“He was most recently working at AmBank as chief economist and head of research (from 2013 to 2023),” the think-tank said.

In a statement, MIER said the board of trustees is pleased to have Dass leading the MIER now where important and new strategies are vital for our economy to forge ahead to become a high-income, high-growth nation.

Dass also served as a special officer, economic action council, at the Economic Planning Unit (May 2020 – Jan 31, 2023).

He also focused on strategic issues and policies during the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to various economic and social policies, industries and businesses.

Dass started his career as an economist and then as a senior economist at Bank Negara Malaysia between 1988 and 1997.

He subsequently worked at various equity investment organisations.

From 2011 to 2013, he assisted the international trade and industry ministry and he was seconded to the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), Securities Commission.

“He holds a PhD in economics from Universiti Utara Malaysia (2018) and a master’s in economics and finance from the University of Bristol, UK (1996).

He was among the first batch to graduate from the International Islamic University Malaysia with a bachelor of economics degree in 1997.