Economics

About Us

The Department of Economics is a cornerstone of Monash’s distinguished academic community, known for its unique blend of academic rigour, relevant coursework and strong industry engagement. We are driven by the aim to push the boundaries of economics research, identify practical applications and drive meaningful change.

Economics is about understanding the forces that shape the way businesses run and how we as consumers make financial choices and transactions. You will gain a broader and deeper understanding of business, finance and public sector challenges, and be trained in problem-solving and analytical skills, which are highly sought after in many careers.

Our academic faculty are leading researchers and renowned educators who have published in top-tier journals, with interdisciplinary focus areas including developmental, experimental, environmental and applied economics. We further emphasise global collaborations with leading policymakers and researchers to enrich the academic experience and extend impact.

It is part of our mission to produce high-calibre graduates who are not just knowledgeable in economic theory but also capable of applying theoretical foundations for positive impact. We invite you to explore the numerous opportunities in education, research and industry partnerships that our department has to offer.


Dr Grace HY Lee
Head of Economics

Welcome to the Department of Economics. I am both honoured and thrilled to lead a world-class team dedicated to shaping the future of economics education and research.

Our department flourishes on a culture of scholarly rigour and practical applications, striving for both excellence and relevance in the complex socioeconomic environment of the present day. Here, you will find a thriving community profoundly engaged with applied economics, ranging from development economics to experimental and environmental economics and beyond.

With extensive publications in top-tier journals, our faculty’s dedication to quality extends to the classroom and beyond. We are proud of our strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, which not only root our teaching and research in real-world challenges but also offer our students unparalleled opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and career placements.

I am also delighted to announce that, in the spirit of innovation, we are currently constructing Malaysia's first Experimental Economics Lab. This facility will provide a platform for ground-breaking research and give our students invaluable hands-on experience.

Whether you are interested in an undergraduate degree, advanced research, or collaborative opportunities, you will find a home here — a place dedicated to intellectual rigour, interdisciplinary collaboration and the pursuit of practical solutions for the advancement of society.

Why Study with Us?

  • Emerge a well-rounded, adaptable economist as you learn from and be guided by renowned educators and researchers through a global, interdisciplinary lens
  • Gain a strong understanding of economic theory and be equipped with problem-solving skills sought after in various fields such as banking, insurance and government
  • Tap into our extensive network of partners from industry, think tanks, NGOs and government organisations for valuable internships, research opportunities and to open diverse pathways for career growth

Our Research

The Department of Economics focuses on development, environmental, and experimental economics. These are not only academic endeavours; they are critical areas of research addressing pressing global concerns affecting societal well-being, environmental sustainability, and economic stability.

In development and environmental economics, our research seeks to achieve the three essentials of sustainability: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. In experimental economics, we use advanced methodologies to understand human behaviour and provide data-supported insights for policymaking. Our capacity for significant, ground-breaking research in this field is expected to increase significantly with the opening of our Experimental Economics Lab.

Strong industry engagement also ensures our scholarly work is applied in real-world settings, leading to societal betterment, sustainable economic development, and thriving communities.

Our Engagement

Our department values the importance of strategic partnerships, and we have forged strong alliances with entities in banking, micro-financing, policy, government and NGOs, among others. Our collaborations particularly focus on the areas of sustainable development, public policy, and innovative economic solutions.

With these partnerships come myriad opportunities for our students, including exclusive access to internships, jobs, research collaborations and policy analysis. We also invite leading experts to campus through guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, enriching your educational experience with the latest industry insights.

Our goal is to go beyond traditional academic instruction, equipping you with the practical skills and industry connections you'll need for a successful career in economics.

Our People

Learn more about the other six departments within the School of Business: