Russell Yap is Research Analyst at the Asia Competitiveness Institute at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Russell obtained his MSc (Asian Studies) from the S. Rajaratanam School of International Studies at the Nanyang Technological University and his BSocSc (Political Science & Communication Management) from the Singapore Management University. Russell also serves on the executive boards of the Association of Southeast Asia Studies UK and the Programme Advisory Committee for English Programmes (PACE) at the Infocomm Media Development Authority. Russell's research areas include cultural studies, political governance, international relations and bilateral mechanisms. At ACI, Russell works on projects involving ASEAN traditional and digital competitiveness indices. Russell's recent papers span culture and identity as well as the role of airports in facilitating soft power in Asia. Russell can be reached at @russelljyap on X.