APU’s Economic Expertise Illuminates National Governance

Dr. Arumugam G Sithamparam's Appointment as Referral Expert to Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy

Dr. Arumugam G Sithamparam (3rd from left) with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (4th from left), Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul (5th from left) and the appointees and the JKPKKE. From left: Tebrau member of parliament (MP) YB Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, appointee Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali. 2nd from right onwards are JKPKKE Chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah and Higher Education Director-general Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman. (Photo courtesy of Parliament Malaysia)

In a resounding endorsement of academic prowess, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) strengthens its commitment to shaping the nation's economic landscape with the appointment of Dr. Arumugam G Sithamparam, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Marketing & Management, as a Referral Expert to the 15th Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy (JKPKKE).

The role of academia in influencing national policies and economic development is pivotal. APU, as an academic institution, recognises this responsibility and actively contributes to the nation's economic capacity building. This commitment is exemplified by Dr. Arumugam's recent appointment, where his expertise will directly inform policymakers on critical economic matters.

Malaysia's financial and economic policies are significantly shaped by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy, serving as a check and balance mechanism to enhance ministry functions and address public interest issues. Dr. Arumugam's inclusion among the 15 selected academicians from both public and private higher education institutions, underscores APU's dedication to fostering excellence in finance, economics, and related fields.

On November 27, 2023, Dr. Arumugam received his letter of appointment from distinguished figures, including Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. The ceremony was witnessed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and JKPKKE Chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

In expressing his gratitude, Dr. Arumugam acknowledged the support and nomination from APU's academic leadership. He stated, “I feel honoured to represent APU and serve our country as a Referral Expert to the Malaysian members of parliament. The selection was based on my projects and papers on international trade and non-tariff measures.”

“I would like to extend special thanks to Associate Professor Dr. Jason Turner, the Senior Head of the School of Business, and Associate Professor Dr. Devinder Kaur, the Head of the School of Marketing & Management, for nominating me to the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) for their review and selection.”

Dr. Arumugam G Sithamparam (centre) posed with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul (left) and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin post-ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Parliament Malaysia)

Dr. Arumugam holds a PhD in International Economics (Trade and Environment) from Universiti Malaya and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of South Australia. His extensive qualifications and professional accreditations, position him as a noteworthy contributor to the economic dialogue.

Before joining APU, Dr. Arumugam contributed to young talent development and human capacity building at Telekom Malaysia as the Project Director, overseeing competency-based programmes for unemployed graduates. His involvement in Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation (CTO) Projects across various countries provided him with valuable insights into the intersection of economics in developing countries.

In his new role, Dr. Arumugam emphasised, “As a referral expert, I will provide advice on international trade and macroeconomic matters based on substantiated data to the Select Committee.” His vision for Malaysia's economic future aligns with global developments, foreseeing positive changes through targeted subsidies, increased foreign direct investment, and the pivotal role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

A group photo of the 15th Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy (JKPKKE) with Higher Education Director-general Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman (3rd from right, front row), and the appointed Referral Experts from the field of economics from both public and private higher education institutions. Dr. Arumugam G Sithamparam is in 3rd from the right of the back row. (Photo courtesy of Parliament Malaysia)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devinder Kaur expressed pride in Dr. Arumugam's achievement, stating, “Dr. Aru’s appointment as a Referral Expert to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy not only reflects his expertise but also underscores the calibre of education and thought leadership we strive to cultivate at APU.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jason Turner further affirmed the significance of Dr. Arumugam's expertise, stating, “His wealth of expertise in international trade and economics positions him as an invaluable asset, not just to APU but also to the national discourse on economic matters.”

Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We congratulate Dr. Arumugam on this significant achievement, which serves as a testament to the depth of knowledge and academic excellence fostered within APU. This will serve as a testimonial for his current and future fellow academicians and students at APU on how to contribute their expertise in serving the nation.”

On a final note, Dr. Arumugam's appointment stands as a beacon of APU's dedication to national development. It underscores the institution's commitment to nurturing talent that not only excels academically but also actively contributes to the governance and economic prosperity of the nation.