Policy & Industrial Transformation in Asia
Global economies are undergoing significant transformation powered by forces of globalisation, liberalisation, regionalisation and digitisation. Asia, a region densely populated is envisaged to lead global economic growth and has come under pressure to transform to improve the quality of life for people in the region. Monash Malaysia is undertaking distinctive research that will enhance the University’s global research profile by studying socio-economic transformation in the Asian region. We are engaged in research, focussed in the following areas: industrial and economic transformation in the region; work life balance and socioeconomic well-being of the workforce, including migrant workers; public sector transformation to enhance competitiveness and business sustainability; socio-economic development agenda for vulnerable communities; and striking a balance between economic imperatives and environmental sustainability in the region. Research outcomes from this area are providing valuable insights for economies, societies and economic agents to move up the global innovation and economic value chain. Insights from research undertaken by Monash Malaysia will also be valuable for policy formulation for other developing and under-developed economies across the globe.
Key contact information:
Professor Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair
Prof. Mahendhiran Nair’s research interests are in the areas of science, technology, innovation and economic policy modeling. He has published his research work in leading international refereed journals and presented in high impact forums. He has been a subject matter expert for government agencies, public policy organisations, industry associations and ‘think-tanks’ in Malaysia and the Middle East. He is a member of the National Science Council, chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia. He has contributed to the development of several national and industry strategic plans.
Associate Professor Santha Vaithilingam
Assoc. Prof. Santha Vaithilingam's research interests are in developing data analytical and statistical tools to study human behaviour pertaining to the use of technology, new innovations and economic behaviour at the national, industrial and community levels. These research areas are aligned to the national priority areas under Malaysia’s New Economic Model and Government Transformation Program. Her other areas of interest are in computable general equilibrium (CGE) and development and behavioural economics.
Associate Professor Foo Yee Boon
Assoc. Prof. Foo has research interest on the relationships between accounting information, auditing information and corporate outcomes which aim to provide useful insight to policymakers and regulators.
Dr. Sharuna Verghis is a public health researcher, educator, and humanitarian. She has extensive work experience in relation to HIV and mobility in South and SouthEast Asia, and the Middle East, and has provided technical support for the establishment of community-based organisations working on mobility and HIV in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has served on national, regional, and international research and intervention projects and has a keen interest in engaging on these projects from a multidisciplinary perspective. Dr Verghis’ research interests include migration and health (including labour migration, forced migration, human trafficking and statelessness), health systems and health policy, access to healthcare, health education, sexual and reproductive health, community-based mental health, task shifting and community health workers, health disparities and monitoring the right to health, mixed methods research, and theories and practices of community-based participatory research .