AMSI grant recipient profile: Hoong Ler Lee

Hi my name is Hoong Ler and I am currently in my first year of master of mathematical science at the Australia National University (ANU). I previously did my honours under the supervision of Assoc.Prof Evan Calford also at the ANU where I focused on economic behaviour of individuals under the multi- arm bandit setting in a randomised control trial setting with different time constraints and computational aid treatments. After my masters, I would like to have the opportunity to work in Bank Negara Malaysia as a data analyst on monetary and fiscal policy. Currently, I am developing interests in network science and information theory, and I am exploring how techniques from these areas can be used to model economic and social science phenomena. I find it exciting to see how concepts from abstract mathematics can provide insights into complex systems such as human behaviour, social interactions, and economic networks. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to work that bridges mathematical theory with practical societal impact.

Give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying, and/or the aims of your research and its potential applications/outcomes

Previously in my undergraduate, I am very much keen and also studying mathematical economics. Basically, it is application of different branches of mathematics into different economics problems. Some examples in mind includes using analysis to prove existence of equilibrium/steady state in economics problem (one famous one is using Kakutani fixed point theorem to prove the existence of Nash equilibrium), using computational mathematics technique to empirically analysis and economics model optimization problem (a few in mind are using structural models to evaluate policy roll-out, using dynamic programming algorithm to solve macro models like heterogeneous agent model, also called HAM), and using statistical and econometric technique to for finding causation in observational economic data.

How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?

I’m fortunate to say that quite a lot of people have inspired me into mathematics and statistics, too much to individually list them out(!) as they span from my high school to undergraduate and to honours. I would say that they include game theory, behaviour economics, optimization, graph theory, microeconomics theory, and many more courses that I have taken.

You received a grant to attend AMSI Summer School. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?

In person attendance definitely is an advantage, but I can also see the utility in online modules to from people bound by circumstances that are unable to attend. If you are attending in person, the major advantage is there is no lag in communication, be it asking a question or discussion between peers. This is crucial as you will form deeper bond and understanding of the material and also you can have ‘real’ interactions with people.

What was the most valuable part of the program for you?

Of course it is the courses that the summer school offers. I’m taking two subjects, one is the multivariate statistical analysis course, and the other is on machine learning and AI. The content from the multivariate statistical analysis course teaches a lot of techniques that I can directly apply in my honours year thesis to improve the robustness of my results and make the presentation much more elegant. The machine learning and AI course has introduced techniques that are more industry applicable for my situation where it will definitely come in helpful in my career after graduation.

In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?

First of all, leaning new stuff that is not traditionally offered in your university of study. I my case, I’ve learnt content that are both relevant for my thesis and future career. Next up is it also broaden your perspective on mathematics in general from discussion from peers to attending the participant’s talk about their topic of research. Lastly, meet new friends that are like-minded which is a lot of fun, especially when you work together to solve a very complicated and hard problem.

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 do, but maybe not in Australia. However, I can draw parallel inference on a idea and what relevant skills are needed in industry in my home country.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2027? Should they apply and why?

Keep in mind that it is a very intensively paced program. So first off is have a go at the pre-enrolment quiz to give yourself an idea of the difficulty of relevant course and then consider applying. It will be better to attend in person if possible to get the most gain in learning and experience as there will be no delay in communication, asking questions and discussion. Also, try not to study alone but study in a small but like-minded friend group will help accelerate the learning process a lot.

What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?

I would like to have the opportunity to work in Bank Negara Malaysia as a data analyst on monetary and fiscal policy.

How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?

The summer course is scheduled very intensively especially if you are doing more than one subject. The key is to use the Feynman’s technique in studying where you will actively engage in discussion and teaching between the peers, this will help accelerate the learning process than just learning on your own.

Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2026?

Overall a very nice experience, teaching is great, admin is seamless, and weather is good (at least better than Canberra). One small suggestion would be to have a day in the summer school where there is no lectures or any social events but to have some of the organiser bring us around and explore the whole campus and even better the surrounding areas (although I found that there is not much to explore in Clayton).