Brings real-world relevance to learning.
Helps students see the joy in learning.
Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Always positive and motivating in class.
Fosters a love for lifelong learning.
Wenli Cheng is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Monash University, part of the Monash Business School. She belongs to the Development, History, and Political Economy group (DeHiPE). Her research specializations include monetary economics, international economics, and economic development, with expertise keywords in International Trade and Finance, Monetary Economics, and Economic Development. Cheng's research contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Life on Land. Before entering academia, she gained nearly ten years of professional experience, initially in government and later in an economic consulting firm, advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, pricing strategies, and intellectual property rights.
Cheng has produced 39 research outputs, comprising 37 journal articles, one book, and one edited book. Her publications have appeared in respected journals including Economic Theory, Journal of Economic Behaviour & Organization, International Review of Economics and Finance, Applied Economics, Southern Economic Journal, and Economic Record. Key recent works include 'Stepping stone: the logic of financial inclusion through microfinance – evidence from China’s largest commercial microfinance institution' by N. Zhou, W. Cheng, and L. Zhang (2025, China Agricultural Economic Review); 'Prices, politics and persuasion: the case of pollution control and clean technology adoption' by W. Cheng and D. Zhang (2024, Singapore Economic Review); 'Land rights and investment incentives: evidence from China's latest rural land titling program' by N. Zhou, W. Cheng, and L. Zhang (2022, Land Use Policy, 31 Scopus citations); 'Early marriage and maternal health care utilisation: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa' by C. Li, W. Cheng, and H. Shi (2021, Economics and Human Biology, 18 Scopus citations); and 'How does land titling affect credit demand, supply, access, and rationing: evidence from China' by W. Cheng, N. Zhou, and L. Zhang (2021, Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 12 Scopus citations). These contributions reflect her focus on economic development, financial inclusion, land rights, and related policy issues.