The newest faculty member to join the iCLA community, Global Business and Economics Professor Trang Thanh Tran joined iCLA from Fall 2025. Professor Trang Thanh Tran’s courses in Fall 2025 include Microeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, and Labor Economics: Jobs, Wages, and Why They Matter.
Read our Faculty Spotlight interview with Professor Trang Thanh Tran.
Please tell me about yourself!
Actually, there is not much to say about myself. I was born in a small village in central Vietnam, just like many other people there. I went to Ho Chi Minh City for my undergrad, which is a common path for many in my region who want to leave a poorer area and get a better education. After that, I received a scholarship to study for a Master’s in Economics at Ritsumeikan University. Later, I moved to the Czech Republic for my PhD, and now I am here at iCLA.
What sparked your interest in studying Economics?
Honestly, economics did not come to me early, but rather quite late. Even though I studied economics as an undergraduate, in many developing countries the education is often very practical and focused on getting a job, not on deep academic thinking. I only started to think seriously about economics during my Master’s. Thanks to my supervisor, Prof. David Flath, and his courses, I finally naively understood what economics really is. It was completely different from my undergraduate experience, which was full of practical formulas. That is when I decided to continue with economics.
Tell us about your main research interest within Economics, and why such research is important.
I started with math and formulas and thought I would follow that path during my PhD, but it turned out that it was not for me. Later, I became more interested in issues in developing countries. The big question in economics is often why some countries are rich and others are poor. I do not have the ambition to answer such big questions, but I want to understand why economic theory sometimes cannot explain what happens in developing countries. Economic theories and models are supposed to describe how economies work in any country, but in practice they often fit developed countries better, even though developing countries account for most of the world’s population. Right now, I am working on informality, which is a kind of “gray area” in many developing countries.
What sparked your interest in studying Economics?
I did not really plan it; it just happened. My teaching goal is very simple: I want to motivate students to at least understand basic economic concepts, or at least to change how they think about economics. Economics is a social science and it sits at the core of many things in our daily lives.
According to your faculty profile on the iCLA website, you studied at Ritsumeikan University. Is there anything about Japan that drew you to study here and then consequently stay and teach?
One of the life-changing moments for me was studying at Ritsumeikan University. It was also my first time living abroad. Japan has always been a dream country for people of my generation; its nature, culture, and people are all very fascinating. Later, after spending my PhD years in the EU, I realized again that Japan is probably the place where I would like to stay in the next period of my life.
If you could specialize in another subject, what would it be and why?
Maybe martial arts? I really like Aikido. In general, I am not a sporty person, but somehow I love practicing Aikido. I started in Vietnam, continued at Ritsumeikan University, and sometimes also practiced in Prague. For me, Aikido is not just a self-defense method. The way you learn Aikido and its movements can also be applied to how you behave and act in real life.
If you were to recommend one book related to Economics, what would it be?
Recently I have been reading a book called Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love & Work by Daryl Fairweather, recommended by a friend of mine. Many people see economics as a dry subject that only relates to things like GDP, inflation, or unemployment. But this book may change your perception. It shows how economic concepts can be applied to almost everyday decisions: work, career, or even a marriage.
The author explains how she used principles of economics and game theory in many of her own major life decisions. It is quite fun to read and definitely feels relatable.
What is one thing you like about teaching at iCLA so far?
First, the students. Here I meet students from many different backgrounds. At the beginning, and still now, it has been challenging for me, because I struggle to find the best way to approach and motivate them. But at the same time, this also incentivizes me and keeps my teaching spirit alive. Something that is tough but fun at the same time always makes life more “juicy” and interesting. Second, I am in a very friendly and comfortable environment with very kind colleagues. That helps me a lot to settle down and adapt to the new workplace.
What would you tell a student who is going to enroll in your course?
Hmm. I cannot promise that it is an easy course. It may feel painful at first, but hopefully fun at the end.
Do you have any tips for students who are thinking of going into a career related to Economics?
This is not only for economics but for any subject: learn, observe, and evaluate. Do it patiently and consistently.