Shumin Liu currently works at UNDP Maldives as a data strategist.  

Tell us about yourself? 

Before joining UNDP Maldives, I was with the innovation team of UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, working on a portfolio related to data and innovation for sustainable development. I studied public policy and learned the application of data science to address policy issues. Since then, I have been passionate about leveraging data and innovation for addressing development challenges.  

Currently, I focus on data-driven policy research which aims to reveal socioeconomic problems and provide actionable intelligence for better decision-making through conducting data analysis with relevant data from different sources and translating them into policy insights. 

What do you do at UNDP? 

Under the partnership between the Ministry of Economic Development and UNDP Maldives, I have been working with the Ministry to support the establishment of Economic Research Centre and conduct data-driven policy research related to the labour market. In parallel, I am working with HDC and UNDP Accelerator Lab on the development of a livability index in Hulhumalé. The purpose of my work is to support policymakers to unleash the power of data for better decision-making that can create a positive impact on the people and planet.  

In my previous role with UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, I provided technical assistance in data analytics for policy research and advisory support related to innovation to Country Offices in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the data innovation work, I also worked on the systems change portfolio which aimed to drive transformative changes and achieve systemic impact with the approach of systems innovation and portfolio design.  

What motivates you to work in this area (digital, data, innovation etc.) 

I enjoy crunching data and learning new data analysis techniques. And data can show us blind spots, challenge our assumptions, and provide hints for us to probe into a problem. More importantly, I see there is a tremendous potential of data innovation and digital transformation in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals. But digital development is a double-edged sword. So, I think it is equally important to ensure digital inclusion and safeguard the ethical and responsible use of data and technology.   

What challenges do you face as a woman in this sector? 

In general, being different is difficult as it seems to be against the social norm. And you may need to work extra hard to prove you are worthy of being exceptional. Sometimes, this is the case for women working in the tech field. An open mindset and an inclusive environment should be encouraged and developed to resolve misunderstandings and promote gender equality in all sectors.  

What would you like to say to the other women aspiring people out there? 

I would like to say THANK YOU to all the women actively participating in this field for your contribution to the development of technology and innovation, your inspiration that encourages us to join this journey, and your bravery in doing something different. Though you might still face challenges, you are not alone. There are many of us just like you. We can help each other and work it out together. Please keep shining! Let's continue to make a difference.