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Meet Our Students: Sook Yan Siew’s search for training in core economics

20 August, 2025

In this interview, Sook Yan Siew recounts her inspiring journey from Asia to Prague, sharing her path through development economics, her experience in CERGE-EI’s PhD program, and her role as an international student ambassador at Charles University.

Originally from Malaysia, Sook earned her bachelor’s degree in South Korea—with an exchange semester in Hong Kong—and later completed her master’s in Japan, all on full scholarships. These experiences shaped her global academic perspective and exposed her to diverse educational systems across Asia.

Why PhD in Economics?

With professional experience spanning public, private, and non-profit sectors, Sook focused on community and economic development projects. Yet, she felt constrained by the lack of foundational training in core economics. Driven by a desire to deepen her knowledge and pursue an academic career, she sought a PhD program that offered structured coursework, independent research, and teaching opportunities—an ideal fit found at CERGE-EI.

The transition to theory-heavy first-year coursework in Prague posed a challenge, especially when combined with adapting to a new culture. Thanks to supportive study groups, Sook’s grasp of complex concepts rapidly improved. With the first-year qualifying exam approaching, she now feels more confident and well-prepared than ever before.

Engaging as a Student Ambassador at Charles University

As part of her administrative assistantship, Sook joined the Prague offline events team as a Charles University Student Ambassador. She helps plan and promote recruitment and community-building initiatives, including study fairs, online webinars, and social events across the university’s campuses in Prague, Hradec Králové, and Plzeň.

Looking Forward

After completing her PhD, Sook envisions a dual career: teaching and researching in academia while running an NGO. This dual path would let her contribute both theoretically and practically—advancing knowledge, educating students, and supporting community development in meaningful, measurable ways.

Read the full interview on our blog.