Frequently Asked Questions on MES Evaluation Conferences

Q1: What is the overall purpose of the MES Evaluation Conferences?

The MES started organising the focused evaluation conferences as part of its' effort to promote the adoption and use of evaluation to improve policy and program performance in the public sector. The first conference was held in 1997 on a trial basis. The MES Conferences have been instrumental in enhancing the role and integration of evaluation into all aspects of public sector management.

Q2: How many such conferences have been held in the past?

The 2010 conference is the fourth in the series. The MES held the first national level evaluation conference in 1997 on a trial basis. After its official formation in 1999, the first international conference was held in 2004 with excellent response. Since then, it has held the conference every two years in 2006 and 2008.

Q3: What was the response to the earlier MES Evaluation Conferences?

The MES evaluation conferences have always been well received both in Malaysia and internationally. In Malaysia, there has been strong support and appreciation of the evaluation conferences from across all government agencies. Internationally, the MES Conferences draw participants from about 15-20 countries from Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australasia, North America, as well as the Central Asian countries.

Q4: Are the MES Conferences recognised by the Malaysian government?

All MES Conferences since 1997 have been strongly supported by the Malaysian government. Among the key supporters are the Ministry of Finance, Prime Minister's Department, INTAN, MAMPU, and the ICU. The Ministry of Finance has been the strongest supporter of the MES Conferences and typically the Conference is officially opened by the Minister of Finance.

Q5: What about International bodies? Do they also recognise the MES Conferences?

Yes. Past MES Conferences have been endorsed by all major donor agencies such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, and JICA (JBIC). The Conference is also recognised and supported by the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE).

Q6: Does the MES Conference get support from the private sector?

Yes. The MES Conferences have typically been endorsed by major private sector entities in Malaysia such as the Malaysian Airlines System, Air Asia, Radio-TV Malaysia, TV3, The STAR, New Straits Times, and Berjaya Times Square among others.

Q7: Does the MES provide support to developing countries to attend the conference?

Yes but in a limited way. In the past, the MES has provided limited financial support for selected developing country participants. The MES also fully subsidises the Day 5 developing countries networking seminar, which has been well attended. The MES also assists by liaising with major donor agencies to provide financial support for participants from developing countries.

Q8: Does the MES get financial support from its corporate and government sponsors?

No. The MES does not seek financial support for itself. However, the MES works closely with its sponsors and endorsers to encourage its project officials to attend the Conference. Sponsors are also encouraged to support/sponsor public officials from developing countries to attend the Conference and workshops.

Q9: Does the MES liaise closely with development agencies and government to make the conferences relevant to the current interests and agendas?

Yes. This is a strength of the MES Conferences. The MES typically works closely with various development partners and the government to identify current topics and issues of interest and concern. It then brings in experts in the field to present papers and run workshops which are all very current.

Q10: Does the MES intend to run this conference annually since it is so well received by many countries and major donor entities?

Yes. Commencing from 2011, the MES International Conferences will be held annually. The conferences will be very current in terms of topics and issues related to evaluation.

Q11: I have other questions related to the Conference which are not covered here. Who should I contact to get further information?

Further conference details and information may be obtained by sending an email directly to our Conference Manager at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q12: Where can I get more information on the Malaysian Evaluation Society?

Please visit the MES website at: www.mes.org.my