A professor of planning at UBC (1966 - 1999), Setty was a prolific researcher whose work focused on transportation and public policy. He was the first South Asian-Canadian to be elected as a Councillor for the City of Vancouver (1972 - 1974). As a Councillor, he believed in creating a more people-centered city, focusing on neighbourhoods and public parks, including the development of False Creek South.
Senior Counselor, State Council of the PRC Honorary Professor, China National Academy of Sciences Associate Member, US National Academy of Sciences and the Institutes of Medicine Founding Chair and Current Secretary, TRB: ABE-90
