Shan Sonthra is a Research Associate at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), where he supports the organization’s research agenda across Asia. Shan’s expertise spans public policy and economic development, with experience in mixed-methods research and policy communication. He is a published writer on topics of public policy and economics in outlets such as Nikkei Asia and the South China Morning Post. Before joining CAPS, Shan worked as a research assistant at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), supporting policy research and industry analysis. As a public relations professional, he contributed to communications and thought leadership for financial-sector clients. He also worked as a research consultant, including one for HKUST regarding their newly established medical school. Shan holds a BSc in social sciences and an MPP from HKUST, where he was the recipient of the Academic Excellence Scholarship. He is a 2023-2025 Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellow.