Featured by AVPN’s Inspired Asians, Inspiring the World campaign, Professor Melati’s work highlights how data and research can improve outcomes for refugees, vulnerable communities, and underserved youth across the region.

For communities that are often left out of formal systems, visibility matters. Without reliable data and community insight, the needs of refugees, stateless populations, vulnerable groups, and underserved youth can remain difficult for decision-makers to fully understand.

This is where Professor Melati Nungsari’s work is making an impact.

Through the ASEAN Research Center (ARC) at the Asia School of Business, Professor Melati uses real-world data, research, and cross-sector partnerships to support more inclusive public programs across Southeast Asia. Her work, recently featured in AVPN’s Inspired Asians, Inspiring the World campaign, focuses on turning evidence into practical insights that can help shape stronger systems for communities that are often underserved.

Her collaborations include work with UNHCR Malaysia, community groups, NGOs, ministries, and other partners to better understand the needs of families fleeing crisis. Her work also extends to youth empowerment, including financial literacy training for 500 low-income youths.

By connecting research with action, Professor Melati’s work reflects Asia School of Business’s commitment to producing knowledge that is not only academically rigorous, but relevant to real challenges across the region.