PAE Conference 2017

Energy pricing and policy in India

Time: 2-2.30pm

Abstract:

With a population of 1.2 billion, India will become the world’s largest coal energy generator by 2020. Although coal power has appeal in its relative low cost and the ability to add large amounts of capacity quickly, it also exposes India to fluctuating commodity prices and will lead to even higher levels of pollution in urban areas. The objective of this project is to evaluate the trajectory of India’s existing coal and solar energy portfolios. Using primary data from the India Energy Exchange, the study developed a pricing model to forecast future solar and coal energy prices. It finds significant correlation between the cost trajectories observed in China and India. With increasing coal price volatility and falling fixed costs for solar energy, the study proposes that India pivot towards solar in the next 5 years to remain cost efficient.

Perception data for SDGs: Effectively measuring perceptions to achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

Time: 2.40- 3.10pm

Abstract:

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has a strong focus on measuring national progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a more inclusive and participatory way using the concept of ‘Perceptions Data’. Defined as a collection of expressed views of a public, Perceptions Data is not a new concept. Emerging technologies have, however, made perceptions measurement much faster and more far-reaching, expanding the scope of its potential applications. ‘U-Report’, UNICEF’s Global Innovation Centre’s platform first launched in 2011, is one such method. It is a free platform for youth to provide their opinions on issues and topics important to them. This project investigates how U-Report could be a successful Perceptions Measurement Tool for the SDGs using a benchmarking study, with a focus on goals 2 (hunger), 3 (health) and 5 (gender equality). It adopts a unique approach, combining social science and new technological considerations to evaluate existing tools and identify effective measurement practices, thus filling a key knowledge gap in existing research.

Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil Membership: Key to ensure responsible corporate conduct in Singapore

Time: 3.40- 4.10pm

Abstract:

The haze in Singapore has primarily been caused by the unsustainable palm oil production in Southeast Asia. The trans-boundary nature of the problem limits solutions that the Singaporean government can enforce. Other solutions may come from NGOs and the market itself, such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which sets environmental and social criteria for member-companies to comply with. Formed in 2004, RSPO is the main body of sustainable palm oil verification today, having certified 20% of the world’s palm oil. However, currently, there are only 19 firms in Singapore with RSPO certification. What challenges and opportunities do companies operating in Singapore face in deciding to adopt RSPO? This study has gathered data through interviews and conducted a qualitative analysis using a combination of content and relational analyses with the aim of forming themes, concepts, and relationships that can elucidate the narratives of the interviewed companies and developing policy options to encourage companies’ commitment to sustainable palm oil in Singapore next 5 years to remain cost efficient.

Upskilling Myanmar for the Digital Economy

Time: 4.20- 4.50pm
Client: Microsoft
Group Members: Roman Constantin Skorzus, Wan Chun Ho and Rachaphum Panichsombat
Faculty Advisor: Assoc Prof. Razeen Sally

Abstract:

A series of economic, and, to a less extent, political reforms have led Myanmar to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But the number of challenges is numerous. Myanmar is still one of the poorest countries in the region. Its economy is dominated by agriculture, characterised by low levels of productivity, and hamstrung by underdeveloped infrastructural and financial systems. While the country’s cheap and youthful workforce, along with other advantages – including its strategic location, and rich natural resources – will keep it competitive for some time, the workforce is not skilled enough to support the country’s economic development in the long run, especially in the context of new ICT as an inevitable driving force for future growth. This project examines what needs to be done and what policy solutions should be applied. Suggested solutions include increasing expenditures on education and skills development, coupled with specific policies such as a repatriation programme for overseas Burmese to enable a brain gain of international expertise and experience.

ICT and Economic Transition in Kazakhstan

Time: 5- 5.30pm

Abstract:

This project looks at national strategy of ICT development and its impact to industry and economy in Kazakhstan. The goal is to monitor economic policy and market maturity in Kazakhstan, and to give policy suggestions for improving the infrastructure and building a more inclusive economy. The quantitative parts of this research draws upon data sources including National Statistics Agency and International Organizations. Utilizing data in ICT sector, the study measures output, value added, and employment, analyzing the demand of investment and human capital. The team also interviewed stakeholder groups including academia, business, and senior officials for problem definition, assessing policy implementation, and exploring mismatches between private sector and public sector. This allowed for more primary information about policy barriers of ICT sector and constraints of public sector. The final phase involved horizontal scanning to detect global trend and potential opportunities in order to anticipate future development strategies. This study highlights the current technology revolution such as big data and artificial intelligence, which call for substantial government investment. It also explores potential risks such as cybersecurity and disparity in the distribution.

The Global Application of Whole-Of-Government Approaches to E-Government Systems

Abstract:

Despite investing heavily in digital technology over the past few decades, many governments have struggled to improve the quality of e-governance and digital public service delivery due to a lack of inter-governmental coordination and fragmentation across government agencies and departments. The adoption of whole-of-government (WOG) approaches to e-governance offers governments a potential opportunity to substantially improve citizen-centric service delivery, cross-departmental cooperation, and administrative cost-savings. What are the potential economic benefits of adopting a WOG approach in e-government systems? This study explores the potential economic benefits of applying WOG approaches to e-government systems within a global context. By conducting a comprehensive review of the economic benefits derived from WOG approaches to e-government, this report provides a framework for developing a stronger understanding of its economic gains for citizens, businesses, and governments. Finally, by presenting and synthesizing existing evidence of cost savings and cost-benefit analysis released by the countries who have adopted integrated e-government services, this study contributes to inform evidence-based policymaking for countries who are considering a future adoption of WOG approaches to e-governance systems.

Countering Violent Extremism in Bangladesh

Time: 2-2.30pm

Abstract:

Violent extremism has dominated the global landscape of violence and crime, and is increasingly extending its reach into South and South East Asia. In Bangladesh, a recent spike in terrorist incidents has threatened political, economic and social stability, thwarted development, and heightened the need for urgent and sustainable counter-measures. While the recent preponderance of extremism is closely linked to the globalization of radical Islamist ideology, the experience of Bangladesh serves to demonstrate that a diverse cocktail of international, regional and domestic factors often contribute to the rise in violent extremism. This study explores the various drivers of violent extremism in Bangladesh and proceeds to identify a suitable policy framework, engaging relevant stakeholders to sustainably address concomitant threats in the country.

Poverty reduction through eco-tourism in Atauro Island of Timor-Leste

Time: 2.40- 3.10pm

Abstract:

Timor Leste is joining the world’s tourism map as a new attractive destination. The government has given high priority to develop tourism as an alternative to its depleting petroleum reserves, making it a vibrant pillar of the local economy to contribute to the efforts for poverty alleviation. Atauro Island, an untouched beauty and located at the 25 km distance from the capital city Dili, is a perfect place for developing a prosperous community-based ecotourism, solving the puzzle of balance between rapid economic growth and environmental/cultural preservation. This project studies the prospects of community-based ecotourism in the island. By conducting evidence-based analysis, it identifies the opportunities for the development of the local ecotourism. Also, it looks into the best eco-tourism practices in the world, suggesting reproducing them to best fit the local context of Atauro. The cost-benefit analysis and the principles for ecotourism set out by the UN World Tourism Organization are used to evaluate the policy options, based on which, the study provides recommendations for the sustainable tourism development of the island.

Abuse Among Child Labourers in Jaipur, Rajasthan: Mechanisms, Challenges and Policy Recommendations

Time: 3.40- 4.10pm

Abstract:

Child labour is a form of abuse in itself, as it involves separation from families and deprivation of education, thereby negatively affecting children’s physical and mental development. Child labourers are further more susceptible to physical, emotional and sexual abuse when enslaved or exploited by employers. According to the International Labour Organization, the Asia-Pacific region has the largest number of working children (78 million). India is home to 10.2 million; the State of Rajasthan has the fourth highest number of child labourers in the country. Its capital city, Jaipur, is rampant with child labour and abuse, with almost 50,000 children working in extremely unsafe conditions. This is in part due to Jaipur’s proximity to the poverty-stricken states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and its own concentration of industries, such as gems, bangles, and textiles, which favour child labour. Despite penalizing the employment of children in hazardous industries and criminalizing abuse, the problem persists. Through an analysis of primary and secondary data, this study assesses the policy and institutional challenges in addressing child abuse among child labourers. Policy options are provided to the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation to supplement their efforts to end abuse faced by child labourers in Jaipur.

Developing Criteria To Assess The Prevention Of Islamist Radicalization Among Urban Youth in Jakarta, Indonesia

Time: 4.20- 4.50pm

Abstract:

As the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, Indonesia has to face constant threat from Islamist radicalization. The Indonesian government has made tremendous efforts to curb radicalization and crack down on terrorist groups. Nevertheless, transnational Islamist movements have resurfaced in Indonesia, even calling for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in this Southeast Asian country. This project strives to support ongoing efforts in Indonesia to prevent Islamist radicalization by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country’s largest Muslim societal organization with about 60 million followers. NU plays a key role in spreading and advocating moderate Islam and influencing all aspects of the Indonesian society. However, NU does not have criteria to assess the effectiveness of its efforts to prevent Islamist radicalization, especially among urban youth, a particularly vulnerable group. This study develops criteria to evaluate the prevention role of three main areas of activities: religion, education and information. The research focuses on the capital city of Jakarta, with the aim to develop a methodology that will be adopted by NU to evaluate its performances in other urban areas within the country.

Policy design for addressing the food security concerns of the conditional cash transfer beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the Philippines

Time: 5- 5.30pm

Abstract:

This project evaluates three policy options for expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (“4Ps”), a flagship conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine’s government that aims to reduce intergenerational poverty. The program has garnered marked success in targeting the most economically vulnerable families in the Philippines. In 2016, the Duterte administration declared an intent to pursue a new policy of adding a rice in-kind transfer to the “4Ps” beneficiaries with the aim of strengthening the effect of public social protection programs on tackling food security and related health issues, and reducing the prevalence of poverty. However, according to other countries’ experiences, in-kind transfers tend to be prone to implementation issues and the problem of clientelism. The study, therefore, examines the policy implementation process of the in-kind transfers, as well as two other policy alternatives – food vouchers and cash transfer top-up. The three policy options are assessed against the criteria of cost-effectiveness, political acceptability, administrative robustness and improvability, sustainability, transparency, and accessibility. The study identifies how to operationalize the proposed policy designs based on successful models from other countries and expert interviews. The results is expected to be used by the policy implementers in the Philippine’s government as part of their strategy to improve the “4Ps”.

Strengthening communities with low income families in Singapore

Time: 5.40- 6.10pm

Abstract:

Strong communities rarely exist in today Singapore’s neighbourhoods, despite their claimed potential to solve some pressing social urban problems. One key dimension highlighted in the literature is how a community’s social support and resource network can benefit low income families. This project investigates how to strengthen communities with low income families in the Bukit Ho Swee neighborhood of Singapore, focusing on three rental blocks, which is mostly comprised of low income families. The team conducted 46 interviews with its residents, including at least 27 interviews with low income households, to understand their perceptions of community building, and interviewed other actors in the community, such as those from BSS and the Resident’s Committee. The analyses involves both a micro-perspective on how to develop a web of relationships that makes up a community, and a macro-perspective that seeks to describe an optimum relationship among community actors. Overall, the study aims to shed policy insights that could contribute to reinvigorating the “kampung spirit” of the old days in Singapore.

A Study on Hong Kong Talents’ Mobility & Migration Choices: Implications for Destination Country

Time: 2-2.30pm

Abstract:

Hong Kong has been a land of immigrants and emigrants. Since the early 1990s, there has been a substantial diaspora of Hong Kongers living and working in Singapore, and a 2015 study also listed Singapore as the top migration destination choice among highly-skilled Hong Kongers. Based on the Singaporean government’s projection, by 2030, the number of non-resident foreigners is expected to increase by almost one million. This project identifies the key pull factors that make Singapore an attractive migration destination to Hong Kongers. The team uncovered the factors that influence the migration decision of highly-skilled Hong Kongers to Singapore, through both primary surveys and in-depth interviews. Based on the results’ analysis, the study develops policy recommendations that ensure Singapore remains an attractive migration destination for highly-skilled Hong Kong talents.

Cambodia’s Foreign Policy Making: Deficits in Capacity and How It Can be Improved

Time: 2.40- 3.10pm

Abstract:

There are few studies on Cambodia’s foreign policy, and those available do not provide in-depth analysis of the foreign policymaking capacity of this country. This shortcoming leads to a poor understanding of Cambodia’s role and position in the regional and international arenas. This study applies the “three-level nested model” developed by Professors Wu, Ramesh, and Howlett, adjusting its indicators to examine the capacity of Cambodia’s foreign policymaking in a context of top-down decision making and concentrated power in the Prime Minister’s office. Through qualitative interviews with scholars, independent journalists, and former staffs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), as well as secondary data, this research focuses on Cambodia’s foreign policy from 1998 to date, with reference to its capacity in two cases: Cambodia’s chairmanship of the 2012 ASEAN Summit and the last round of Cambodia-Thailand border dispute in 2008. Based on this analysis, the report proposes recommendations to enhance the capacity of Cambodia’s foreign policy making.

Linking Urban Sustainability Indicators (USF) Framework to Evidence-Based Policymaking and Planning of Transport System in Malacca, Malaysia

Time: 3.40- 4.10pm

Abstract:

This study evaluates the current problems in the transportation system of Malacca, Malaysia. The objective is to prioritize strategies and tools that can be sustainable and uniquely adapted to Malacca. The analysis is based on urban planning tools such as the “Urban Sustainability Framework (USF),” a core component of the World Bank’s Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC). The project seeks to develop strategies and policies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Creating Sustainable Cities and Communities. Hence, the study’s purpose is to develop an approach of policy planning to improve the transport system by integrating people and environmental factors, and to efficiently use the available resources in Malacca to promote sustainable urban development. The study also used other similar cities’ urban transport measures to better define the methodologies and develop an evidence-based platform for Malacca’s growth goals. The recommendations can assist in the improvement of public transport not only in Malacca, but throughout Malaysia, which is implementing its National Land Transport Master Plan. Furthermore, the findings can form a baseline for the World Bank’s future research in similar cities that would fit the GPSC Framework.

Youth Employment Opportunities in Hong Kong

Time: 4.20- 4.50pm

Abstract:

Youth unemployment has been a persistent problem in Hong Kong, leading to young people becoming disenfranchised, financially dependent, and impoverished. To ensure more effective school-to-work transition, the government and NGOs have looked at different policy strategies to improve youth employment opportunities, such as through skills development, quality job market linkages, and entrepreneurship. In recent years, they have also forged closer partnerships with corporates in the city.This policy analysis exercise aims to study the state of youth unemployment in Hong Kong by defining the problem and root causes, by mapping existing policy interventions, and ultimately by crafting an evaluation framework to strengthen the foundation’s grant-making strategy. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study: first, crafted an in-depth literature review of labour market policies and interventions; second, analysed quantitatively the key drivers of youth unemployment; and third, conducted over 25 semi-structured, high-level interviews with senior executives from research and academia, NGOs, as well as government bureaus and bodies in Hong Kong. By applying a set of evaluative criteria, successful interventions and programmes will also be identified and detailed. Finally, these insights will be applied to improving Citi Foundation’s grant-making strategies and processes in Hong Kong.

The Mobility of Skilled Labour in ASEAN – The Study on Challenges and Gaps in the Engineering Services and The Way Forward

Time: 5- 5.30pm

Abstract:

Eight Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) have been established in ASEAN so far, in order to facilitate the free intra-regional movement of skilled labour covering different professional services, including the engineering services. Under the ASEAN MRA on engineering services, every member country has already implemented the MRA procedures to encourage free movement of skilled labour. But the implementation of MRA has not actually facilitated the free cross-border movement of engineers within the region. This study explores why the MRA has not worked well in the four selected ASEAN countries of Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Among others, it points to the issues of brain drain, restrictive immigration and labour policies, differences in educational standards, lack of awareness about MRA among the engineering professionals, and the legally non-binding nature of the MRAs as some major obstacles. Going forward, the study recommends revising the MRA to fit in the changing socio-economic realities, raising awareness among the engineers, and implementing it in consonance with other similar arrangements to leverage their complementarities as some important policy options in order to realize the goal of free movement of skilled labour in the region.

Trade, Employment and Income Inequality in APEC Economies

Time: 5.40- 6.10pm

Abstract:

Resistance to trade liberalization has been increasing across the world, in part due to the perception that it has fuelled greater income inequality. This study examines the manner in which trade liberalization has transformed the employment landscape in APEC economies, while looking specifically at its impact on income inequality. The team focused not only on the kind of employment generated but also the quality of employment stimulated by trade liberalization. Findings are drawn from field work in Viet Nam in addition to quantitative analyses of the 21 member economies of APEC. The study identifies the segments of society that are vulnerable, or suffer from income inequality and analyses how changes in employment has affected their welfare. It demonstrates how certain policies have enabled governments to act as equalizers and proposes recommendations to mitigate income inequality by engaging not only government, but also international organizations and the private sector.