Internship Experience with APEC PSU

This summer, I had the privilege of working at the Policy Support Unit (PSU) for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). As APEC's research arm, the PSU plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive research to aid discussions among APEC members and relevant fora. The roles and responsibilities of the PSU provided the perfect environment for me to become exposed to not only how research is conducted in international organisations, but also understand the policymaking process directly.

One key project I worked on was the APEC Economic Policy Report (AEPR), which provides an in-depth analysis of key economic issues and structural reforms within the Asia-Pacific region each year. I had the opportunity to explore and investigate the impact of financial inclusion on economic development through extensive econometric modelling. By the end of the project, I was able to identify significant findings and even able to make notable contributions to the final report—such as how the distribution of financial access had positive effects on alleviating poverty, increasing employment, and improving growth.

Through other projects, I had the chance to collaborate with experts and came to understand first-hand the implications of geoeconomic fragmentation, especially on international organisations. As tensions continue to grow, international organisations are forced to navigate increasingly complex intergovernmental relationships, all while trying to facilitate regional cooperation. I was able to experience and learn how international organisations could still promote evidence-based policymaking and hope to improve multilateral efforts in the face of these challenges.

My time at the APEC PSU had been an invaluable experience. The supportive environment at APEC enabled me to constantly learn and grow. By engaging with experienced researchers and policymakers, I gained practical insights into what drives multilateralism, the challenges it faces, and the role research plays in the evidence-based policymaking process—particularly how it can contribute to both policy formulation and implementation. Additionally, the projects I worked on were both challenging and rewarding, helping me refine the skills and tools available at my disposal for navigating the public policy space in the future. While LKYSPP equipped me with the knowledge and understanding of international relations, APEC gave me the opportunity to live and experience them in person, and I am extremely grateful for my experiences at the PSU.