Joseph Marshan
Global Business
Inspiring students to explore global economics with curious minds
Joseph encourages students to connect economic theory with real‑world events through a curiosity‑driven approach to learning.
What do you teach?
I teach the following units, Global Trade Governance and International Trade Policy.
What qualifications or professional experiences are most central to your work as an academic?
I hold a PhD in economics. Prior to joining Monash University, Indonesia as Assistant Professor of Global Business in July 2025, I worked for one and a half years as a lecturer in business economics at the University of Canberra. During my PhD, I was a tutor (teaching assistant) for several applied microeconometrics courses.
What are you doing differently in your field that you believe is driving real change?
I describe my teaching approach as "curiosity teaching." Many students feel overwhelmed by economic concepts, so I introduce the material gently and help them see its immediate relevance. From there, I encourage them to let their own curiosity guide how they connect the content to their past experiences, current roles, and future career goals. This approach embraces the diverse backgrounds students bring to the classroom and helps them learn in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
Curiosity is the starting point for meaningful learning. ”
Tell us about a specific moment when you saw a student transform. What happened, and what role did you play?
On the first day of teaching International Trade Policy, I told students that my goal was simple: by the end of the unit, they should feel confident reading business news. Each week, I shared articles from sources like the Financial Times, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review, linking them to our weekly topics. One student later told me she now enjoys reading business and economics articles because she finally understands how they connect to the real world. Seeing her perspective shift and her confidence grow was a clear moment of transformation.
What's something about Monash University, Indonesia that would surprise people in a good way?
People are often surprised by the strong sense of camaraderie on campus. Faculty members actively support each other, and students share that same spirit - helping one another not only academically but also when someone is facing personal challenges. It creates a warm, collaborative environment where everyone feels supported.
What industry partnerships, research collaborations, or real‑world projects are you and your students currently involved in?
We are currently developing an internship program with a leading Indonesian pharmaceutical company. This opportunity will allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real‑world business challenges and gain valuable industry experience.
What's one thing you're working on right now that doesn't fit the traditional "academic" mould?
I start each class with an activity where students explain key concepts from the lecture to the person next to them in their own words. It’s a simple exercise, but it builds confidence, reinforces understanding, and encourages peer learning.
If you had to explain your research’s impact and/or teaching philosophy to a prospective student's parents over coffee, what would you say?
I want students to come to class excited to share what they’ve read in the news or observed in real life. From there, they decide what they want to explore further. My goal is to help them become curious, engaged thinkers who see economics not as abstract theory, but as a lens for understanding the world.
What achievement, qualification, or milestone in your academic or professional journey are you most proud of, and why?
Publishing a paper with a former student and becoming writing partners is something I’m especially proud of. It reflects the kind of collaborative, supportive academic relationships I value.
What advice would you give a student who hopes to build a similar career or level of expertise?
Be curious and stay aware of what’s happening in the world.