Set Aung (Winston)
| Set Aung (Winston) |
| [Belonging・Position] | Inter-disciplinary Studies Center・Senior Research Fellow |
| [Research Field] | Myanmar Economy, Economic Development |
| [email] |
Set_Aung 
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| Japanese page |
Previous research
I joined the IDE in 2025 after a long career as an academic, researcher, consultant, and policymaker. Holding master’s degrees from the UK and a doctoral degree from Keio University, Japan, in diverse fields, I have conducted research across several Southeast Asian countries in collaboration with academic institutions and policy think tanks. My research has focused on a wide range of policy areas, including investment, trade, regional economic integration, and various forms of shadow economic activities.
In addition to my academic and research work, I served as a key policymaker in the Government of Myanmar. During the period of significant economic reforms, I held several senior positions, including Economic Advisor to the President, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, and Deputy Minister of Planning and Finance. These roles enabled me to contribute directly to major economic reforms and strengthened my ability to connect research insights with practical policymaking.
Current research projects
My current research focuses on Myanmar’s economic policy, particularly how policy choices have contributed to the expansion of the shadow economy. Instead of reducing informal and illicit activities, some policies have unintentionally reinforced them by creating regulatory uncertainty, limiting market access, and weakening institutional enforcement. My research therefore explores how these policies can be redesigned to promote a more predictable, transparent, and inclusive business environment that encourages formal economic participation.
Another strand of my work examines the growing importance of economic security alongside traditional goals of economic efficiency. In particular, I analyze the role of investment diversification and the need to reduce excessive dependence on a limited number of external partners.
Although Myanmar serves as the primary case study, the issues I examine are relevant to many developing and transition economies facing similar challenges. These include managing the shadow economy, strengthening institutional capacity, balancing efficiency with economic security, and designing policies that attract productive and diversified investment while supporting sustainable economic development.