In Malaysia, the competition is organized by a private educational company Arden Educational, which hosts various intellectual contests in the country. Hamidi shares that there's a personal connection to this initiative, as many of those involved in organizing the Olympiads are former participants themselves. For example, both Hamidi and the company's founder competed in mathematics olympiads during their school days. They place great importance on the social aspect of the Olympiads.

As the Malaysian Economics Olympiad does not receive government sponsorship, the organization requires a modest participation fee to cover essential contest expenses. The team's primary focus is to ensure smooth operations while minimizing any financial barriers for students. Hamidi emphasizes their cautious approach to financial matters, noting that some of the most successful participants often come from less privileged backgrounds. He believes their expertise in Economics significantly aids in budget planning, allowing them to keep participation costs accessible for all contestants.

To enhance the effectiveness of resource management, the team collaborates with other organizations. For example, they have partnered with Boston Consulting Group to provide training for students in preparation for the Business Case round.

Although Economics is not part of the school curriculum in Malaysia, students often achieve impressive results in the subject, sometimes without any formal classes. Hamidi attributes this success mainly to the abundance of online resources that can teach almost anything. To facilitate preparation, he has developed his own collection of materials that he uses to instruct students for the IEO and to teach them economics more broadly.

Hamidi emphasizes that for a team leader, it’s crucial to study the IEO Syllabus thoroughly to understand the types of tasks that will be presented to contestants. For instance, while financial literacy in Malaysia is typically seen as managing personal finances, the IEO Syllabus also encompasses investment, which is often regarded as a corporate-only concern. Once the team leader grasps this distinction, they can effectively share this knowledge with the students, who are eager and quick to learn.

Another key aspect is the diverse range of testing formats at the International Economics Olympiad. Alongside traditional exams, it includes Business Case presentations that necessitate soft skills and specific training. To evaluate these skills, Hamidi and his team have introduced a new requirement in the selection process: students must now submit a short video presentation on designated topics. This addition allows for the assessment of prospective finalists' ability to clearly articulate economic concepts, a crucial skill for the Business Case round of the IEO.

Hamidi believes that both formats offer valuable advantages and should be utilized effectively. Online tools enhance accessibility, allowing more participants to join without incurring extra costs. In contrast, the on-site format fosters greater engagement and serves as an excellent measure of team synergy. This is particularly crucial for the IEO, which includes a group assignment in the Business Case round, where collaboration and alignment are essential for success.

To conclude, Hamidi gives the following advice to anyone considering launching the national selection in their countries: