At the Lab, our Project Assistant is a development enthusiast with a background in economics and public policy. Tien is currently a PhD in Economics at the Australian National University with special interests in political economy of development. His decision to join the Lab reflects his interests in advancing his understanding and research on Australia's development strategies in Southeast Asia. Outside of the Lab, he enjoys practicing Kendo, archery, and savouring good coffee.

In a previous life, Tien served as a Research Assistant to the Dean at the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management, Fulbright University Vietnam, where he supported regional and provincial development planning, evaluated COVID-19 policies, and contributed to various economic policy studies. He also worked as a Youth Programme Officer at the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam, supporting youth development initiatives, and as a Communications and Advocacy Officer at the Research and Training Centre for Community Development, where he advocated for universal health coverage, early childhood development, and an asbestos ban in Vietnam.

Over the years, Tien has honed his analytical capabilities through completing two master’s degrees: one in Public Policy from the Fulbright School and another in Development Studies from Erasmus University Rotterdam’s International Institute of Social Studies. He aspires to be a trusted economist and policy analyst.

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