|
on South East Asia |
| By: | Aldaba, Rafaelita M. |
| Abstract: | Amid the evolving US-China tariff realignment and the broader restructuring of global value chains, this paper evaluates the vulnerability and strategic positioning of the Philippines alongside four other ASEAN economies—Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. For the ASEAN-5, the key challenge lies in minimizing exposure to import flooding from displaced Chinese goods and potential exclusion from global value chains if competitiveness falters, while also capitalizing on trade and investment diversion opportunities. Using a Tariff Exposure Composite Index (TECI), the assessment reveals that the Philippines and Malaysia fall within the moderate-to-low risk tier, owing to relatively low reciprocal tariff rates and strong exemption coverage—particularly for high-value electronics. Indonesia is classified as moderate risk but is more vulnerable due to limited exemption coverage and a dependence on low-tech, commoditized exports. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Thailand are in the high-risk tier, driven by steep tariffs, significant US export dependence, and only moderate levels of tariff exemption. Absent a coordinated and forward-looking policy response, the Philippines and its ASEAN neighbors risk becoming passive bystanders in an increasingly fragmented trade landscape. However, with strategic alignment of trade and industrial policy, the deployment of robust trade defense tools, and deeper ASEAN collaboration, these economies can reframe the current disruption as a platform to reposition themselves as high-trust, tariff-resilient production hubs in the new global trading order. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | US reciprocal tariffs;global value chain;industrial policy |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2025-06 |
| By: | bin Haimid, Mohd Tarmizi; Tanrattanaphong, Borworn |
| Abstract: | The shrimp farming industry plays a vital role in the economies of both Malaysia and Thailand. In particular, Thailand has historically led shrimp production and exports. However, the industry's growth in Thailand and Malaysia has slowed, with emerging competitors like Vietnam and Indonesia gaining ground. This paper aims to compare the policy frameworks and regulatory measures implemented in Malaysia and Thailand to promote sustainable shrimp farming. It begins by examining the significance of sustainability in minimizing environmental impact while fulfilling global food demands. The study then explores the current status of shrimp farming in each country, evaluates relevant policies and institutional responses, and assesses each country’s comparative advantage in export competitiveness. By analyzing these policies and sustainability practices, this paper identifies strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement to support a more resilient and competitive shrimp farming sector in both nations. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Sustainability |
| Date: | 2025–01–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:kuaewp:356883 |
| By: | Adrian R. Mendoza (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman) |
| Abstract: | In light of recent pronouncements of tariff hikes in the United States (US) and the retaliatory responses of major economies such as China, Canada, and Mexico, this paper revisits the global value chains (GVC) experience of the Philippines amid the trade tensions between China and the US from 2018 to 2019, especially within the context of the intricate web of trade linkages in East and Southeast Asia. The inter-country input-output analysis confirms that the tariff wars generated shocks that adversely affected the GVC and overall trade performance of bystander economies in East and Southeast Asia that are not directly involved in the trade conflicts but are strongly connected to the disputing parties. Sectors directly and indirectly contributing value added to American and Chinese exports hit by tariff hikes expectedly suffered the most. However, the impact was asymmetric. Country-sector pairs with higher contribution to Chinese exports to the US were more likely to experience negative growth of overall exports in 2019. But no similar effect was traced to higher exposure to US exports to China. Moreover, the impact on the Philippines was less severe compared to bigger East and Southeast Asian economies, probably due to the country’s relatively weaker direct linkages to Chinese and American GVCs. Given these results, the paper discusses the effects of distortionary tariff wars within the broader context of interconnectedness, multilateralism, and power dynamics in GVC-dominated world trade. The paper argues that restoring the stability of global trade policy is necessary to renew confidence in the world trading system and reduce the lingering uncertainty created by pre-pandemic trade conflicts. The paper also highlights some potential challenges and opportunities for the Philippines amid the resurgence of the tariff wars in 2025. |
| Keywords: | global value chains; trade wars; inter-country input-output analysis; East Asia; Southeast Asia; Philippines |
| JEL: | F10 F13 F14 F60 |
| Date: | 2025–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phs:dpaper:202501 |
| By: | Ulep, Valerie Gilbert T.; Manuel, Aaron Carlos G.; Tomas, Therese Jules P.; Carreon, Danielle Lois M.; Dagoy, Louie Iyar L. |
| Abstract: | The Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) is a capital investment grant administered by the Department of Health (DOH) to help local government units (LGUs) augment their health infrastructure, including primary healthcare facilities, hospitals, and equipment. Over the past decades, HFEP has accounted for approximately 12 percent of DOH's total budget. Despite its scale and more than a decade of implementation, systematic program evaluations remain limited. We used a mixed-methods approach to assess the different stages of program implementation: planning, budget allocation, execution, and monitoring and evaluation. At each stage, we identify critical challenges undermining the program’s effectiveness. Our findings reveal long-standing inequities in grant distribution, with some LGUs receiving national funding despite not being among those with the greatest need. This study aims to provide insights to inform supply-side reforms, ensuring a more equitable and efficient allocation of national resources in a highly decentralized health system. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | Health Facilities Enhancement Program;health infrastructure;health capital expenditure;capital stock;health facilities;equipment |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2025-05 |
| By: | Rivera, John Paolo R.; Lim, Valerie L.; Sinsay-Villanueva, Leih Maruss; Garcia, Glenda Darlene V.; Tanyag, Ivan Harris; Berroya, Jenard D.; Orbeta, Aniceto C. Jr. |
| Abstract: | Teacher education and development in the Philippines face serious challenges, including underperforming teacher education institutions (TEIs), inadequate and often misguided professional development systems, and an unclear career progression track. A particular concern is the persistently low average passing rates in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), indicating that underperforming TEIs dominate teacher production, crowding out graduates from better-performing TEIs. This study investigates the pre-service aspect of teacher quality, aiming to determine the indicators of quality in teacher education. Guided by the Teacher Development Pathway Model and Total Quality Management (TQM) principles, the study identifies quality indicators in teacher education, reviews whether these indicators are captured in the existing quality assessment/assurance (QA) systems and processes, and pinpoints gaps and challenges encountered by QA bodies and TEIs related to QA. Achieving these objectives involved conducting desk reviews and facilitating key informant interviews and focus group discussions with representatives of teacher education institutions, government agencies, and accrediting bodies. Several research themes emerged, highlighting a lack of incentives for teacher education and a misalignment of frameworks and standards. Input Quality Indicators found in pre-service teacher education include QA Standards and Systems, Faculty Qualifications, Learning Resources and Facilities, Research Programs, and Curriculum and Instruction. Incentivizing teacher education, boosting teachers’ professional morale, and reviewing quality monitoring policies are among the report's recommendations. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | teacher education;teacher preparation and training;quality assurance;education outcomes |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2025-04 |
| By: | Nguyen-Phung, Hang Thu; Le, Hai |
| Abstract: | This study examines the effects of urbanization on household health expenditure. Using a unique bi-annually household-level dataset from 2012 - 2018 from Vietnam, we obtain key findings as follows. First, urbanization significantly reduces Vietnamese households' inpatient and outpatient health expenses. Second, the self-treatment expenses of households increase as the process of urbanization advances. Our results survive several robustness checks. Furthermore, we propose different ways to explain these results, including health insurance expenses and household income. |
| Keywords: | urbanization, health expenditure, health insurance, instrumental variable, ICT, VHLSS |
| JEL: | D10 I10 I15 I31 O10 O18 |
| Date: | 2023–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000073 |
| By: | Luong-Thanh Tran; Andreas Freytag |
| Abstract: | Vietnam’s path to sustainable and innovative growth increasingly depends on how effectively it diversifies and repositions its export portfolio in the global market, or how the country “brand” itself through its exports to the world. Using data from UN Comtrade, we construct the Product Space model for Vietnam, visualizing the relatedness among the products in the country's export basket. Benchmarking against the Product Income Index (PRODY), the Product Gini Index (PGI), and the Product Complexity Index (PCI), we find that Vietnam’s high-volume export products such as garments and textiles are hindering the country’s development goals of sustainable growth, income equality, and innovation. Conversely, Vietnam has been able to export a number of small machine and precision equipment that yield higher added value in terms of sustainability and innovation, but these industries are lacking investment to scale up production. This suggests expansion strategies toward these precision tools and contraction for garments and textiles. Alternative options include radical innovation by shifting production to most knowledge-intensive products Vietnam is producing like cermet tools, or a moderate approach of pursuing export strategies of countries with slightly higher level of development than Vietnam. |
| Keywords: | product space, product complexity, economic complexity, PRODY, PGI, innovation, sustainability, Vietnam export, export diversification, export product targeting, network analysis. |
| JEL: | F14 F17 L70 O11 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11836 |
| By: | Trung, Tran Thanh; Vinh, Vo Xuan; Lan, Trần Thị Ngọc |
| Abstract: | Online platform quality in building trust and purchasing behavior of Vietnamese consumers. In the context of globalization and the strong development of ecommerce, online platforms play a pivotal role, connecting consumers with products around the world. This study examines the role of online platform quality in building trust and product evaluation of Vietnamese consumers on crossborder ecommerce platforms. The results show that information quality, system quality, and service quality influence product evaluation, trust, and crossborder purchasing behavior of Vietnamese consumers, thereby providing useful managerial implications. Trong bối cảnh toàn cầu hóa và phát triển mạnh mẽ của thương mại điện tử, các nền tảng trực tuyến đóng vai trò then chốt, kết nối người tiêu dùng với sản phẩm khắp nơi trên thế giới. Nghiên cứu này khảo sát vai trò chất lượng nền tảng trực tuyến trong xây dựng niềm tin và đánh giá sản phẩm của người tiêu dùng Việt Nam trên các nền tảng thương mại điện tử xuyên biên giới. Kết quả cho thấy, chất lượng thông tin, hệ thống, dịch vụ ảnh hưởng đến đánh giá sản phẩm, niềm tin và hành vi mua sắm xuyên biên giới của người tiêu dùng Việt Nam, qua đó đưa ra hàm ý hữu ích. |
| Date: | 2025–03–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:8dfst_v1 |
| By: | Ines A. Ferreira; Rachel M. Gisselquist; Finn Tarp |
| Abstract: | Knowledge of the factors driving people's views on redistribution in the Global South remains limited. While these societies occupy top positions in inequality rankings, redistribution levels tend to be lower. We combine survey and experimental data from Mozambique and Viet Nam to test whether redistributive preferences vary depending on the source of inequality, focusing on two channels: fairness views and communication. First, we confirm that inequality resulting from differences in merit is more accepted than inequality due to luck or factors outside of individual control. |
| Keywords: | Inequality, Altruism, Mozambique, Viet Nam, Redistribution |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-24 |
| By: | Imaduddin Abdullah; Andy Sumner |
| Abstract: | This paper examines Indonesia's upgrading within the global nickel value chain. Indonesia's transformation from a major nickel ore exporter into an integrated producer of refined nickel products offers important lessons for resource-rich developing countries seeking economic diversification. Drawing on evidence from Indonesia's strategic shift towards midstream and downstream manufacturing, this paper examines how policy choices and state intervention can reshape a country's position in global value chains. |
| Keywords: | Structural transformation, Industrialization, Industrial policy, Indonesia |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-29 |
| By: | Fabien Le Floc'h |
| Abstract: | We present closed analytical approximations for the pricing of Asian basket spread options under the Black-Scholes model. The formulae are obtained by using a stochastic Taylor expansion around a log-normal proxy model and are found to be highly accurate for Asian and spread options in practice. Unlike other approaches, they do not require any numerical integration or root solving. |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2504.16011 |
| By: | Thanh Nguyen-Xuan,; Dzung Nguyen-Le,; Quan Tran-Anh,; Tung Nguyen-Duy,; Thanh Ngo-Duc |
| Abstract: | This study investigates drought conditions in Vietnam and its seven sub-climatic regions using the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). SPEI was derived from daily, high-resolution (10-km) precipitation and temperature products from the CMIP6-VN dataset, which statistically downscaled CMIP6 global models. Performance evaluation of 22 CMIP6-VN models confirmed their accuracy in representing precipitation and temperature characteristics for the reference period (1985–2014). Regarding the future period (2015–2099) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5), significant warming is projected across Vietnam, while precipitation projections remain uncertain, with most areas anticipated to experience slightly increased rainfall. SPEI results indicate that precipitation significantly influences drought conditions more than temperature, accounting for approximately 70% of the SPEI trend under SSP5-8.5, which consequently introduces substantial uncertainty in drought projections. Drought conditions under different global warming levels (GWLs) were investigated, showing that while drought may not occur more frequently at high GWLs, more extreme drought events are projected. Five models exhibiting the most pronounced increasing drought trends were further analyzed, revealing a eterioration of all drought characteristics, particularly in the Northwest, Northeast, and Central Highlands. Copula statistical analysis reveals that drought events with higher return periods tend to be more prolonged and severe in the future. |
| Keywords: | Vietnam |
| JEL: | Q |
| Date: | 2025–04–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:en18043 |
| By: | Muhammad Zakir Abdullah ("School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia" Author-2-Name: Shri Dewi Applanaidu Author-2-Workplace-Name: "School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia." Author-3-Name: Kirttana Kalimuthu Author-3-Workplace-Name: "School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia." Author-4-Name: Author-4-Workplace-Name: Author-5-Name: Author-5-Workplace-Name: Author-6-Name: Author-6-Workplace-Name: Author-7-Name: Author-7-Workplace-Name: Author-8-Name: Author-8-Workplace-Name:) |
| Abstract: | " Objective - This study simulates paddy productivity across Malaysia's granary areas over a 10-year period, with a focus on the non-linear effects of climate change, particularly rainfall and temperature variability. This study examines how each granary area evolves and reaches its optimal point as climate variability risks increase over time. Methodology/Technique - Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach, the analysis estimates the impact of these climate factors on paddy yields. The findings reveal that rainfall has a positive effect on productivity in areas with low rainfall, such as IADA BLS, IADA PP, and MADA, while excessive rainfall has a detrimental, non-linear impact across all regions. Temperature variability has mixed effects, enhancing productivity in IADA PP and IADA KETARA but negatively affecting areas such as IADA MADA and IADA SEM. Findings - A key finding from the simulation is that each granary area reaches its optimal productivity at different times. IADA PP is projected to achieve the highest yield (6.47 tonnes/hectare) in the 10th year, whereas IADA KER is expected to reach the lowest maximum productivity (5.45 tonnes/hectare) in the 5th year. Notably, IADA BLS and IADA KER achieve peak productivity within just 5 years, faster than other regions. Novelty - IADA KEM exhibits the largest improvement, with a 58.7% increase in productivity over a 10-year period, despite its vulnerability to climate variability. These findings highlight the diverse impacts of climate change on paddy yields and the need for region-specific adaptive strategies. Type of Paper - Empirical" |
| Keywords: | Climate change, Granary areas, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Paddy Productivity. |
| JEL: | Q51 Q54 |
| Date: | 2025–03–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:afr238 |
| By: | Nuarpear Lekfuangfu; Nuttapol Lertmethaphat |
| Abstract: | The Beveridge curve, which reflects the relation between unemployment and job vacancies is an important policy-relevant tool for better insights into labour markets. The absence of consistent and reliable data in Thailand, particularly on job postings is a substantial downside. This paper presents a showcase of how the Beveridge curve can be constructed for Thailand by exploiting two, related data sources: (i) the administrative data from the government-run job centre services and (ii) user-generated data from online job portals. We propose a procedure on how vacancy and jobseeker rates can be computed from each database, which may have non-representative coverage of users/stakeholders in the labour market. In effect, we also discuss the extent of the population representation of each database and confirms that each data reflects different segments of Thailand’s labour market. Finally, we demonstrate how the Beveridge curve can be plotted as well as re-introduce the measurement of labour market tightness for Thai’s labour market. |
| Keywords: | Labour market; Beveridge curve; Labour Market Tightness; Vacancies; Jobseeker; Online job platform; Thailand |
| JEL: | J2 J3 E24 N35 |
| Date: | 2025–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pui:dpaper:232 |
| By: | Jonas HJORT; Yukiko SAITO; Yasuka TATEISHI; Linda WU |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the impact of a quasi-experimental wage shock triggered by Vietnam’s 2011 minimum wage reform. Using rich firm-level administrative data, we find that the minimum wage hike led to a significant decline in employment for Vietnamese-owned firms, whereas its impact on employment of multinational enterprises (MNEs) was minimal but positive. At the extensive margin, more exposed Vietnamese firms exit from the market, while MNEs remain unaffected. Furthermore, by constructing a comprehensive firm-level dataset that links Japanese headquarters with their Vietnamese subsidiaries, we find no evidence of labour substitution in response to the wage increase. A survey of Japanese MNEs helps explain this finding that multinationals typically absorb increased labour costs in their foreign subsidiaries. Overall, our findings suggest that MNEs remain an important driver of job creation in developing countries, even amid rapid wage growth. |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:25037 |
| By: | Dror, David Mark |
| Abstract: | Background: Traditional conceptions of "value for money" in health insurance are narrowly framed around financial metrics, inadequately capturing the multidimensional nature of value for informal sector populations. Objectives: This paper develops a theoretical framework conceptualizing value for money beyond financial protection to include preference alignment and social capital formation. Methods: We examine trust as a core mathematical variable rather than an environmental factor by analyzing generalizations from community-based health insurance schemes in India, the Philippines, Uganda, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Rwanda, and South Africa. Results: Our framework reveals trust exhibits specific properties including asymmetric response and critical thresholds, and that the Collaborative and Contributive (C&C) model generates distinctive value propositions yielding superior sustainability and willingness-to-pay metrics compared to conventional approaches. Conclusions: This framework reconceptualizes value for vulnerable populations and provides actionable design principles for optimizing insurance value across three dimensions: financial protection, preference alignment, and social capital formation. |
| Abstract: | Hintergrund: Traditionelle Auffassungen von „value for money“ in der Krankenversicherung sind eng auf finanzielle Kennzahlen fokussiert und erfassen den multidimensionalen Wert für Bevölkerungsgruppen im informellen Sektor nur unzureichend. Zielsetzung: Dieses Papier entwickelt ein theoretisches Rahmenkonzept, das den Begriff „value for money“ über den finanziellen Schutz hinaus erweitert – um Präferenzübereinstimmung und die Bildung von Sozialkapital. Methoden: Durch analytische Verallgemeinerung von Erfahrungen mit gemeinschaftsbasierten Krankenversicherungssystemen in Indien, den Philippinen, Uganda, Kambodscha, Bangladesch, Ruanda und Südafrika wird Vertrauen nicht als Umweltfaktor, sondern als zentrale mathematische Variable untersucht. Ergebnisse: Unser Rahmenmodell zeigt, dass Vertrauen spezifische Eigenschaften aufweist – darunter asymmetrische Reaktionen und kritische Schwellenwerte. Das Collaborative and Contributive (C&C)-Modell schafft dabei einzigartige Wertangebote mit überlegenen Nachhaltigkeits- und Zahlungsbereitschaftskennzahlen im Vergleich zu konventionellen Ansätzen. Schlussfolgerungen: Dieses Rahmenkonzept definiert den Wert für verletzliche Bevölkerungsgruppen neu und liefert praxisrelevante Gestaltungsprinzipien zur Optimierung des Versicherungswerts in drei Dimensionen: finanzieller Schutz, Präferenzübereinstimmung und Bildung von Sozialkapital. |
| Keywords: | Health insurance, informal sector, Trust, social capital, financial protection, community participation, health financing |
| JEL: | I13 O17 D91 Z13 G22 Z13 Z13 H51 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:316219 |
| By: | Noam Angrist; Sarah Kabay; Dean Karlan; Lincoln Lau; Kevin Wong |
| Abstract: | Children spend most of their time at home in their early years, yet efforts to promote human capital at home in many low- and middle-income settings remain limited. We conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an intervention which encourages parents and caregivers to foster human capital accumulation among their children between ages 3 and 5, with a focus on math and phonics skills. Children gain 0.52 and 0.51 standard deviations relative to the control group on math and phonics tests, respectively (p |
| JEL: | I20 |
| Date: | 2025–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33574 |
| By: | Velasco, Lawrence G.; Medina-Guce, Czarina; Rey, Anne Marie T. |
| Abstract: | The Local Development Councils (LDCs) play a significant role in participatory governance for local policy development, as local government units (LGUs) are required to include members from civil society organizations (CSOs) in LDCs. While the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) monitors LDC functionality in accordance with the Local Government Code’s operational guidelines through the Seal of Good Local Governance, the effectiveness of LDCs—particularly the quality and substance of CSO participation—has not been reviewed. To address this, the DILG developed the Participatory Governance Metrics-LDC (PGM-LDC) tool to assess various dimensions and variables of participatory governance (PG). This research provides a comprehensive assessment of the baseline participation status in LDCs using the PGM-LDC tool. Through a rigorous mixed-methods approach, the analysis explores LDC participation from the perspectives of LGUs and CSOs across different LGU types and LDC functionality ratings (high/low) nationwide. The baseline analysis consists of three parts. First, it establishes the context of PG in LDCs by examining various LDC mechanisms, practices, and adherence to national participation policies (e.g., perceptions of LDC composition and frequency of participation, status and level of participation in LDC functions and committees, mandated representation of women and indigenous peoples, etc.). Second, it analyzes the PGM-LDC variable statements corresponding to the three PG dimensions (space, engagement, results), including qualitative explanations and correlations of perceptions with LGU type, LDC functionality, and respondent group. Third, additional analytical explorations are included to test for inter-variable interactions (among the PGM statements and dimensions) according to the PG logics of the PGM-LDC tool design. Recommendations are provided in each section to enhance existing and planned policies and capacity development initiatives of the DILG to improve participation in LDCs. Operational recommendations for the future deployment of the PGM-LDC survey are also included. Finally, the report concludes with an assessment of the baseline status of participation in LGUs. The analysis reveals that, when viewed through the lens of mandated mechanisms and practices, the state of participation in LDCs reflects active involvement from CSOs but is limited to ‘invited’ parameters. Furthermore, when analyzed through the PGM-LDC framework, agreeable ratings across the variable statements characterize the state of participation in LDCs, although more substantive PG principles, such as CSO influence and autonomy, rank lower among the 14 variables. In addition to specific recommendations in each variable-indicator discussion, the study also advocates for the elevation of national policy prescriptions and support for quality participation, as well as a deeper understanding of factors contributing to CSO satisfaction, particularly those influencing CSOs’ perceptions of their participation and referencing potential (rather than actual) benefits of participation for their satisfaction. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | participatory governance;local development council;civil society;local government units;participation quality |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2025-07 |
| By: | Tan, Jolene; Cui, Qi; Uchikoshi, Fumiya |
| Abstract: | Despite the strong relationship between marriage and childbearing in Asian societies, policies addressing “lowest-low” fertility have often prioritized parity progression within married couples while overlooking a concurrent and increasingly significant trend: the rising prevalence of delayed marriage and nonmarriage. Against this backdrop, we first discuss recent fertility trends and the role of marriage in declining fertility, then review policy efforts in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, arguing that these pronatalist policies have been mistargeted. We subsequently examine the extent to which the decrease in fertility is attributable to changes in marital fertility versus shifts in nuptiality. Our decomposition analysis of fertility trends using data from the United Nations Population Division shows that while a decline in marital fertility played a dominant role during the initial stages of the fertility transition, nuptiality has been the primary driver of decreasing fertility rates in recent decades. These findings highlight the importance of the growing incidence of singlehood and the potential, albeit modest, increase in diverse family forms, both of which have received scant attention in policy discourse. |
| JEL: | J1 |
| Date: | 2025–03–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:127749 |
| By: | Lee, Christopher M. |
| Abstract: | The research abstract about Artificial Intelligence (AI) with its adoption and impact on today’s technological economy will benefit our readers in discovering its revolutionary technology with its transforming IT industries, driving modern system innovation and by reshaping the business landscape of an integrated system based economy in the community. In the succeeding part of the thesis paper, the author wants to highlight several key aspects about AI adoption, integration and its implementation towards our growing and fast-paced environment intended for strategic planning. This will cover its benefits, impact, and its criterion mechanism in building up AI adoption and implementation from various sectors in the community. It also aims that AI systems will potentially enhance its productivity, efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and IT acceptance to its valuable users in the society. This abstract about AI will also be dependent on its research data collection from the respondent’s way of answering the google form evaluation. Making this thesis completion of the author will inspire other thesis learners to showcase their research talents, and by significantly adopt interested AI support decision makers and opportunities in order to address and manage potential and strategic implications about AI adoption and impact by knowing to its present contributions on today’s modern based advanced systems development in the Philippines. |
| Date: | 2025–02–18 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:huj5w_v1 |
| By: | Hoang-Anh Le |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the relationship between house prices and capital inflows in ASEAN emerging economies, and the impact of institutional quality on that relation. Using a unique balanced panel data set of six emerging countries in ASEAN from 2009 to 2019, we employ various econometric techniques to examine the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the house price index. Our findings indicate a long-run relationship and Granger causality from FDI to the house price index in these markets, and we also find evidence of co-movement between the stock price index and the house price index. Additionally, our results suggest that better institutions reduce the impact of FDI on host country housing markets in the context of ASEAN emerging economies. This is one of the first studies to shed light on the role of institutional quality in the effect of FDIs on housing prices in this region. |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2504.13459 |
| By: | Bruno Bouchard; Xiaolu Tan |
| Abstract: | We provide an extension of the unbiased simulation method for SDEs developed in Henry-Labordere et al. [Ann Appl Probab. 27:6 (2017) 1-37] to a class of path-dependent dynamics, pertaining for Asian options. In our setting, both the payoff and the SDE's coefficients depend on the (weighted) average of the process or, more precisely, on the integral of the solution to the SDE against a continuous function with bounded variations. In particular, this applies to the numerical resolution of the class of path-dependent PDEs whose regularity, in the sens of Dupire, is studied in Bouchard and Tan [Ann. I.H.P., to appear]. |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2504.16349 |
| By: | Finnegan, Amy |
| Abstract: | Unmet need for family planning puts women at risk for unintended pregnancies; however, unmet need is made up of both women who have never used a method of family planning and those who have used a modern method but subsequently discontinued. Understanding patterns of discontinuation can inform policies and practices to reduce unmet need for family planning and therefore promote gender equity and maternal and infant health. In this paper, we explore seasonal contraceptive patterns in Kenya, Uganda, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Nepal using the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) contraceptive calendar from the most recent survey in each country prior to Covid-19. Specifically, we investigate contraceptive discontinuation associated with major holidays – times when women may travel or health facilities may close. Even after accounting for recall bias, major holidays appear to drive contraceptive discontinuation in a subset of countries and could serve as a powerful point for intervention. |
| Date: | 2025–05–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:xhpyb_v1 |
| By: | Bin Ramli, Muhammad Sukri |
| Abstract: | Mandatory job rotations are a cornerstone of the Malaysian civil service, designed to enhance governance, reduce integrity risks, and foster organizational agility. However, these rotations present significant onboarding challenges, requiring employees to rapidly adapt to diverse roles and complex responsibilities, particularly in 'hot seat' and high-risk-to-corruption positions. This study focuses on the Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM), where the need for efficient onboarding is heightened by the structured tenure of job rotations. The necessity to quickly acclimate to new roles within a defined period, especially in sensitive positions, underscores the urgency of effective onboarding strategies. To address the inherent onboarding complexities, particularly in navigating intricate customs regulations, this research proposes leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), with a specific focus on NotebookLM. NotebookLM's ability to ingest and summarize extensive regulatory documents, coupled with features like interactive training modules and AI-powered Q&A, offers a dynamic, personalized learning experience. This approach aims to surpass traditional training limitations, streamlining onboarding, enhancing knowledge transfer, and boosting productivity within JKDM. The study outlines an implementation plan, including a pilot program and department-wide rollout, with expected outcomes of improved onboarding efficiency, enhanced knowledge sharing, and increased operational effectiveness, ultimately contributing to a more agile and integrity-driven public service. Figure |
| Date: | 2025–03–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:gjv9r_v1 |
| By: | Samuel Bazzi; Masyhur Hilmy; Benjamin Marx; Mahvish Shaukat; Andreas Stegmann |
| Abstract: | In many countries, local governments struggle with inefficiency and corruption, often perpetuated by entrenched elites. This paper explores how leadership changes affect local bureaucratic performance. Combining personnel and citizen surveys with a regression discontinuity design in a large sample of Indonesian villages, we show that turnovers in village elections revitalize local bureaucracies, disrupt nepotistic networks, and improve local government performance. Bureaucrats serving new leaders are more engaged and less likely to be tied to past or present village officials, resulting in a more responsive bureaucracy that interacts more with citizens and better understands their needs. This improves public service provision, measured in both administrative data and citizen surveys. Overall, our results show that leadership changes can mitigate elite capture and improve governance at the grassroots level. |
| JEL: | D73 H41 O12 |
| Date: | 2025–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33533 |
| By: | Ramstetter, Eric D. |
| Abstract: | This essay examines how institutions and economic trends have evolved during a period of slow economicgrowth after 2006, focusing on comparisons to 2000-2006, when the economy recovered from the Asianfinancial crisis, and the economic boom during 1990-1996. Private fixed investment declined sharply andremained low after 1996, contributing to relatively low growth. Institutional instability, particularly inpolitical and financial markets, increased investor uncertainty and contributed to low growth. In contrast, important improvements in infrastructure, labor productivity and wages, education, health, and povertyreduction continued to boost growth after 2006. Income distribution among households and regions alsotended to improve, although changes were small. Thailand's large international trade, policies that limit bothimport and domestic competition, and the need to strengthen environmental protection present importantpolicy challenges.The political alignments after the 2023 election offer hope that political parties and other politicalinstitutions can mature, stabilize, and help promote rebounds in private investment and growth, while helpingpromote further gains in education, health, and human capital formation. Literature on development andgrowth emphasizes the key roles of strengthening and stabilizing institutions that foster peace (the lack ofviolence, actual or threatened) and human capital formation (through healthcare, education, etc.) becausepositive externalities are often large in related markets. Fostering continued wage increases driven bycorresponding increases in labor productivity (benefitting both producers and consumers) is anotherimportant challenge for high-income developing economies like Thailand. |
| Keywords: | JEL classfication: O53, O11, O12, O15, O24, O25, O43, O44, Thailand, Institutions, Economic Growth, Physical & Human Capital Formation, Income Distribution, Industrial & International Trade Policies |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000104 |
| By: | Pierre Jean-Claude Mandon |
| Abstract: | This paper examines global disparities in artificial intelligence preparedness, using the 2023 Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index developed by the International Monetary Fund alongside the multidimensional Economic Complexity Index. The proposed methodology identifies both global and local overperformers by comparing actual artificial intelligence readiness scores to predictions based on economic complexity, offering a comprehensive assessment of national artificial intelligence capabilities. The findings highlight the varying significance of regulation and ethics frameworks, digital infrastructure, as well as human capital and labor market development in driving artificial intelligence overperformance across different income levels. Through case studies, including Singapore, Northern Europe, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Ghana, Rwanda, and emerging demographic giants like China and India, the analysis illustrates how even resource-constrained nations can achieve substantial artificial intelligence advancements through strategic investments and coherent policies. The study underscores the need for offering actionable insights to foster peer learning and knowledge-sharing among countries. It concludes with recommendations for improving artificial intelligence preparedness metrics and calls for future research to incorporate cognitive and cultural dimensions into readiness frameworks. |
| Date: | 2025–02–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11073 |
| By: | Chea, Vybol; Chautagnat, Jean Luc; Sophat, Phon |
| Abstract: | Higher education plays an important role in training human resources with real competencies, knowledge, and skills. In this context, it’s improving the quality of higher education is a necessary and urgent thing to do, as Cambodia has a vision of becoming a high-middle-income country by 2030. Innovation and Entrepreneurship refers to an individual’s ability to turn ideas into action. It includes creativity, innovation, and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in order to achieve objectives. Innovation and Entrepreneurship refers to an individual’s ability to turn ideas into action. It includes creativity, innovation, and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in order to achieve objectives. This helps everyone in daily life at home and in society, increases employee awareness of the context of their work and their ability to take advantage of opportunities, and forms the basis for entrepreneurs starting a business or social enterprise. An international phenomenon, entrepreneurship has a favorable impact on economic growth worldwide through the birth of fresh and creative business start-ups. Because of their beneficial effects on the economy, these new small firms help create jobs and persuade lawmakers to acknowledge and encourage entrepreneurial start-ups. Cambodia is concerned with promoting entrepreneurship to all people in order to develop successful entrepreneurs. Several entrepreneurship programs have been developed by the government and higher education institutions (HEIs) to support these entrepreneurship movements, but very little is known about the effectiveness of these entrepreneurship programs’ implementation. Therefore, this study has been evaluated to what extent the effectiveness of entrepreneurship subjects in Cambodia which has been selected as the target for higher education levels in the Siem Reap, Kampong Cham and Battambang province. This study uses case study methods and was carried out in two stages. The first stage is a descriptive and evaluative phase. Here, the study focused on the mapping of existing learning and institutional support within HEIs. To gain a better understanding of learning experiences that prepare students to become successful entrepreneurs, data exploration on the learning process within HEIs is assessed from internal viewpoints. The explanation phase is stage two. During this phase, the concepts, categories, and propositions derived from the phenomena are discovered and developed in order to provide a theory and platform for entrepreneurial learning. |
| Keywords: | Innovation, Education |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:316321 |
| By: | Bin Ramli, Muhammad Sukri |
| Abstract: | Nuclear events present a critical threat to public well-being, necessitating swift and effective mitigation strategies. Leveraging the success of Malaysia's MySejahtera app, a digital health platform that showcased the power of AI in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper proposes harnessing its AI capabilities for nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). By adapting MySejahtera's proven AI-driven tools for data analysis, prediction, and resource optimization, Malaysia can significantly enhance its nuclear EPR capabilities within the existing national digital health framework. This adaptation promises to expedite response times by rapidly identifying affected populations, optimize resource allocation through predictive modeling of contamination zones, and improve decision-making through real-time radiation tracking and risk assessment. This approach empowers authorities with the tools to swiftly assess, respond to, and manage nuclear events, ultimately bolstering public safety and resilience. Furthermore, the integration of advanced AI/ML models to forecast radiation spread and long-term health impacts, coupled with the exploration of federated learning approaches for collaborative data analysis while upholding privacy and security, presents a significant opportunity to fortify national nuclear EPR capabilities. This forward-looking strategy not only addresses immediate emergency response needs but also lays the groundwork for a more robust and resilient infrastructure to safeguard public health and safety in the face of potential nuclear events. |
| Date: | 2024–12–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:v2c4q_v1 |
| By: | Dante B. Canlas (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Karl Robert L. Jandoc (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the implications of renewing Meralco’s electricity distribution franchise, which was recently extended for another 25 years. Several unresolved competition and regulatory issues challenge the alignment of this extension with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. Key concerns include Meralco’s dominant market position, cross-ownership with generation companies, potential franchise creep, and its influence in the retail market. The paper advocates for structural reforms such as competitive franchise auctions, stricter cross-ownership limitations, and the possible division of Meralco’s service areas to promote market efficiency and consumer welfare. It also proposes granting the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) the authority to oversee franchise bidding and to enforce more rigorous monitoring of market behavior. The findings emphasize that automatic renewal without reforms risks entrenching monopolistic practices and foregoing opportunities for improving transparency, competition, and efficiency in the electricity distribution sector. |
| Keywords: | Electricity Distribution; Franchise Regulation; Competition Policy |
| JEL: | L94 L51 L41 |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phs:dpaper:202502 |