The 2nd Southeast Asia Economic Research and Development Workshop

The economic history of Southeast Asia unfolds is a tale of resilience, adaptation, and transformation. Over centuries, trade, migration, and cultural exchange have left enduring imprints on the region’s economic landscape. From the mercantile empires of Srivijaya and Majapahit to the lasting legacies of European colonialism, Southeast Asia has been a crucible of economic experimentation and innovation. In the modern era, rapid industrialization, driven by export-oriented growth strategies and foreign investment, has reshaped the region. The emergence of the Asian Tigers – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia – as economic powerhouses in the last decades of the 20th century, alongside Vietnam’s recent rise, underscore the diverse pathways to development, blending state intervention with market mechanisms. 

However, Southeast Asia’s economic journey has been marred by challenges. Persistent inequalities, environmental degradation, and political instability have posed significant obstacles to sustained growth and development. Against this backdrop, understanding the historical evolution of economic thought in the region becomes paramount. Exploring the history of economic thought yields valuable insights into how economic theories and policies have been shaped by cultural, social and political contexts. By delving into past economic ideas and experiences, decision-makers and academics can gain a deeper understanding of the region’s development trajectory, informing contemporary economic policymaking and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth.

With this background in mind, we, on behalf of the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI), the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI), and Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC), extend a warm invitation to PhD scholars and early career researchers for a two-day workshop on economic research and development in Southeast Asia. We welcome submissions focusing on various aspects of the region’s economic landscape, including but not limited to the following areas:

• History of economic thought 
• Macroeconomics 
• Energy and environment
• Agriculture and sustainability
• Governance and public policy
• International trade 
• Labour economics and gender 

The workshop aims to encourage debate and exploration of diverse perspectives on the history of economic thought in Southeast Asia and the corresponding economic policies. Our main goal is to facilitate a thorough comprehension of the role of economic thought in development, fostering international collaboration in academic research and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the workshop offers a platform for both young and senior economists to showcase their work, receive constructive feedback, and establish connections with colleagues investigating similar themes.

Workshop Format

The workshop will feature a plenary session, followed by parallel sessions. All papers presented in the parallel sessions will undergo a refereeing process before being accepted for presentation. Additionally, case studies focusing on any of the sub-themes of the workshop will be considered for inclusion in panel discussions, facilitating interactive engagement. Esteemed scholars will be invited to participate in the panel discussions, offering insightful perspectives on economic thought, structural change, and macroeconomics.

Participation, Travel, and Accommodation Expenses

Participation in the workshop is free for authors of selected papers. We are pleased to offer a limited number of travel and accommodation support grants to junior scholars. To be considered for such grants, please indicate your interest and eligibility in your application.

Academic Committee

Rebeca Gomez Betancourt (Université Lumière Lyon 2), Fabio Masini (Roma Tre University), Simona Iammarino (The University of Cagliari and London School of Economics and Political Science), Arpan Ganguly (FLAME University), Danilo Spinola (Birmingham City University), Phanith Chou (Royal University of Phnom Penh), Alejandro Márquez-Velázquez (Freie Universität Berlin), Thirunaukarasu Subramaniam (Universiti Malaya), Chandarany Ouch (The United Nations), Chanrith Ngin (Cambodia Development Resource Institute), Daniel Yonto (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University), Sattwick Dey Biswas (Young Scholars Initiative), Kirirom Cheav (National University of Management), Sophat Phon (National Bank of Cambodia and Cambodia Econometric Association), Kosal Nith (Young Scholars Initiative)

Local Organizing Committee

Kosal Nith (Young Scholars Initiative), Jenny Symaly (Cambodia Development Resource Institute), Jakkrya Sey (Cambodia Development Resource Institute), Sivly Houy (Cambodia Development Resource Institute), Lyhong So (Cambodia Development Resource Institute), Sinoun Him (Ministry of Post and Telecommunication), Sophara Phorn (Ministry of Economy and Finance), Sereyroth Phang (Oxfam Cambodia), Sokhimmarya Chea (Royal University of Law and Economics), Sreymeng Sros (Royal University of Law and Economics)

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 15, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: June 30, 2024
• Workshop Dates: August 15-16, 2024

For any further information, please visit us at https://sites.google.com/view/sethakech/workshops/saerd24, or contact us at jennysymaly[at]gmail.com.