Our PACT centre’s new PhD cohort sees climate leaders stay where they’re needed most
28 April 2025
Until now, many climate leaders in the Pacific and Southeast Asia have had to leave their countries and organisations to gain research expertise.
But a new cohort of PhD students through the Monash University and Fiji National University Pacific Action for Climate Change (PACT) partnership is reversing this brain drain - enabling professionals to conduct high-impact research while remaining embedded in their communities.
The five senior leaders in PACT’s inaugural PhD intake - Binh Bui, Rendra Hasan, Navin Raj, Corey Huber and Ruel Yamuna (all pictured above) - are a diverse group of policymakers, finance experts, and climate strategists tackling the Pacific’s most urgent environmental challenges.
PACT director, Professor Paul Dargusch, said the escalating urgency of climate change made stepping away - even temporarily – a cost the region cannot afford.
“Losing experienced professionals to overseas study is a serious setback for Pacific nations,” he said. “With this new program, we have created a model that builds research capacity without draining talent from the region.”
Prof Dargusch said the 3.5-year Interdisciplinary PhD program supported PACT’s mission to fuel research that drives real-world change. “We see this as a long-term investment - we’re building something that will create lasting impact for years to come,” he said.
“The connections formed through this PhD research will lead to more projects, more collaborations, and more change. In 10 to 15 years, we hope to have a strong network of alumni who are shaping climate policy and finance across the region.”
Turning ambition into climate action
For Navin Raj, pursuing a PhD has been a long-held dream.
However, his extensive professional commitments as a Trustee of Fijian Holdings Trustees Ltd (FTL), Director of the Fiji Television (FTV) Ltd Board and as a council member at the Fiji National University (FNU) Council made traditional programs impossible.
Monash Business School’s Interdisciplinary PhD program removed the major barriers, offering a rare opportunity to conduct his research into how large businesses in the Pacific make decisions about climate action.
Mr Raj said he hoped his study would generate insights that drive policy change and foster sustainable economic growth. “Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face severe risks from climate change,” he said.
“There is a critical need to build resilience across all organisations in these nations, especially in the private sector, which holds significant influence over livelihoods and well-being.”
He said joining the program was both a privilege and an exciting opportunity. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with my cohort and making a real impact, and I’m grateful for the support that made this opportunity possible,” he said.
Mobilising private sector finance for change
Corey Huber believes the private sector in the Pacific holds the key to unlocking much-needed climate finance - but so far, that potential remains largely untapped.
“The private sector is essential to realising climate finance opportunities in the Pacific, yet its involvement has been minimal,” he said. “There are significant opportunities for businesses to contribute, whether as service providers in infrastructure projects, as part of supply chains, or through supporting industries that enable larger developments.”
As a Climate Finance Specialist in Vanuatu, Mr Huber sees firsthand the barriers holding businesses back.
His PhD research aims to move beyond these challenges to uncover the interventions needed to increase investment.
“The ability to continue working and living in Vanuatu is a tremendous advantage,” he said. “This program allows me to align my research with real-world challenges, ensuring my work has immediate relevance and impact.”
Five climate leaders, one mission
Mr Raj and Mr Huber are among the five industry leaders in PACT’s inaugural PhD intake.
Ruel Yamuna, Special Envoy for Climate and the Environment, Papua New Guinea, will examine what helps or hinders countries like PNG from accessing climate finance from multilateral funds such as the Green Climate Fund.
Senior Policy Analyst for the Indonesian Ministry of Environment, Rendra Hasan, will study the policy and financial mechanisms needed to support large-scale waste-to-energy projects in Indonesia.
And Binh Bui, Climate Change Officer, Asian Development Bank will investigate the most effective public policy mix for Vietnam to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets while maintaining economic growth and social inclusivity.
Prof Dargusch said the group’s expertise would provide invaluable insights into the region’s highest-priority climate challenges. “They are all incredibly smart, talented, and deeply engaged in the work their governments and organisations are doing,” he said.
“They bring sharp intellect and fresh perspectives, making our work together both exciting and rewarding - it’s a privilege to support such a dynamic group.”
Learn more about Monash Business School’s Interdisciplinary PhD Program.