Most mornings at Harvard Kennedy School begin the same way for Max Yong: an early start, crowded hallways and the sense that at any moment he might brush shoulders with someone who has influentially shaped US policy.
“I’m learning from incredible professors,” Max says. “My macroeconomics lecturer was the Chief Economist at US Treasury and my policy lecturer was the Director of the Congressional Budget Office.”
Supported by a 2025 ANZAC Centenary John Monash Scholarship, Max is undertaking a Master of Public Policy at Harvard University – an energising environment as he deepens his expertise as an economist focused on higher education policy.
A typical day is full. Between three to six hours of classes, working as a Teaching Fellow in Personal Finance at Harvard College and a steady rotation of evening talks, social events and sports, Max says he often reaches Friday “feeling fulfilled, but also pretty tired.”
But the intensity is exactly what inspires him.
“I am surrounded by policy leaders every day. Not just the faculty, but also my peers and friends. The energy around the hallways, the drive and determination to use policy to enact social and economic reform is contagious,” he says. “Some of my favourite moments are when I’ll grab lunch with friends after an economics class just so we can keep the debate going.”
One moment that stands out came early in his time at Harvard. Max had written an article on campus violence for The Australian, drawing on both Australian and US perspectives.
“Despite being published in an Australian newspaper, it was shared around Harvard and I received lovely feedback on it from my peers. It was nice to write something where so many Americans and Australians could agree on a common issue.”
This first year, Max’s goal is deliberately broad: to learn from as many people as possible.
“I have already met with former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona a few times to discuss higher education access barriers, which is one of my key policy interests,” he says.
“However, I also keep reminding myself that my friends and peers have much unique knowledge and experiences that I should learn from as well, not just the faculty.”
Looking ahead, Max sees himself as a policy leader focused not only on good ideas but on execution.
“There are too many examples of policy leaders who may try to seek out the ‘technically correct’ answer to a problem, and spend so much time debating the minute details that nothing actually gets done.
“The really impactful leaders in history were the ones that made sure their policies were felt by the people on the ground.”
Max will continue his Master of Public Policy at Harvard University on the 2025 ANZAC Centenary John Monash Scholarship through to 2027.
