Tun Ismail Ali Center of Excellence
To lead, collaborate, and advance research excellence in monetary policy and economics, enhancing knowledge and innovation in emerging markets for Malaysia and beyond.
About Us
History
Tun Ismail Ali (September 16, 1918 – July 6, 1998) was the first Malaysian Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (1962 – 1980). Born in Port Swettenham (now Port Klang), he was the nephew of Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia’s second Prime Minister. He studied at English College, Johor Bahru, and later earned a scholarship to study at the prestigious Cambridge University, where he graduated with a degree in economics. As the first local governor of Bank Negara, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the Malaysian economy, fostering financial discipline, and implementing policies to curb inflation and support industrialization. Following his retirement, Tun Ismail served in various advisory capacities and boards, contributing his expertise to Malaysia’s development. He became the first chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), which was established to promote equity ownership among Malaysians, particularly the Bumiputera community. Renowned for his integrity and professionalism, Tun Ismail Ali’s legacy as a key figure in shaping Malaysia’s financial landscape is honored through various institutions and awards that bear his name.
Tun Ismail Ali
Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia
(1918 – 1998)
Our Mission
To advance research in the field of monetary and financial economics as well as elevating the capacity of local higher education institutions and widening outreach via engagements with local academics, students and the public.
To serve as a hub for research on central banking issues, with a focus on emerging markets and to carry out the related activities.
To host central bankers, scholars, graduate students and other persons as invited by the Founder or the Trustee who are interested to conduct research in any relevant field which is aligned to the objectives of TIA CoE.
To serve as a hub for knowledge creation and knowledge exchange among academics by hosting conferences, seminars, workshops, and public lectures.
Events
Research Grants
TIA CoE offers research grants in order to support innovative research projects that advance understanding and address key challenges in monetary and financial economics. Malaysian nationals working in academic institutions abroad as well as all academics in Malaysian universities are welcomed to submit research proposals related to monetary policy and macroeconomics, particularly those addressing challenges in Malaysia and emerging markets.
COMING SOON
Tun Ismail Ali Center of Excellence Faculty Directors
Dr. Ozer Karagedikli is a Professor of Practice and Co-Director of TIA CoE at ASB, where he teaches research methods, data analytics, and macroeconomics while delivering customized executive education courses. He joined ASB in 2022 after serving as a senior economist at the SEACEN Centre and has 17 years of central banking experience, including roles at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Bank of England. Ozer has contributed to research, policy, and forecasting, co-edited a special issue of the International Journal of Central Banking, and held academic and editorial positions. His research focuses on macroeconomics, monetary economics, forecasting, and labor and housing markets.
Professor of Practice and Co-Director of Tun Ismail Ali Center of Excellence
Dr. Ho Sui-Jade is a Visiting Professor at ASB and Co-Director of TIA CoE, with extensive experience in monetary policy analysis and inflation forecasting. Before joining ASB, she served as Deputy Director in the Monetary Policy Department at Bank Negara Malaysia and co-led a subgroup for the Monetary Policy Workstream in the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS). A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan, she has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Review of Economics and Statistics. Her research focuses on monetary policy communication, inflation expectations, and macroeconomic dynamics, complemented by her role as an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
Visiting Professor of Asia School of Business and Co-Director of Tun Ismail Ali Center of Excellence
Management & Operations
Research Associate