Hey all, So no doubt you would have all noticed I have been rather silent lately on the ye olde interweb. Although there is of course no excuse for this, it's predominantly a result of having been working rather intensely on a piece of research looking at Myanmar's public finance system: This paper focuses on understanding the role of state and region governments in relation to Myanmar's public finances. This has been done to take stock of existing research, better understand the composition of subnational finances, and attempt to address whether, at this point in the fiscal decentralization process, state and…
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…
Living and working in Yangon, Myanmar
Living and working in Yangon This post is the first in a series focusing on Yangon, Myanmar. It is predominantly meant to provide an additional perspective on the logistics of living and working in Yangon. Recognizing that my knowledge and perspective on the city will change I'll be updating it over time. 2016 Update: So it has been a little over two years since I wrote this post and it has turned out to be surprisingly popular post resulting in me often meeting people who are like 'hey I read your blog'. But it's not just my new found fame…
Cambodia
So I have to admit, if you had asked me which country was next on my hit list, I probably wouldn't have said Cambodia. You see, as an Australian I have the wonderful privilege of being located next to a huge number of countries which I'd describe as being very 'Me' in that they're warm, diverse and easy to visit. But I also happen to work in an industry where my business is looking at all things international, so the choice of Cambodia was not my own. Spiders and Dolphins Of course as is true of all good expeditions it's…
New Journal Article: Estimating the Global Costs of Violence
For those interested, I have just had another one of my pieces of research published. Those with access to ingentaconnect can access it by clicking here.
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…
Swatting at Magpies
At the outset, I'd like to wish everybody subscribed to my blog a happy new year. I personally am not overly superstitious, but it appears to me that ending a year with '13' in it can only be a good thing. So to celebrate, I am going to post a slightly edited version of the first speech I gave to Toastmasters.Obviously I've used a bit of poetic license when giving this one, but they're both based on true events. Good evening. Tonight I’d like to make my introductions to the audience. You see in addition to this being my…
San Francisco
I've often been asked by friends 'Giles, how can you have a phobia of hipsters but be so fond of San Francisco'? Well that's a good question. Such a good question as a matter of fact, that I'm going deal with it in the only responsible way: by all together ignoring it. You see, hipsters are people too and the only bartenders who don't look at me funny when I ask for a cocktail involving pickle brine. As a result, they're okay by me. Kind of like bears, they're probably as afraid of me as I am of them. Now…
Langtang
If somebody from the future had told me that I'd be willing to pay good money to lug a backpack around and not shower for seven days I'd be sceptical to say the least. However, when the nearest beach is further away than the nearest mountain you have to make a choice. The trek I chose to do is in 'Langtang ' which, for those who aced geography, is right next to the Nepal/Tibet border (north of Kathmandu). For those who aren't good at geography here is a map: Nepal – the meat in the China/India sandwich For those of…
Taipei 101
My impression is that nobody really knows where Taiwan sits in the world of touristy-flavoured adventures. I for one, am was no exception, in fact I must admit having chosen this as a holiday destination solely based on its lack of Visa requirements and the flights being cheap at the time. Admittedly both reasons aren't particularly inspiring. Despite this, it was the fiscally responsible choice and therefore the only logical one. Being painfully aware that the dialogue I learnt from Crouching Tiger hidden dragon would be unlikely to be of use to me outside of situations where I am required…