Student Profile

Jikon Lai, BScEco (LSE), MPhil (Oxford), DiplEco (University of London)

On completing a Diploma in Economics from the University of London (External) with distinction, Jikon was awarded a full scholarship to finish his undergraduate studies in Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) where he graduated with first class honours. He then went on to St. Antony's College at the University of Oxford, on a Citibank-Chevening scholarship, and read for a two-year masters (MPhil) degree in International Relations. Jikon worked for an embassy in Kuala Lumpur as a research and visits officer before beginning his PhD in International Relations at the Australian National University (ANU) in 2005. His research project aims to provide a political economic explanation of the evolution of financial sector policies in Korea, Malaysia and Thailand since the 1997 financial crisis.

Academic Interests

Developing countries, political economy of economic development & management, economic liberalisation, and international financial system

Academic Awards & Scholarships

• Institute for Humane Studies' Humane Studies Fellowship (2008-09)
• Korea Foundation Fellowship for Field Research (2008) (Declined)
• Institute for Humane Studies' Humane Studies Fellowship (2007-08)
• Endeavour Australia-Asia Postgraduate Student Award (2005)
• Citibank/British Foreign Commonwealth Office Chevening Scholarship (1999-2001)
• Standard Chartered Bank/University of London (External) Scholarship (1997-99)
• University of London Award for Academic Achievement (1997)

Languages

• English - Fluent, mother tongue
• Spanish - Good command in speaking, reading and writing
• German - Good command in speaking, reading and writing
• French - Good command in speaking, reading and writing
• Malay - Good command in speaking, reading and writing
• Cantonese - Weak command in spoken language only