Faculty of Economics and Policy Science Lecturer Dr. Ong Kian Ming discusses politics during an editor’s briefing.

Dr. Ong Kian Ming, a lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and Policy Science, shares his research in predicting the results of Malaysia’s state elections and by-elections.

Kuala Lumpur, 26 October, 2010 - Nearly 100 journalists, lecturers and researchers met at UCSI University’s North Wing Tuesday evening for a presentation regarding the outcome of Malaysia’s approaching government by-elections and the future Sarawak state elections.

Faculty of Economics and Policy Science (FEPS) lecturer Dr. Ong Kian Ming led the talk, sharing work from his Ph.D. research from his time studying at Duke University in the United States. Dr. Ong presented slides of data collected from his research including vast databases of the voting patterns of Malaysians broken down by ethnicity, religion, age and other factors. 

While focusing largely on the outcome of the future Sarawak elections, Dr. Ong also discussed by-elections in Galas and Batu Sapi after seats were left vacant after the deaths of two legislators. Dr. Ong compared the voting patterns of Malaysians from both the 2004 and 2008 elections combined with current issues facing the country to make his predictions for the upcoming by-elections and state elections. He said the results, which mostly suggested a continuance of the status quo, would be a “litmus test” for the next general election. 

Those that attended the event said they were impressed with Dr. Ong’s research and predictions. 

“It was very interesting for me to hear a micro-level analysis of the individual seats,” Ben Cahill, a manager from PFC Energy said. “It’s impressive there was that much demographic data from 2006 to 2008. It’s a rare opportunity to hear a good political analysis.” 

Li Tsin, from the British High Commission, said she was impressed with the amount of data presented. 

“I think it’s quite different than most stuff you read. There are more hard-facts,” she said. “The issues (discussed) really help. I know what to look out for in speaking to journalists.” 

The event was one of several hosted by FEPS this year regarding Malaysia’s political and cultural scene. Other events have included the 5th Annual National Conference on Integrity, TEDxUCSI and a forum on nurturing Malaysia’s future leaders. 

Dr. Ong, along with FEPS Dean Dr. KJ John, are developing a Master in Public Policy programme based on the world-renowned Blue Ocean Strategy.