ASEAN Research Center
ARC extends our gratitude to Maybank for their endowment and support in making our work possible.
Our Mission
01
Conduct rigorous and impactful research to inform policy-making and improve lives of ASEAN citizens, especially in emerging markets.
02
Research and publish publicly-available reports on topics related to ASEAN, including long-term “flagship” research programs developed in-house.
03
Host public events for ASEAN-based research programs to foster intellectual dialogue and public interest, advancing knowledge generation.
04
Host visiting scholars and students to lecture and conduct research in the region, enhancing academic exchange and collaboration.
Research Pillars
Economic Resilience
- RYSE
- A program designed to empower Malaysian youths through entrepreneurship and employability initiatives. Learn more
- Roadside Economy Research Project
- An extensive study on Malaysia’s hawker economy and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations and their livelihoods.
Sustainability and Society
- ESG Policies in ASEAN
- In 2023, ARC was commissioned by the AKC to publish the “ESG Practices in ASEAN & Korea: Pathways Towards Sustainability” guidebook which highlights green and responsible business practices in ASEAN & Korea.
- Palm Oil
- MOF Case Study
Inclusivity
- SUHAKAM
- UNHCR
- Covid-19 Mortality
- Public Perception on Refugees
Rapid Youth Success Entrepreneurship/Employability
Rapid Youth Success Entrepreneurship and Employability (RYSE) is a research and outreach initiative aimed at empowering youth through entrepreneurship and employability programs by providing exposure, skills training, and support.
Events
Research Publication
ASEAN Research Center (ARC) Faculty Director
Dr Melati Nungsari is an Associate Professor II of Economics, the Deputy CEO and Deputy Dean of Research and Academics, and the Faculty Director of ASEAN Research Center (ARC). She is an applied microeconomist specializing in industrial organization, public economics, market design, and economic education. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics and Economics (Magna Cum Laude) with Honors in Mathematics from Knox College, and her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her research focuses on two-sided matching platforms with search, and how firms use pricing to correct for negative externalities on the platform. She also studies public policy issues such as the labor market integration of refugees, policy design for retirement markets in Chile and Malaysia, and labor market discrimination. Additionally, she has published research on pedagogy in economic education, services marketing, and refugee studies. While at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr Melati was a Chancellor’s Fellow with the Royster Society.
She has won multiple teaching awards throughout her career, and is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. She is an active Op-Ed writer, public scholar, and public speaker. Prior to joining ASB, Dr Melati was a professor of economics at Davidson College and Butler University. She has given research and classes all over the world, and is originally from Penang, Malaysia.
For a full list of her research publications, presentations, and most up-to-date CV, please visit her website at www.melatinungsari.com.
Dr Melati Nungsari
Associate Professor II of Economics, Deputy CEO and Deputy Dean of Research and Academics, Faculty Director of ASEAN Research Center (ARC)
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Principal Research Associate
Senior Research Associate
Research Associate
Research Associate
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Principal Research Associate
Senior Research Associate
Research Associate
Research Associate