Congratulations to Miss WAN Yanlin, PhD Student in IIP (Innovation, Policy, and Entrepreneurship), and Prof. Masaru YARIME, Associate Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), for receiving an Honorable Mention in the 2025 ADB-IEA Innovative Policy Research Award. Their paper, "Can Broadband Internet Infrastructure Narrow the Income Inequality? An Analysis of the Effects of Broadband China Strategic Program", was co-authored with researchers from HKUST and HKUST(GZ).

As digital technologies continue to transform economies worldwide, understanding how broadband infrastructure investments affect income inequality has profound implications for policymakers seeking inclusive growth strategies. By analyzing how expanded internet access influences economic opportunities across different socioeconomic groups, this research provides valuable empirical evidence on China's ambitious national broadband program, highlights the importance of thoughtful implementation strategies that can maximize economic benefits while minimizing potential disparities and offers actionable insights for countries developing their digital infrastructure policies.

The partnership between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Economic Association (IEA) spotlights research that bridges rigorous economic analysis with practical applications. Their Innovative Policy Research Award recognizes scholarly work that effectively translates academic excellence into actionable solutions for regional development challenges.

We congratulate Yanlin and Prof. Yarime again on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to their continued contributions in this vital research area.