Economic Stress and Capital Development

Economic stress is a prevalent phenomenon at both macro and micro levels. Studying a country's response to macro economic stress based on a region (Asia) known for its heterogeneity is revealing – it allows researchers to get to a more basic understanding of fundamental economics, and how corporate governance and institutional development interact with legal, political, social and economic systems.

Studying economic stress at a micro level is particularly relevant in Asia because of its rapidly changing and fragile economic, social, and demographic structure and the generally weak social protection system in Asian countries. Economic stress has a disproportionately large impact on children, women, elderly, unskilled low-wage workers, and ethnic minorities, and has long lasting negative impact on human capital. It also can affect demographic dynamics.
  • Introduction: Prof Bernard Yeung, Dean, NUS Business School
  • Economic Distress, Corporate Governance, and Institutional Development, the Asian Experiences:
    Prof Chang Sea Jin, Provost Chair Professor, NUS Business School
  • The Impact of Economic Stress on Human Capital and Demographic Dynamics: Prof Jean Yeung, Department of Sociology and Asia Research Institute
Economic Stress, Cities and Environmental Capital

This session touches on the impact of urbanization on resources and livelihoods, and the relationship between cities and the environment.
  • Introduction: Prof Prasenjit Duara, Department of History and Director, Humanities and Social Sciences Research
  • Bridging Natural and Urban Ecologies: Prof Saskia Sassen, Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology and Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University
  • Urban Economy, Environment and Livelihoods: Closing the Loop: Assoc Prof Shreekant Gupta, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy