An Advocate For Equitable Growth and The Socio-Economic Rights of The Poor
Tan Sri Faaland first came to Malaysia before the May 13, 1969 racial riots as head of a team of international experts as the Director of the Harvard University Malaysia Advisory Group. The group was attached to the Economic Planning Unit to advise the country on economic matters.
After the May 13 incident, Tan Sri Faaland assisted the National Operations Council, led by Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak and worked closely with the Malaysian Government and the Economic Planning Unit, to elevate the living standards of the poor and marginalised.
As one of the architects behind Malaysia’s New Economic Policy (NEP), he played an influential role in driving the country’s economic prosperity, social equity and inclusive growth
Contribution to Malaysia's New Economic Policy (NEP)
Tan Sri Faaland, born in Oslo on January 25, 1922, studied Mathematics and Economics at the University of Oslo and Oxford University. He was mentored by Professor Ragnar Frisch, who was a joint winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1969 with Jan Tinbergen.
In 1985, Tan Sri Faaland received his doctorate at the University of Bergen. He is photographed here with his son Jon and colleagues.
Over the years, Tan Sri Faaland has held various leadership positions in international organisations, including President of the OECD Development Centre in Paris, Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington, the World Bank's Representative in Bangladesh, and Senior Consultant with the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) in Norway.
The socio-economic climate in Malaysia in 1969 and 1970 gave rise to the need for better social equity and participation by all citizens for the country to progress. Though the NEP was not unanimously agreed upon when it was mooted, Tan Sri Faaland managed to convince them that it was the best way forward.
Despite debates over the NEP's success, Tan Sri Faaland views Malaysia's progress since its implementation positively. He acknowledges the country's achievements in pursuing the NEP objectives and sees it as an inspiration for other multi-ethnic nations.
Co-authored a book which seeks to draw a comprehensive picture of Malaysia's New Economic Policy.
Ensuring Success in Propelling the Nation Forward
Tan Sri Faaland was instrumental in paving the way for economic growth and prosperity that Malaysia continues to enjoy. He emphasised the important role of capable Malaysians in ensuring the success of policies, highlighting the effective link between foreign advisors and decision-makers through civil servants.
He received the honorary Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) in 2002. He was inducted in 1982 into the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav by the Norwegian Government. He has been honoured with many awards including an honorary doctorate by the University of Malaya.
Having just received his Panglima Setia Mahkota order, which carries the title Tan Sri.
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