Siti Asiah Ahmad faces a significant task ahead as she takes over as the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Chief Statistician, inheriting the responsibility of leading the department in an era where accurate and timely data has become increasingly critical for economic policymaking.
Effective immediately, the Economy Ministry said Siti Asiah succeeds in the role with nearly three decades of experience in economic and social statistics, but she will be tasked with building on DOSM’s established reputation as the country’s key source of official data for government planning, businesses and investors.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the appointment reflects the government’s confidence in Siti Asiah’s experience, expertise and track record, while emphasising the need for official statistics to remain faster, more accurate and reliable in supporting policy decisions.
“In an increasingly complex economic environment, official statistics need to be faster, more accurate and reliable so that the government can respond earlier and target interventions more effectively,” he said.
Siti Asiah, 51, brings nearly 28 years of experience at DOSM, having joined the department as a statistician in 1998. She previously served as Deputy Chief Statistician (Economic Programme), where she played a role in overseeing the preparation of key national statistics, including GDP, external trade, industrial and services data.
Her appointment comes as DOSM continues to expand its role beyond traditional data collection, with greater focus on digital transformation, data integration and evidence-based policymaking. During her tenure, Siti Asiah was involved in strategic initiatives including the development of the Central Database, cost of living statistics and strengthening of the National Statistical System.
She holds a Master of Science in Economics from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Her expertise has also been recognised through her participation in statistical working groups under the United Nations, ASEAN and other international organisations.
