Adam Merican

Economist with five years of professional experience, specializing in applied microeconomics. Skilled in applying microeconomic theory and rigorous econometrics to empirical research and contributing to evidence-based projects in research and policy development. Areas of interests includes labour economics, education, and agricultural development, with extensive work using national household surveys, labor force data and international large-scale assessments.

Short-Term Consultant at World Bank Group (2021-08 – 2026-06)

Appointed as a Short-Term Consultant under the East Asia Pacific Chief Economist Office. Responsible for conducting independent research in the area of applied microeconomics while collaborating with other economists and senior economists in EAPCE on regional thematic research reports.

• Co-authoring a Policy Research Working Paper estimating private Internal Rates of Return (IRR) to higher education in Malaysia using nationally representative data (2010–2022). Examines field-of-study heterogeneity and implications of tertiary expansion in the late 1990s and subsequent enrollment decline. Presented at the East Asia Economic Association (EAEA), November 2025. Submission planned for June 2026.
• Engagement with local researchers and academicians to boost the research community in Malaysia through workshops and seminars (e.g., Impact Evaluation Workshop and Brown Bag Seminars).
• Review research papers, country reports, and policy briefs, offering feedback and comments.
• Acknowledged research contributor to World Bank flagship reports: World Bank. (2026). Understanding and unlocking state-level growth potential in Malaysia. World Bank.
• Acknowledged research contributor to World Bank flagship reports: World Bank. (2023). East Asia and Pacific economic update, April 2023: Reviving growth. World Bank.
• Acknowledged research contributor to World Bank flagship reports: World Bank. (2023). Fixing the foundation: Teachers and basic education in East Asia and Pacific. World Bank

Sales Executive at FPT Software Malaysia (2017-08 – 2020-09)

• Managed pipelines of business development, sales, and partnership opportunities in areas of software development.
• Performed end-to-end client management from commercial matters to project delivery.
• Part of the team that successfully won a tender for professional services for software engineering works for PETRONAS Group of Companies (2020).

Master's Degree in Economics – Universiti Malaya (2021-09 – 2024-09)

Degree in Economics – University of Queensland (2014-02 – 2016-12)