Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel zeolite or zeolite-like material synthesized using a zeolite synthesis composition comprising a specifically designed organic surfactant, wherein the zeolite or zeolite-like material comprises a crystalline framework having a thickness corresponding to up to 10 single unit cells along at least one axis, and 2-50 nm mesopores formed by organic assembly of the crystalline framework are regularly or irregularly arranged in the zeolite or zeolite-like material. In addition, the present invention presents a micro-mesoporous molecular sieve material activated or functionalized by dealumination, ion exchange or other post-treatment processes, and a method of using the molecular sieve material as a catalyst. The disclosed novel materials have a significantly increased outer surface area and pore volume due to a combination of micropores and mesopores, and thus show an increased diffusion of molecules therein.