What was your purpose in enrolling in GraSPP?
I enrolled in GraSPP with the aim of deepening my understanding of public policy in an international context. Coming from Singapore, I was drawn to the opportunity to study governance and policymaking in Japan, a country that balances tradition with modernity and faces similar challenges in ageing, technology, and social cohesion. I also wanted to situate my own research on trust and automation within broader East Asian and comparative perspectives.
What was attractive or stimulating about GraSPP?
GraSPP stood out for its unique combination of rigorous academic training and close engagement with practitioners. The diversity of the student body and faculty made seminars stimulating; discussions were enriched by perspectives from across Asia and beyond. I was also attracted to the interdisciplinary nature of the program (bringing together economics, politics, law, and science and technology) which allowed me to see public policy challenges from multiple lenses.
Please share your memorable experiences/courses in GraSPP
My GraSPP journey began during Covid-19, when most classes were conducted remotely via online conferencing platforms like Zoom. That period was challenging, but it also demonstrated the resilience of the faculty and students in building a learning community despite physical distance. When borders reopened, being able to finally come to Japan and meet professors and peers in person was especially memorable: it felt like a delayed but very welcome arrival. Courses on science and technology governance and conflict were particularly formative for me, and I still draw on those lessons in my current work.
In your opinion, what is the advantage of studying in Japan?
Studying in Japan offers both academic and cultural advantages. Japan’s experience in balancing economic growth, technological adoption, and social cohesion provides valuable lessons for policymakers across the world. Beyond the classroom, living in Japan exposes students to a society that is both highly innovative and deeply rooted in its traditions. For me, this balance offered a fresh lens through which to think about issues of trust in technology, public administration, and governance.
Could you tell us about your career journey since graduation?
Since graduating, I have continued my career in public policy research. I am presently Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies in Singapore, where I focus on issues of social cohesion, governance, and trust in public sector innovation and automation. My career has been a blend of academic research and applied policy work, often in close dialogue with government agencies.
Looking back, what kind of place or time was GraSPP for you?
GraSPP was both a place of grounding and of growth. It provided me with the intellectual foundation and international network that continue to shape my research today. It was also a place of resilience: having started during Covid-19, adapting to remote learning, and later transitioning into in-person exchanges taught me flexibility and perseverance. In retrospect, GraSPP was a turning point that sharpened my focus and expanded my horizons.
Any advice or comments for the latent students?
GraSPP offers as much as you are willing to invest in it. Be open to interdisciplinary learning and to perspectives that challenge your own. Take full advantage of the opportunity to engage with both faculty and peers; whether in class or in informal conversations, they will enrich your understanding far beyond textbooks. And don’t forget to explore Japan itself; the cultural immersion is as much a part of the education as the coursework.
