The principal aim of the Asian Public Policy Program (APPP) is to meet Asia's ever-increasing need for trained professionals able to undertake economic policy formulation and implementation based on a firm understanding of the theory and analytical implications of fiscal, monetary and other public policies.

In developing as well as industrialized economies, governments play an important role in mobilizing resources through taxation and borrowing, and allocating these resources in the provision of key social and infrastructural services. This task is performed while sustaining macroeconomic stability and addressing the issues of social equity in the most efficient manner. These are significant challenges for any government.

To meet these challenges, professionals dedicated to public service need quality education and training. They need to be equipped with analytical skills, understanding of best practices, and policy formulation capacity in macroeconomic management, public finance, fiscal and monetary operation, and other relevant areas so that they can effectively contribute to policy processes. Their informed contribution to economic policy-making will serve to complement a well-functioning political decision-making process.

The Master's program at the APPP targets young professionals in Asian governments, central banks and other policy-related organizations. The APPP has been and continues to be an important stepping-stone for such individuals to become fully-fledged fiscal, monetary, or financial economists, economic planners, policy analysts, and policy makers in their governments as well as in international organizations.

All courses are offered in English, and provision is made for those whose first language is not English. The program strives to have the student body and faculty members as internationally-based as possible.