My research mainly focuses on ‘Politics and Governance in Contemporary China,’ where I come from, and ‘Health Policy.’
I first studied public administration during my undergraduate program in China and Japan, which made me fascinated by its flexibility and diversity in various contexts. Studying Japanese politics and public administration gave me another perspective to understand its counterpart in China. In the 2000s, many Chinese households struggled with rising medical expenses, leading to restricted access to essential medical services. As the focus of public opinion, healthcare once ranked at the top of China’s social problems. Why did access to quality healthcare decline despite China’s economic prosperity? This became the central question of my doctoral dissertation, where I explored the structural problems embedded in China’s health system. Perspectives of politics and public administration are essential in analyzing the health policymaking process, making them indispensable in my research.
I teach two courses at GraSPP, ‘Policy and Governance in Contemporary China’ and ‘Health Policy and Governance,’ both aimed at helping students better understand critical topics through discussion. The former deals with political, administrative, economic, and social issues in socialist China and encourages students to delve into topics that interest them. The latter explores the structure of the health system, the interaction among key stakeholders in the policymaking process, and policy options to improve health system performance and the population’s health status.
Advanced knowledge of those topics is optional for course enrollment—instead, the student’s interest matters. By participating in the course, you are expected to understand the institutional background of today’s challenges, the theories that help us solve real-world problems, and their limitations. By the end of the course, you should be able to find a unique research question and develop original arguments to answer it. You are also encouraged to make your argument concise and focused, as if you write a lengthy paper, people may struggle to grasp your points. Summarizing arguments is a skill that helps you make convincing presentations and succeed at work after graduation.
GraSPP is rich in diversity and offers abundant opportunities to cultivate global leaders. Students develop critical thinking skills through the curriculum and broaden their horizons by interacting with their colleagues worldwide. Through CAMPUS Asia and Double Degree programs, students also enjoy opportunities to study abroad at prestigious universities, such as Peking University, Columbia University, and the London School of Economics. A collision of perspectives will also nurture the ability to think independently in the age of information overload. We hope that GraSPPers always cherish their passion, challenge themselves to step out of their comfort zone, and embrace their unlimited possibilities.