2nd Winner

Category 2) Contributions to Your Home Country

Subject C) Contributions to My Country through KDI School Education

(Summary) This essay explores the integration of postgraduate education that I received from KDI School that contributed to my work with the Australian Federal Government. It highlights the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach, emphasising the relevance of each subject taken under the Masters of Public Policy that helped me shape effective policies and strategies in government. Additionally, the essay discusses how I am using my postgraduate education beyond government work, by engaging in alumni projects that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By leveraging my postgraduate studies, I utilised my expertise to contribute to informed decision-making and professional development to achieve global prospects.

A) MASTERS OF PUBLIC POLICY 'SUBJECTS' UNDER THE SPECIALISATIONS OF: Finance and Macroeconomic Policy, International Relations and Political Economy, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Introduction:

The education received from KDI School equips individuals with specialised knowledge and skills in their chosen field within their affiliated organisation or topic of interest. For professionals, such as myself, engaged in federal government work, integrating subjects like economics, international relations, technology, and regulations becomes essential for being subject matter experts. This essay explores the significance of utilising such a multidisciplinary education in federal government work and how it extends beyond the KDI School Alumni projects, such as the 2023 Alumni Working Partners projects. By leveraging the knowledge gained during postgraduate studies, professionals and researchers can contribute to informed decision-making processes, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change in the public sector, industry, NGOs, and other affiliated organisations.

Enhancing Policy Development with Economic Insights: 

Economics provides a vital foundation for policymakers, enabling them to analyse complex market dynamics, assess the impact of policies on various stakeholders, and develop strategies to achieve desired outcomes. Through my postgraduate education in economics, I learnt that a federal government that applies economic principles appropriately could shape policies that promote economic growth, stability, and equitable distribution of resources. Understanding the concepts enhanced my ability to design evidence-based guidelines and regulatory frameworks that effectively address societal needs. This is the case with the Data Availability and Transparency Scheme in Australia, which helped to make the government more productive by establishing a new, best-practice scheme for sharing Australian Government data, underpinned by solid safeguards and consistent, efficient processes.

B) OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL DATA COMMISSIONER (ONDC):

I worked with them to develop economics, data sharing technology and regulation policies. (Link)

Navigating International Relations and Diplomacy:

In an increasingly interconnected world, federal government work often involves engaging with international partners, negotiating agreements, and addressing global challenges, especially learning about various political economy and international relations subjects at KDI School. By leveraging my postgraduate education, I shaped foreign policies, represented my country's interests, and fostered international collaborations to address issues. This was the case with the Model UN (with different Australian Universities) I participated in last year.

C) MODEL UN PROJECTS THAT UNDERLOOK AFTER KDIS:

The ‘Justice Musicki’ concept was based on the simulation of being part of the International Court of Justice, tackling some global crimes. (Link)

Harnessing Technological Advancements:

Technology is pivotal in shaping government operations and public service delivery in the digital age. Postgraduate education focusing on technology equips professionals and public servants in government with insights into emerging trends, data analytics, cybersecurity, and governance frameworks for the digital realm. By leveraging their knowledge, individuals can drive digital transformation initiatives, harness the potential of emerging technologies, and ensure efficient and secure service delivery to citizens. This was the case with the KDI’s GDLN initiative program I participated in the last year, which focused on technology.

D) PARTICIPATION IN SOUTH KOREA FOR 2022 GDLN:

This is from the GDLN Global Facebook page. In the photo, I am the one that is in the blue suit to the far-right of the picture taken. (Link)

Applying Legislation and Regulations:

KDI School covered some aspects of my education in legislation and regulations (beyond the economic and development theoretical subjects offered at KDI School), which is crucial in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply legislation and regulations effectively in government settings. Through my practical experiences in government after my studies, I gained a deeper understanding of legal frameworks, regulatory systems, and compliance mechanisms. This knowledge enabled me to interpret complex laws (and their history), develop policies that align with regulatory requirements (based on society's expectations or the government of the day's agenda), and ensure adherence to legal obligations (whether it is with education, guidance, enforcement or litigation). Even though KDI School did not directly cover regulation and legislation, it helped me to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills, allowing me to native the legal landscape, and identify potential gaps in the processes/procedures or inconsistencies with the data collected for decision-making and propose solutions to enhance compliance for Australia's productive, fair, transparent and accountable society. By leveraging the education from KDI School, I contributed to creating a transparent, accountable and compliant government environment in the various government roles. This was the case with my work with the Department of Defence to develop and enhance the Defence Seaworthiness Management System.

E) DEFENCE SEAWORTHINESS PAGE: (Link)

Extending Knowledge Through Alumni Projects:

Beyond my government work, I enjoy KDI School facilitating initiatives, like GDLN and Alumni Working Partners Project, that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Through these initiatives, many KDIS students and alumni can network with each other, exchange ideas, and engage in joint research or policy development endeavours. Furthermore, alumni projects provide a platform for continuous learning and exploring innovative solutions to shared challenges in the world (which is the case with the Alumni Working Partner Programs to have a collaborative project to address Sustainable Development Goals for every country in the world). I have provided the GDLN link already above.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, integrating postgraduate education from KDI School in various fields has given me federal government work with a multidisciplinary advantage. By applying the lessons learnt, I have used this advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to informed decision-m, making, policy development, and practical compliance in government. Moreover, actively engaging in alumni projects allowed me to continuously learn new things, collaborate, and provide valuable knowledge-sharing among KDI School students to foster growth.