Hoong Ler Lee
Australian National University
I’m currently an honours student of the research school of economics in the Australian National University (ANU). Before this, I’ve studied a bachelor of economics and bachelor of finance also at the ANU. Currently, I’m doing research under the supervision of Assoc.Prof Evan Calford on experimental/behaviour economics to study contingency/time consistence planning of agents under a multi-armed bandit setting.
Can you give me a quick rundown about the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community (think how you would explain your work and studies to others who don’t study maths)
Mathematical economics uses a wide range mathematical subjects ranging from analysis, differential equations, optimization to dynamic programming to model, solve and predict the outcome of economic settings which can be helpful in the process of economic and political policy drafting/suggestion on topics like “How should government effectively roll-out electrical charging stations to encourage a change to EV’s”, “Why are people not saving enough for their 401k plans and what are some behaviour nudges we can implement cheaply to increase the willingness of saving.” The theory generated by mathematical economics then could be checked/verified through the use of experimental economics that uses experimental design to see the causal effect suggested by theory or data.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
As a kid, I’m fortunate to have a few amazing high-school teachers which sparks my interest in how mathematic could describe physical phenomenon and that interest carries on into my uni studies. In the early parts of my degree in ANU, I’m fortunate to be taught by amazing lectures and professors in courses like strategic thinking/game theory, behaviour economics and microeconomics 3 which broaden my perspective on how mathematics can model different strategic interactions between and within(the behaviour part) agents and introduces different equilibrium notions that could be use as a prediction of strategic interaction outcomes. In the mid-later part of my degree where I study more mathematical economics subjects where I’m exposed to concepts like analysis on metric spaces, optimization and dynamic programming, where I am amazed by how elegant and useful mathematics could be in abstracting and solving complex real life solution and how the rigorousness of math and mathematical proof could build an entire theory in economics solely based on a few axiom/assumptions. Profound by this amazing discovery, I’ve been actively taking math and statistic class throughout the remaining part of my degree.
You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2025. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields? Do you think it was an advantage to attend the program in-person?
Yes there is absolutely an advantage in attending the program in person. From my experience, real-life face-to-face interaction beats virtual interaction in everyway possible if scheduling is allow to. Personally, I’ve meet a lot of like-minded peers during the summer school where we attend lectures together, solve hard problems and also try to re-teach the subject to each other to solid our understanding of this intensive-paced program. Having the grant free me from the worry of financial and mental burden that it would take to find affordable accommodation around uSyd and it allows me to attend the school worry-free.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program for me is that it broadens/exposed me to a wide-variety of mathematical subjects where some of which are not traditionally taught in uni’s. Most lecturers are find with you also auditing a course that you had not sign up for and is very willing to help if you are stuck with a particular problem or not understanding a particular part of the material.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
In my opinion, there are a few long term benefits. First, with a broad exposure to different subjects, you increase the tools in your tool-kit in future research. If you are planning to go into the industry after graduation, the career fairs gives you the rough idea on talents and skills needed by firms in the industry for you to better tailor your degree’s courses and electives to match the industry needs. Lastly, the connection with peers from different universities that you’ve meet throughout the school broadens your network for future research and industrial practices.
Summer School included a special Careers Day program which aims to help give students an idea of the kinds of career paths available to maths graduates in industry and private sector research areas. Do you feel better equipped to explore career options in the mathematical sciences after attending AMSI Summer School?
Yes, I most appreciate that each booth was given some time to present to us all beforehand so we could focus on the booth that most interested us. In particular, through Careers Days, I’ve understand which to what level of depth and of what subjects in mathematics is used in different sectors which in-turns gives me an idea on how to better tailor my studies to better fit my future career goals.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
Foremost, if you are already considering to apply then go for it, it is a GREAT experience. An advice I would give is not to be fooled by the (not so scarry- looking) timetable, AMSI summer school is quite an intensive program, the pace that I felt is around 3-4 weeks of normal uni content condensed into a week of teaching. For me, pre-reading the slides and relevant materials before every lecture helps a lot for me to keep up with the pace. Also, make very good use of the Echo360 recording for materials that may have went over your head the first time listening to it in lecture. Lastly, DON’T try to do everything on your own. Everyone have their strengths and weakness, try working with like-minded peers and try teaching the content to one-another, trust me, it helps accelerate in learning and understanding the material.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
My current ambition is to work as a backend technical support in either in start- ups or investment banks. I am also pondering the idea of working as a data- scientist in Bank Negara (Central Bank of Malaysia)
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
The lecturer and peers that I’ve meet here made the whole AMSI Summer School a wonderful experience. Everyone here is very helpful, passionate and smart which in turns motivates you to do your best and the community is willing to provide support when you need it.