DIRECTOR

SWRC and Research Leadership

Emeritus Professor Datuk Norma Mansor is the Director of the  Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), Universiti Malaya , where she has led an interdisciplinary programme of research and policy engagement since 2013. Her work connects academic research with practical policy reforms in social protection, ageing, retirement security, labour markets and public policy.

Her leadership has supported major evidence-building initiatives, including the  Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey (MARS) , a longitudinal research programme examining the economic, health and social circumstances of middle-aged and older Malaysians.

She has also contributed to the development and expansion of Belanjawanku, an expenditure guide developed with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to help Malaysians understand the minimum monthly costs associated with a reasonable standard of living. These initiatives demonstrate her commitment to producing evidence that informs public policy, institutional decision-making and household financial wellbeing.

Government and National Policy

Professor Norma has made significant contributions to national policymaking through her involvement in key government councils, advisory bodies and committees. Her roles include membership of the  Health White Paper Advisory Council, Ageing Taskforce and Minimum Wages Council , as well as serving as  Chairperson of the Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Strategik Gaji (JPSG). 

She is also a  Board Member of PERKESO's Employment Insurance System (EIS) , an Expert Member of the  Malaysia Social Protection Council (MySPC)  and a member of its  Technical Committee for Social Insurance.  These appointments reflect her expertise in healthcare reform, population ageing, wage policy and social security.

Earlier in her career, she served as  Secretary of the National Economic Advisory Council  in the Prime Minister's Department from 2009 to 2011, where she was closely involved in the preparation of Malaysia's New Economic Model.

Private Sector and Corporate Governance

Professor Norma served on the Board of  Top Glove Corporation Berhad  from May 2017 to May 2026 as an Independent Non-Executive Director, subsequently assuming the role of Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.

She also served as a member of the company's Risk Committee, contributing her extensive experience in public policy and institutional governance to  corporate governance, risk oversight, workforce wellbeing and social responsibility. 

Contributions to Universiti Malaya

Professor Norma has held several important academic leadership positions at Universiti Malaya, including  Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration  and  Executive Director of the International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA). 

Through SWRC, she has strengthened interdisciplinary research, strategic partnerships with government and industry, policy dialogue and professional capacity building in social protection, pensions, retirement and disability management.

In recognition of her distinguished academic leadership and contributions to the University,  Universiti Malaya conferred the title of Emeritus Professor on her in 2018. 

International Engagement and Recognition

Professor Norma is actively engaged in international policy dialogue, research collaboration and knowledge exchange. She has contributed as a  keynote speaker and policy expert  at international forums, including those organised by the  Asian Development Bank (ADB)  and the  2026 Tashkent Business and Economics Conference in Uzbekistan. 

Her international advisory and consultancy experience includes engagements with the  World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNICEF and ADB. 

She served as  President of the Malaysian Economic Association from 2018 to 2024  and is a  Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. 

Her professional achievements have received national recognition, including the  CUEPACS Woman Icon of the Year 2024  and her appointment as an  HRD Corp Thought Leader in 2025.  Her national honours include the  Johan Setia Mahkota, Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang and Panglima Jasa Negara,  the latter carrying the title of Datuk.