SUNNY KIM NGUYEN
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Applied macroeconomist with expertise in translating complex data into actionable insights for markets, policymakers, and the public. As Head of Australia Economics at Moody's Analytics, leads economic forecasts, scenario analysis and quality assurance for Australia and other high-profile APAC countries, providing strategic briefings to central banks and multinational corporations. Holds a PhD in Economics with extensive experience in central banking as a lead analyst at Reserve Bank of Australia. Lectures at the University of Sydney, combining theoretical knowledge with practical market applications to prepare students for professional success.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Australia Economics
Moody's Analytics
06.2024 - Current
- Lead Moody's economic vision for Australia and contribute to the strategic direction for key APAC markets, shaping macroeconomic narratives that drive client decisions, policy engagement, and firm-wide positioning.
- Lead economic forecasting and risk scenario analysis for Australia and high-profile APAC economies.
- Serve as the firm's lead spokesperson on Australian macroeconomics, delivering high-impact thought leadership through original research, media commentary, client briefings, and industry forums.
- Direct quality assurance of regional forecasts and scenarios, overseeing consistency, credibility, and alignment with global macroeconomic assumptions.
- Architect and refine econometric models and nowcasting frameworks using both conventional and high-frequency alternative datasets.
- Own editorial leadership of Moody's economic subscription suite, from national outlooks to city-level reports and bespoke consultancy deliverables.
- Guide and develop a high-performing team of economists, embedding analytical discipline, commercial awareness, and storytelling acumen.
- Partner with product, sales, and strategy teams to embed economic insight into Moody's broader value proposition for financial institutions, corporates, and public sector clients.
Lecturer in Economics and Finance
University of Sydney
01.2023 - Current
- BUSS5001 "Firms, Markets and Business Management"
- ECON5002 "Macroeconomic Theory"
- ECOS2040 "Intermediate Financial Economics"
Lead Analyst/Economist
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Developed forecasting models and produced briefing reports on key data releases. Contributed to the writing of the RBA monthly Monetary Board papers and Statements of Monetary Policy.
- Conducted the analysis of and contributed to the writing of the RBA Financial Stability Review and the RBA Special Board Papers.
- Identified and led research projects using micro data to study macroeconomic and policy issues.
- Championed usage of big data, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML) and Python at the RBA.
- Supervised and mentored interns and junior staff, both in the research department and other departments. Outcomes include analytical notes and presentations at policy meetings.
- As the custodian of key Australia microdata, in charge of data management, administration of data access, and liaison with data providers.
- As subject matter expert in household and business microdata, provided expert advice and guidance to RBA staff on the usage of microdata for their analytical works.
- Established and moderated the Micro Data Community, which serves as an engagement hub for users of microdata across the RBA.
- Organised and moderated the RBA weekly research forum.
- Presented research works at academic conferences and seminars, internal policy meetings and policy workshops with other government agencies.
- Communicated research and policy works to the general public via video interviews and podcasts.
- Liaised and engaged with other government agencies (e.g., APRA, CSIRO, IP Australia) and academic community.
- Engaged with students across Australia via guest lectures and career talks.
Education
Ph.D. - Economics
University of Sydney
Australia01-2023
Master of Arts - Economics
University of British Columbia
Canada01-2020
Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours) -
University of Queensland
Australia01-2012
Skills
- Econometric modeling
- Economic forecasting
- Policy writing
- Python, R, STATA, Eviews
- Machine learning
- Thought leadership
- Client and media engagement
- Team and project management
Publications
Nguyen K and J Hambur, 'Adoption of General-Purpose Technologies: Determinants and Effects,' RBA Research Discussion Paper, No. 2023-10, 2023
Nguyen K, 'Do Australian households borrow to keep up with their Joneses,' RBA Research Discussion Paper, No. 2022-06, 2022
Nguyen K, 'The real effects of debt covenants: Evidence from Australia,' RBA Research Discussion Paper, No. 2022-05, 2022
Nguyen K and G La Cava, 'Start Spreading the News: News Sentiment and Economic Activity in Australia', RBA Research Discussion Paper, No 2020-08, 2020
Nguyen K and A Francis, 'Confidence in Australian Banknotes', RBA Research Discussion Paper, No. 2019-12, 2019, Nguyen K, M Peters, and M Poitevin, 'Can "EconJobMarket" help Canadian universities?', The Canadian Journal of Economics, 50, 5, 1573-1594, 2017
Nguyen K, V Hoang, K Nguyen, 'Are empowered women more likely to deliver in facilities?
Nguyen K, M Peters, and M Poitevin, 'Can "EconJobMarket" help Canadian universities?', The Canadian Journal of Economics, 50, 5, 1573-1594, 2017
Nguyen K, V Hoang, K Nguyen, `Are empowered women more likely to deliver in facilities? An explorative study using the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2011, International Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 2(2)
Timeline
Head of Australia Economics
Moody's Analytics
06.2024 - Current
Lecturer in Economics and Finance
University of Sydney
01.2023 - Current
Lead Analyst/Economist
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
01.2018 - 01.2024
Ph.D. - Economics
University of Sydney
Master of Arts - Economics
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours) -
University of Queensland
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