Discussion 02 The Direction of Pension Reform in Asia in the coming Decades

Seminar Questions

1. Which reforms are preferable for Asia to expand coverage and ensure pension adequacy for men and women;

2. What lessons—if any—to take away from the financial and economic crisis;

3. The impact of reforms on the fairness across generations and gender fairness in advanced Asian economies;

4. The role of provident funds and private pension funds in providing equitable and sustainable pensions; and

5. The political economy of reforms.

Discussion 03 Asia Rising: Rising Inequality and Rising Poverty?

Seminar Questions

1. When reading the required readings, students should consult a Map of Asia. With the Map as a reference, can you list from richest to poorest the following countries (1 being the richest, 2 the second richest, etc.) (please don’t consult the internet but list the countries based on your impression of their wealth and income):

• India
• China
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Bangladesh
• Burma
• Thailand
• Cambodia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Japan
• Vietnam
• Laos
• Cambodia
• Republic of Korea
• North Korea
• Brunei

2. In your view, is Asia’s economic transformation equally enjoyed by all Asian nations or just a few? Why?

3. What accounts for the unequal distribution of wealth within Asian countries?

4. Is economic and wealth inequality becoming greater both between Asian countries and within Asian countries? How can this be resolved?

Suggested Further Reading

• Mark Beeson (2009), Hegemonic Transitions in East Asia? The Dynamics of Chinese and American Power,’ Review of International Studies, 35(1), pp.95-112.
• Jarvis, Darryl S.L. (2012), ‘Foreign Direct Investment and Investment Liberalization in Asia: Assessing ASEAN’s Initiatives,’ Australian Journal of International Affairs, 66(2), April, 223-264.
• Jarvis, Darryl S.L., (2012), ‘The Regulatory State in Developing Countries: Can they it exist and do we want it? The Case of the Indonesian Power Sector, Journal of Contemporary Asia, 42 (3), August, pp.464-492.
• Jarvis, Darryl S.L. & Anthony Welch (eds.)(2011), ASEAN Industries and the Challenge from China. Palgrave Macmillan (UK).
• Jarvis, Darryl S.L. (2011), ‘Race for the Money: International Financial Centers in Asia,’ Journal of International Relations and Development, Volume 14(1), January, pp.60-95.
• Jarvis, Darryl S.L., (2010), ‘Institutional Processes and Regulatory Risk: A Case Study of the Thai Energy Sector,’ Regulation & Governance, 4(2), June, pp.175-202.
• The Wealth Report 2012, Citi Private Bank and Frank Knight. Available at http://www.thewealthreport.net/The-Wealth-Report-2012.pdf

Discussion 04 Gender and Development in Asia

Seminar Questions

1. Why is a gender sensitive approach to development important?

2. Why do we need to examine gender inequality? What are the main aspects we will look at to gauge gender inequality in a country?

3. What influence has GAD (Gender and Development) had on development practice?

4. To what extent state policy could help alleviate or aggravate gender inequality in the countries, especially in the rural area?

5. Referring to the articles I recommended and the lecture I covered on this topic, discuss how both rural and urban economies are all gendered?

6. Based on what you have seen or heard or your experience from your own countries, discuss to what extent gender empowerment could facilitate the improvement of livelihood in a country on the whole.