PIVOTAL research into the emergence of the newly-rich in East and South-East Asia helped to place Murdoch’s Asia Research Centre on the map as a “think-tank” with real political and economic value.

Since its establishment at Murdoch University in 1991, the Asia Research Centre on Social, Political and Economic Change (ARC) has become a resource that government, industry and business turn to for advice on the region.

In the past 10 years, the Centre has examined the societal changes in East and South-East Asian countries, particularly the emergence of a new middle class following the shift from rural to industrial economies across the region.

Drawing together leading researchers in the field, the ARC looked at the different component elements of the new rich. It assessed the consequences of their emergence on politics, ideology and culture, the organisation of social power, gender and the household, the relationship between the state and the economy and provided a new perspective on the region.

This ground-breaking research was drawn together into a six-part book series, The New Rich, which created a significant interest among politicians, business leaders and academics.

Professor Richard Robison, who was the founding Director of the Asia Research Centre, said The New Rich helped to place Murdoch University on the map in Asia.

“The ideas fed into the policy sector and business world of countries throughout Asia,” he said.

“It was the first time that Asia’s emerging middle class had been examined in depth, and the research revealed that it was a complex group.

“A middle class traditionally is considered to be a force for democracy and free markets.

“However, contrary to popular thought, a middle class can actually be a force for anti-democratic thinking and market protection.”
Professor Robison said that the comprehensive study highlighted the similarities between the new rich in Asia and Western society and helped to define new pathways for international relations.