Vu Ha Thu
Name: Vu Ha Thu
Department: IDEC
Course: Social Implementation Course
Research Field: Microfinance in Developing countries
Supervisor: Assoc.Prof GOTO Daisaku
Career and Academic Background before TAOYAKA Program
Because I am passionate about economics, I decided to go to Banking Academy which is one of Vietnam’s leading universities for financial and banking expertise. After graduation, I worked at Ocean Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OJB) as an individual customer officer. This position at a young and dynamic financial institution bestowed valuable practical experience about personal financial issues as well as banking processes on me. Equally important, my competence in communication and negotiation skills were fostered. After working at OJB for about 6 months, I moved to Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry with a position as a lecture assistant in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, derived from my passion for research work in applied economics. This new position offered me great chances for intensive research about issues in economic development in disadvantaged areas where local inhabitants rely heavily in agriculture and natural resources.
Research Plan in TAOYAKA Program
My research interest is Microfinance in developing countries with a particular focus on Bangladesh and Vietnam. I would like to evaluate the impact of microfinance programs on poverty reduction based on household surveys in Vietnam and Bangladesh. This summer vacation, I will carry out my survey in a Northern mountainous area in Vietnam. Next year, I will conduct a household survey in Bangladesh. After that, I will apply econometric approaches including Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT), and Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) to measure the impact of microfinance on poverty rates and to try to propose policy suggestions in terms of microfinance programs to alleviate poverty.
Career Plan after TAOYAKA Program
After completing TAOYAKA program, I would like to apply my research to developing countries, especially disadvantaged areas. I will also return to my country to continue a long-term career in a university. Knowledge is infinite, so an occupation at a university will ideally allow me to dig deeper in my field. In addition, I will be able to share my working experience and results of my research with young students who are, without any doubt, the future of our world. Most importantly, while working at my university, I’m strongly determined to take part in international projects and conferences to promote international collaboration for mutual development, which is the most beautiful goal of the TAOYAKA program.