Collaborating with nations across our region for shared prosperity and wellbeing
The Asia Pacific region has witnessed remarkable economic growth in recent years, lifting millions out of poverty, but progress has been uneven, with persistent pockets of deprivation.
While poverty has decreased, inequality has become more pronounced, creating challenges for inclusive development.
Our research uses data, experimental methods and behavioural economics to support evidence-based development policy and programs, aligning with our mission to foster equality and prosperity across our region.
Our Projects
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Evaluating Community-led Sanitation Programs
Many households struggle to be able to afford a toilet. Having access to sanitary toilet facilities is important for good health outcomes. However, getting households and communities to invest in sanitation is difficult.
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Impact of Removing Tax from Food in Papua New Guinea
Which food retailers in Papua New Guinea pass on tax cuts to consumers and how does this impact poorer households? This project advises policymakers on the impacts of food tax cuts on consumers.
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Child height-for-age and remoteness in Timor-Leste: A lasso quantile regression analysis
A randomised control trial has provided quantitative data to evaluate a multi-faceted financial inclusion program run across Papua New Guinea.
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Gender norms around women’s work
A randomised control trial has provided quantitative data to evaluate a multi-faceted financial inclusion program run across Papua New Guinea.
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Revealing Tax Evasion in Indonesia
High levels of tax evasion are one of the main reasons Indonesia collects relatively little revenue as a share of GDP. Our findings help the tax office in Indonesia by identifying non-compliance.
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Impact of COVID on Poverty in the Pacific
Early projections of lockdown effects in the Pacific region indicated that short-term poverty rates could increase by more than 40%.
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Consequences of child marriage in Indonesia
Child marriage in Indonesia persists despite raising the minimum marriage age to 19. Laws alone are insufficient; effective strategies include empowering girls through education and skills, social protection programs, targeted incentives, and culturally tailored information campaigns.
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Impact of Financial Inclusion Program in Papua New Guinea
A randomised control trial has provided quantitative data to evaluate a multi-faceted financial inclusion program run across Papua New Guinea.
In the Asia-Pacific’s uneven economic landscape, our research bridges the gap between growth and equality. We work with research institutes in-country to collect primary data and collaborate with agencies such as the World Bank and DFAT, to better understand human decision-making and test policy innovations.