My latest op-ed was published in Monday's edition of the Myanmar Times. The article provides a brief summary of Myanmar's democratic and economic reforms as they relate to the country's management of their public finances. A summary of the article and a link to the full piece is provided below. Catalysing transition through public financial management reform By Giles Dickenson-Jones and Matthew Arnold Public financial management reforms are central to Myanmar’s entire transition. Improvements to social services like garbage collection, investment in new roads and bridges, and raising standards of health and education are all premised on the government being…
Day trip to Dala (Yangon, Myanmar)
When I recount my time in the Philippines I often remember how living in the concrete jungle that is Manila felt somewhat claustrophobic. Although this was for a range of reasons, it is perhaps unsurprising given Manila has the highest population density in the world. In fact, when comparing where I lived then (Manila), with where I live now (Yangon), it is pretty why this is no longer a problem with Manila's population density 6 times that of Yangon. Consequently it is possible for everybody's inner-hermit to find some solitude. Unfortunately, if there were a party of inner hermits, mine…
Problem Solving through ‘Bright Spots’
I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at a leadership conference about applying a ‘Bright Spots’ approach to tackling problems and have received a number of requests for further information around the idea. At the outset, I should make it clear to everyone that I unfortunately did not come up with this idea. Rather, the approach was popularized by Chip and Dan Heath in their book ‘Switch’. Solving Pumpkin-Related Problems In the book, Dan and Chip Heath describe a seemingly counterintuitive way of looking at problems which is centred on replicating success, rather than solving problems. Take my…