategic position as a gateway to northern Sarawak.
Read more →The three-day Rain Rave Bukit Bintang Water Music Festival concluded successfully. AERI released a special research report on "Malaysia Cultural Tourism Integration and Festival Economy Development," with Assistant Director Henry H. L. Law attending the launch event and giving high praise for Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing's determination in promoting cultural tourism innovation.
Read more →AERI Deputy Director Chen Chao led a team to East Malaysia for in-depth engagement with Sarawak entrepreneur Guan Shengrong (widely known as "Hai Ma Ge"), marking the Institute's crucial step into the ASEAN heartland. This research mission confirmed the establishment details of the AERI Sarawak Branch.
Read more →On April 25, 2026, the AERI delegation visited Miri to attend the "Sarawakku Sayang" (I Love Sarawak) event hosted by the Sarawak government. The delegation included Deputy Director Chen Chao, Advisor Dato' Loh Sua Yaw, Assistant Director Henry H. L. Law, and Deputy Director of the Economic and Trade Committee Wang Ruihan.
Read more →AERI solemnly declares its independence from Japan's Institute of Developing Economies (IDE) and affirms its autonomous governance, independent research direction, and lawful establishment as an international research institution.
Read more →Deputy Director Chen Chao and Advisor Dato' Loh Sua Yaw led a delegation to visit ASEAN's first smart city project — Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) — and held talks with TAK Group Chairman Teo Chee Tong on healthcare investment research, smart city development, and other areas of cooperation.
Read more →The Asia Economic Research Institute publishes a detailed overview of its mission, organizational structure, research areas, and future plans, reaffirming its commitment to Asian regional economic research and cooperation.
Read more →May 9, 2026 — The AERI online membership application system has officially launched, accepting applications globally. This is an important step in the Institute's digital service advancement and membership management enhancement, marking the full transition of AERI membership recruitment to the digital age.
April 29, 2026 — In April 2026, the Malaysian Chinese community lost three outstanding leaders — Dato' Liu Zengqiang, Dato' Liu Panshi, and Dato' Liu Naihao passed away in succession. AERI, on behalf of all colleagues, expresses its deepest condolences for the passing of these three distinguished figures and extends sincere sympathies to their families and friends.
Dato' Liu Zengqiang (1951–2026): Outstanding leader of the Sarawak Chinese community, served as Central Council Member of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and President of the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce. His daughter, Madam Liu Qiangyan, currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament.
Dato' Liu Panshi: Pioneer of Chinese organizations and cultural guardian. He founded the predecessor of the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall and served as its founding president.
Dato' Liu Naihao (aged 80): Shipping magnate and community leader from Sibu, helming the Tong Yi Offshore Group and Tong Yi Shipyard, one of the most important entrepreneurs in East Malaysia.