第9期生 (2022)

I earned my Master's degree at GRIPS over 15 years ago. Following that, I joined the World Bank, where I focused on project development and policy dialogue to enhance education systems and policies in developing countries. This role provided invaluable first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities of education reform.

Since 2020, I have been with the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), contributing to high-impact research projects, including a randomized controlled trial in Indonesia and an impact evaluation of a national education policy in the Philippines. These efforts aim to generate evidence to address stagnant learning outcomes in developing countries.

At GRIPS, my goal is to bridge gaps in my research skills to produce robust evidence for effective policymaking and project design. Advances in economics and econometrics underscore the importance of comprehensively updating my knowledge. Through this PhD journey, I aim to contribute to sustainable improvements in global education systems.

Willa Nurul Utami is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Global Governance at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan. She holds a Master's degree in international Affairs with a focus on energy and environment from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, as well as a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Airlangga University in Surabaya, Indonesia. Willa has a strong interest in environmental, energy, sustainability, and development issues.

Since December 2010, Willa has been serving as a Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. She has been involved in various high-profile initiatives, including serving on the organizing committee for the Indonesian APEC chairmanship in 2013, participating on the pandemic response team for economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, and supporting the Indonesia's G20 chairmanship in 2022. Additionally, she held the position of Vice Consul for Economic Affairs at the Indonesian Consulate General in New York from 2017 to 2020.

I am a PhD candidate at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) under the G-Cube program, where my research focuses on foreign direct investment and industrial policy. Previously, I served as a Senior Assistant Director at Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, where I was involved in policy formulation and facilitating investments to drive industrial development. I hold both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the National University of Malaysia. Additionally, I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), Malaysia.

Studying at GRIPS has provided me with the opportunity to enhance my academic research skills while gaining insights from some of the region's leading thinkers, who bring expertise from both academia and the professional world.

My name is Noraini Abrahim, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Global Governance at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan. I hold a master's in economics from the University of Malaya and a bachelor's degree in business administration (finance) from Multimedia University.

I have been serving in the Malaysian government since February 2011, with experience across two ministries. My career began at the Ministry of Education, where I was responsible for education development and infrastructure projects. Prior to my doctoral studies, I served at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, focusing on ASEAN economic relations and engagement with dialogue partners. I was also part of Malaysia's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiating team for the Trade in Goods Agreement under the ASEAN-China FTA.

One of my key contributions was serving on the main organising committee for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2015, which led to the successful conclusion of the ASEAN-China FTA upgrade. Additionally, I played an active role in implementing initiatives under the Industry4WRD policy, supporting Malaysia's transition toward smart manufacturing.

Building on my expertise in international trade and industry, my doctoral research examines Malaysia's technology development in high-tech industries as a pathway to an innovation-driven economy. My study aims to provide insights into the role of government policies and institutional frameworks in advancing technological progress and industry competitiveness.

I am Socheath ENG. Before enrolling at GRIPS, I worked as a research assistant at the General Secretariat for the Committee on Economic and Financial Policy under the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Cambodia. During this time, I collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to conduct policy-relevant studies, provide data-driven insights, review draft policy papers, and develop actionable recommendations. These experiences allowed me to engage with pressing policy challenges and witness firsthand the critical interplay between research and decision-making.

Now, at GRIPS, I am pursuing my PhD with a focus on evidence-based research in education policy. Through this journey, I aim to deepen my understanding of policy evaluation, collaborate with renowned faculty and peers, and enhance my ability to design and implement impactful research in both academic and professional contexts.

Upon graduation, I am committed to leveraging the knowledge and skills I have gained to address real-world challenges through rigorous research and to contribute to evidence-based policymaking that drives sustainable development.

I am a third-year student in the Global Governance Program (G-cube) at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). My field of study is international development, focusing on development economic. Before joining GRIPS, I served as an Assistant Director under Banking Supervision and Risk Assessment department at the Bank of Thailand, national central bank. I had work experiences at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as an Assurance Associate. My research interest is on credit, banking, risk management and social welfare.

I hold two master's degrees in MSc in Business Analytics at University of California San Diego and MSc in Finance (English Program) at Chulalongkorn University. Both were fully sponsored by the Bank of Thailand. I received a Bachelor of Accountancy with honours from Chulalongkorn University. Pursing a doctoral degree in G-cube program at GRIPS have provided me an in-dept understanding of various policy perspectives, strong analytical ability and practical training that strengthen my expertise in the research field. In addition, the program allows me to insightfully learn from my peers as well as sharing my valuable experiences which will be an important boost to my potential and accelerate my contribution towards many future endeavours.

Daniel San Jose is a PhD Candidate and MEXT scholar under the G-Cube Program. Currently, he is doing his research on the political economy of railway infrastructure development in the Philippines.

Mr. San Jose has almost 14 years of experience in the development sector. Early in his career, he worked at the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), first as a Presidential Staff Officer and later as Acting Division Chief at the Office of the PMS Secretary. His work included providing high-level technical staff support, managing presidential engagements, conducting monitoring and evaluation of priority infrastructure, and engaging with different stakeholders.

Mr. San Jose also worked at the Australian Embassy, Manila, managing Australia's development program in the Philippines. His portfolio included overseeing various activities that promote inclusive economic growth, in partnership with multilateral development organizations. As Senior Program Officer for Partnerships for Infrastructure, Australia's infrastructure investment in Southeast Asia, he helped manage the planning and mobilization of Australia's support for infrastructure service delivery in the Philippines.

He received a master's degree in public policy from GRIPS in 2013 as an Asian Development Scholar, and a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of the Philippines in 2008.

The G-Cube program at GRIPS is a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge while interacting with a diverse group of faculty and students from around the world. The program combines rigorous academic training in economics and politics with leadership development, equipping you to bridge the gap between research and real-world challenges. This is a life-changing experience which is invaluable for anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact in their field.

I am a Ph.D. candidate at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in local governance, politics, and Mindanao studies. I hold a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao and a master's in Public Policy from GRIPS, consecutively awarded the ADB-JSP and MEXT scholarships for master's and PhD studies.

Before my doctoral studies, I worked for the Provincial Local Government of Davao de Oro, Southern Philippines. I led digital innovations and supported advocacy programs related to zero hunger, food security, women empowerment, and public health. As a civil servant, I contributed to policy research, ensuring that government programs are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with community needs.

My dissertation bridges theory and practice, investigating the politics of reforms and social networks in Mindanao. My goal is to shed new light on the Southern Philippines, where local voices are always at the periphery of the developmental narrative.