AEPF2026 Concludes Successfully in Singapore, Connecting Economics and Policy Researchers from Around the World
The inaugural Asia Economics and Policy Forum highlights green growth, sustainable development, economics and public policy research, while launching an Undergraduate Research Conference for emerging researchers
Singapore, SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The inaugural Asia Economics and Policy Forum (AEPF2026) successfully concluded in Singapore on 28–29 July 2026, marking an important new platform for international research exchange in economics, public policy, sustainable development, green growth, sustainable finance, and interdisciplinary research.
Conference Co-Chair Dr. Jenny Phillips, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, Research Coordinator, and Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao making the closing speech for the AEPF2026
Held as a hybrid conference at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, AEPF2026 was organized by East Asia Research with the generous support of the Faculty of Business and Law, University of Saint Joseph (USJ), Macao.
Under the theme “Green Growth, Financing and Building a Sustainable Future”, the conference brought together researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers, early-career researchers, and students from around the world to exchange ideas, present research, build international collaborations, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Asia and beyond.
Building a Premier Economics and Policy Forum in Asia
As a new international academic conference in Asia, AEPF aims to grow into a premier Economics and Policy Forum in Asia, bringing together scholars, economists, policymakers, practitioners, and emerging researchers to discuss important economic and policy challenges facing the region and the world.
AEPF provides an inclusive platform for both established scholars and early-career researchers to present innovative research, build international collaborations, and engage with experts from around the world. The conference is particularly welcoming to first-time conference presenters and researchers seeking a supportive environment to present their first economics, public policy, sustainability, or interdisciplinary research paper at an international academic conference.
For postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, young academics, and researchers at the beginning of their academic careers, AEPF offers an opportunity to gain international presentation experience, receive constructive feedback, exchange ideas with researchers from different countries, and develop networks that may lead to future research collaborations.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers
AEPF2026 was honoured to welcome Conference Co-Chair Dr. Florence Lei, Coordinator of the Sustainable Business Lab and Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao. Dr. Lei delivered an insightful keynote presentation entitled “China’s ‘Dual Carbon’ Goals: A Survey of Industry Perspectives.”
Our sincere appreciation also goes to Conference Co-Chair Dr. Jenny Phillips, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, Research Coordinator, and Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, for her inspiring keynote presentation, “Drivers of Social Enterprises in Macao and the Dominance of the Hybrid Model.”
Reflecting on the inaugural forum, Dr. Phillips shared: “Thank you for coming to this year’s Asia Economics and Policy Forum. This is our first forum, and we hope AEPF will become an annual event where we can share research ideas and learn from one another. I am very glad to have learned so much, and one of the best things about the forum is that we have had meaningful opportunities to talk and connect with each other.”
42 Researchers from 11 Countries
AEPF2026 featured 17 research presentations authored by 42 researchers from 11 countries, reflecting growing international interest in economics, public policy, sustainability, sustainable finance, green growth, social enterprise, and interdisciplinary research.
Beyond presenting research, the forum created opportunities for participants to meet potential collaborators and develop new international research connections.
Asst. Prof. Eleni Kyrkopoulou from the University of Piraeus, who presented research in experimental economics on neighbourhood effects and children’s educational outcomes, highlighted the collaborative nature of the conference: “I’m very happy to be here at this year’s edition, presenting my work in experimental economics, specifically on neighbourhood effects on the educational outcomes of children. It has been wonderful to meet policymakers and top economists. I’ve already met a few people who I believe could become future co-authors, and I’m looking forward to next year’s edition.”
Supporting Undergraduate and First-Time Researchers
One of the major highlights of AEPF2026 was the launch of the inaugural Undergraduate Research Conference (URC), held alongside the main international conference for the first time.
Designed to encourage the next generation of researchers, the Undergraduate Research Conference provided undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain international conference experience, present their first research projects, receive constructive feedback, develop academic presentation skills, and build confidence as young researchers. It was a privilege to welcome undergraduate researchers from Saint Louis University and the University of St. La Salle, who showcased their research through engaging poster presentations in Singapore.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Norea Causing, Dean of the University of St. La Salle; Dr. Michael Baylosis of the University of St. La Salle; and Dr. Karlo Dacanay of Saint Louis University for their commitment to mentoring and leading their students to Singapore to participate in this inaugural initiative. Their support has played an important role in nurturing the next generation of researchers and scholars.
Special Discounted Registration Rates for Undergraduate Students
AEPF is committed to making international research and conference opportunities more accessible to undergraduate students.
To encourage greater student participation, the conference offers special discounted registration rates for undergraduate students, helping more young researchers experience their first international academic conference, present their first research project, meet academics and researchers from different countries, and become part of the international research community.
By combining the Undergraduate Research Conference with the main AEPF programme, students have the opportunity not only to showcase their own work but also to attend selected academic sessions and experience how an international economics and policy conference operates.
Selected AEPF2026 Papers to Be Published by Springer Nature
We are also delighted that selected papers presented at AEPF2026 will be published in the forthcoming Springer Nature volume, Advances in Economics and Policy Research – Green Growth and Sustainable Future in Asia.
The publication will provide an enduring international platform for disseminating selected research presented at the forum and further contribute to academic discussions surrounding economics, public policy, green growth, sustainable development, and Asia’s evolving economic landscape.
Looking Ahead to AEPF2027 in Singapore
Most importantly, we extend our sincere gratitude to every presenter, participant, student researcher, reviewer, committee member, university partner, and supporting organization who contributed to the success of the inaugural Asia Economics and Policy Forum.
Building on the foundation established in 2026, AEPF will continue developing as an international Economics and Policy Forum in Asia that welcomes established academics, early-career researchers, postgraduate researchers, undergraduate students, and first-time conference presenters.
Whether you are an experienced scholar looking to share new research, an early-career researcher searching for a supportive academic conference in Asia, or a student hoping to present your first research paper at an international conference, AEPF aims to provide an accessible and collaborative environment for sharing ideas and building meaningful academic connections.
We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new colleagues to the Asia Economics and Policy Forum 2027 (AEPF2027) in Singapore on 20–21 July 2027. More information is available at https://aepf.ear.com.sg
We hope to see you in Singapore!
AEPF2026 URC delegates from Saint Louis University and the University of St. La Salle pose for a group photo with their conference certificates
About East Asia Research
East Asia Research (EAR), based in Singapore, fosters intellectual exchange through inclusive and representative academic conferences and books. Guided by Confucian principles, we promote respect, integrity, and community, advancing research worldwide.
Press Inquiries
East Asia Research
anthonytan [at] ear.com.sg
+65 62033767
https://ear.com.sg
1 Scotts Road #24-10, Shaw Centre, 228208
A video accompanying this announcement is available here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=gsxh_Fuxtg8
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
