The Expertise Resource Association (ERA) was established in 1986 with the main objective to provide an opportunity for people who have retired from active service to deploy usefully their expertise and talents. ERA celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005.

Membership to ERA is drawn from executives, scientists, engineers, technologists, lawyers, accountants, teachers and other professionals who are still alert, able and willing: willing to share their expertise to those who need it. Their combined experience and expertise are multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral. A few of ERA members have contributed markedly to the economic development of the country and helped to provide input to shape Government policy.

ERA has reached out to many relevant public and private agencies, trade associations and others in its endeavour, both local and overseas, creating awareness of the functions of ERA and what it can offer. It has created important and strong links with the Ministry of Human Resource and the Small and Medium Industry Development Corporation (SMIDEC), an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

Through these outreach efforts, ERA has been actively involved in many national and international programmes and activities. ERA members have participated in the Training Advisory Committee of SMIDEC, Investment Opportunities Project in Uganda for Asians and Value-addition seminar organized by the Myanmar Industries Association; appointed as consultants to various government agencies of some ASEAN countries and have been commissioned by UN bodies to conduct economic survey assignments in Asian and African countries.

ERA strongly believes that the programmes and activities will be beneficial to developing countries which are promoting more domestic and cross-border investments, increase exports of globally competitive products and services; on value-addition, supply chain management, quality and environment management systems, and market promotion. One of the main objectives of ERA is to be able to more effectively mobilize its members to provide consultancy services to all those who need them, in particular to assist the SMEs.

ERA takes the following steps to conduct its consultancy services:

1. Establish contact between ERA & clients
2. ERA & client ascertain expertise required
3. ERA matches expertise from within or outside membership
4. ERA dispatches experts to provide technical & management assistance through identifying problems and recommending solutions
5. Prepare feasibility study report & proposal for clients for implementation
6. Submit progress report and result of project

Basically, ERA operates on the principle of cost plus. For trade associations, chambers of commerce and industry, government agencies and non-profit oriented organizations, the clients need only to pay out-of-pocket expenses that cover flight and travel, hotel accommodation, and per diem to cover meals and allowances.

However, consultancy projects for profit-making private organizations, the fee will be as negotiated between the client and expert concerned.

More detailed information and the type of expertise offered by ERA can be obtained from the ERA website (era.my.diip.net)