Our 1-2 year secondments at the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) have been an enriching and rewarding experience. We are grateful for the chance to contribute to and learn from AMRO’s Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) and country surveillance teams, specifically Lao PDR, Indonesia and Malaysia. This experience not only advanced our professional growth but also allowed us to foster a deeper understanding of regional cooperation and its critical role in contributing to the economic and financial resilience and stability of the ASEAN+3 region.
Being part of the country surveillance teams provided a unique perspective on the macroeconomic challenges and opportunities within our region. We were introduced to economic monitoring, policy analysis, and the evaluation of various economic indicators that are vital for assessing a country’s economic health. This hands-on experience allowed us to understand the intricacies involved in ensuring macroeconomic stability at the country and regional levels.
Our attachments to the Lao PDR, Indonesia and Malaysia surveillance teams allowed us to contribute to the analysis of these countries’ economic developments, fiscal policies, and monetary strategies, which in turn broadened our horizons on the regional economic landscape. This exposure was invaluable in helping us develop a more nuanced perspective on the economic dynamics of ASEAN+3 economies.
Our experience at AMRO extended beyond the confines of our immediate responsibilities. The weekly surveillance and pre-mission fiscal meetings were rich learning platforms where we were exposed to the diverse economic and fiscal challenges and policy responses across the region. It was eye-opening to see how the economic developments of one country could impact the rest of the region, underscoring the interconnectedness of the region and reinforcing the importance of taking a coordinated approach toward regional stability.
The opportunity to participate in the development of CMIM, ASEAN+3’s regional financial safety net, opened a window to regional financial cooperation. The experience enhanced our ability to contribute to the ongoing development of financial stability mechanisms in Lao PDR and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in financial crisis management.
The collaborative environment at AMRO was another highlight of our time at AMRO. Working alongside experienced economists and analysts from various backgrounds was a truly rewarding experience. We actively engaged in discussions and exchanged ideas with some of the best minds in the field on macroeconomic analysis, fiscal policy, and financial stability. AMRO’s strong knowledge-sharing culture has enhanced our professional development, equipping us with new skills and methodologies to bring back to our home country.
Life as secondees in Singapore have been both joyful and exciting. Thanks to work-life balance, we were able to find time for social and personal activities. We experienced Singapore’s diversity through tasting different cuisines, attending local festivals, and absorbing other cultures. With an efficient and a well-connected public transport system, we enjoyed a safe and convenient lifestyle. Overall, being secondees in Singapore offered a perfect blend of professional and social opportunities. And we grew both personally and professionally in this vibrant city.
The past months at AMRO have been an unforgettable journey of learning, reflection and growth. We now have a much greater appreciation for the work that AMRO does and a bag full of knowledge, insights, experiences. The lessons learned and the relationships formed during our secondment will serve as a strong foundation for our future endeavors, both within our home institutions and in the broader ASEAN+3 community. Last but not least, we look forward to being the bridge to a successful and long-lasting partnership between AMRO and our home institutions—the Ministry of Finance of Lao PDR and Bank of Lao PDR.
This secondment program is part of AMRO’s Technical Assistance Function, aimed at strengthening the macroeconomic surveillance capabilities of its member economies.