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This is the official website of the Myanmar Research Network. The website aims to act as a platform for sharing news and publications, discussions and events of interest to Myanmar Research Network members and others working on socio-political, historical, economic, development and other issues in Myanmar. The website also aims to promote the work of Myanmar Research Network members, as well as encouraging networking and collaboration.
NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
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Myanmar’s human rights crisis justifies foregoing neutrality for a solidarity-based approach to humanitarianism
Read Myanmar Research Network member Dr Anne Décobert’s article in Melbourne Asia Review on how the human rights crisis in Myanmar justifies a solidarity-based approach to the provision of international aid. https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/myanmars-human-rights-crisis-justifies-foregoing-neutrality-for-a-solidarity-based-approach-to-humanitarianism/
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Student Unions including Myanmar Students’ Association Australia Urge Stronger Actions
Myanmar Students' Association Australia, together with 178 Student Unions from all across Myanmar and in the diaspora, undersigned and released this statement to call for immediate and strong action by the international community, in our fight against the military junta and the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Statement in English Version: student_unions_statement
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Submission to DfAT Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-committee Public Hearing on Myanmar, 13 April
Submission by Myanmar Research Network Steering Committee members to the DfAT Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-committee Public Hearing on Myanmar, held on 13 April UoMMRN submission_Parliamentary Hearing on Myanmar_22April21 For all submissions, see: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ForeignAffairsAR19-20/Submissions?fbclid=IwAR0BgYxlwGlUH3CGIx2WTdyNxnWXbmBZgVvibX7ZJEp9bo_HkOvGcs8I6J0
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Is the military coup in Myanmar the death knell of democracy and federalism?
Read Myanmar Research Network members Dr Michael Breen and Dr Anne Décobert's article in the Melbourne Asia Review on political and systemic dynamics behind the military coup, and implications of the coup for democracy and federalism in Myanmar. https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/is-the-military-coup-in-myanmar-the-death-knell-of-democracy-and-federalism/
DISCUSSIONS
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After the election: Reflections from Kayan Women’s Organisation
BY BETHIA BURGESS In the days after Myanmar’s 2020 election, I spoke to ethnic women around Myanmar about their perspectives on the results and the issues that are important to them as a new government is formed. This is the second of a short series where I share their reflections. There was palpable excitement amongst the Kayan Women’s Organisation women in the …
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After the election: Reflections from Khin Khin Mra
BY BETHIA BURGESS In the days after Myanmar’s 2020 election, I spoke to ethnic women around Myanmar about their perspectives on the results and the issues that are important to them as a new government is formed. This is the first of a short series where I share their reflections. In an uncertain year, the NLD proved a safe choice at the …
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Reading Myanmar’s 2020 Elections
BY TAMAS WELLS - This article first appeared in Election Watch at the University of Melbourne - An expected victory by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) in Myanmar’s November 8 elections will be significant, but the elections themselves, and the country, are beset with challenges. As always, Myanmar has an abundance of political parties contesting, 93 parties …
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Federalism & the Timing of Elections in Myanmar
BY MICHAEL BREEN The upcoming election in Myanmar is not just to elect a new national parliament, but also to elect new parliaments in the states and regions, including for the self-administered areas. Federalism, as I am sure readers will know, is a key goal of many parties and their candidates. At the same time, Myanmar already has a federal structure, …
EVENTS
PK FORUM
The PK Forum began in 2012 as a place to discuss and debate issues of development, civil society and aid in Myanmar. The Forum is now supported and edited by the Myanmar Research Network at the University of Melbourne.
PK stands for Paung Ku which in Burmese means bridging or connection – and this Forum aims to connect academics, aid workers, local organisations, government, and students around key questions of Myanmar’s future.
This means we are interested in your ideas. Please send us your ideas for articles or blogs or for uploading new stuff to our resource section. Articles can be in English, Burmese or ethnic languages, but need to be less than 500 words. These can be emailed to Tamas Wells at the University of Melbourne (Forum Editor) at pkdiscussionforum@gmail.com.
While supported and edited by the Myanmar Research Network at the University of Melbourne, and originating from the ‘Paung Ku’ initiative, the Forum does not represent the views of the Myanmar Research Network or Myanmar NGO Paung Ku. The views expressed in this Forum are those of the individuals involved.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is free and enables members to connect, stay updated on research and events on Myanmar, share information, and develop partnerships within and beyond the University of Melbourne.
As a member of MRN, you will get the following privileges:
- Be included in the MRN mailing list and receive information on Myanmar-related research, events, and so on,
- Be able to connect and network with other members,
- Be featured on MRN website, if you desire,
- Be able to share research, publications, discussions and ideas through the MRN website,
- Have access to MRN database of Research Assistants with expertise relevant to research in Myanmar, upon request.
If you want to join MRN and/or be featured on our website, please register here!
The Myanmar Research Network members engage in cutting edge research on socio-political, historical, economic, development and other issues in Myanmar or affecting Myanmar communities.
MRN NEWS
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Myanmar’s human rights crisis justifies foregoing neutrality for a solidarity-based approach to humanitarianism
Read Myanmar Research Network member Dr Anne Décobert’s article in Melbourne Asia Review on how the human rights crisis in Myanmar justifies a solidarity-based approach to the provision of international aid. https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/myanmars-human-rights-crisis-justifies-foregoing-neutrality-for-a-solidarity-based-approach-to-humanitarianism/
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Student Unions including Myanmar Students’ Association Australia Urge Stronger Actions
Myanmar Students' Association Australia, together with 178 Student Unions from all across Myanmar and in the diaspora, undersigned and released this statement to call for immediate and strong action by the international community, in our fight against the military junta and the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Statement in English Version: student_unions_statement
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Submission to DfAT Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-committee Public Hearing on Myanmar, 13 April
Submission by Myanmar Research Network Steering Committee members to the DfAT Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-committee Public Hearing on Myanmar, held on 13 April UoMMRN submission_Parliamentary Hearing on Myanmar_22April21 For all submissions, see: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ForeignAffairsAR19-20/Submissions?fbclid=IwAR0BgYxlwGlUH3CGIx2WTdyNxnWXbmBZgVvibX7ZJEp9bo_HkOvGcs8I6J0
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Is the military coup in Myanmar the death knell of democracy and federalism?
Read Myanmar Research Network members Dr Michael Breen and Dr Anne Décobert's article in the Melbourne Asia Review on political and systemic dynamics behind the military coup, and implications of the coup for democracy and federalism in Myanmar. https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/is-the-military-coup-in-myanmar-the-death-knell-of-democracy-and-federalism/
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Myanmar’s coup might discourage international aid, but donors should adapt, not leave
Read Myanmar Research Network member Dr Anne Décobert's article in The Conversation on how donors should adapt by working with civil society and community-based organisations in Myanmar. https://theconversation.com/myanmars-coup-might-discourage-international-aid-but-donors-should-adapt-not-leave-154742
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Myanmar – yesterday, today and a new tomorrow
Read Myanmar Research Network member and former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar Chris Lamb's article in Asialink Insights how the lessons of history and changes in Myanmar society show the junta can’t win in the long run. https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/insights/myanmar-yesterday,-today-and-a-new-tomorrow/_recache?fbclid=IwAR2ID07nCbLOGKaSkzunQXys-0XTpQGVMsudcQXyfArd-kr1iGcE9j4qXkY
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Statement from the Myanmar Research Network on the 2021 Military Coup
On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military seized control of the country, arrested democratically elected leaders, and declared a year-long state of emergency. The coup presents a major blow to long-standing hopes for democratisation and peace in Myanmar. Throughout the country, citizens are responding through a growing movement of peaceful ‘civil disobedience’ and public protests in cities and towns. As members of the …
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Impacts of Covid-19 on Students From Myanmar Studying In Australia – University of Melbourne
September 2020 DOCUMENT PDF: Impacts of Covid-19 on students from Myanmar studying in Australia - University of Melbourne EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have had significant impacts on international students studying at universities in Victoria, Australia. Steering Committee members of the Myanmar Research Network (MRN) at the University of Melbourne (UoM) in partnership with the Unimelb Myanmar Students’ Association (UMSA) conducted …
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Impacts of Covid-19 on Students From Myanmar Studying In Australia – All Universities
September 2020 DOCUMENTS PDF: Impacts of Covid-19 on students from Myanmar studying in Australia - All Universities EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had significant impacts on international students studying at universities in Australia. Steering Committee members of the Myanmar Research Network (MRN) at the University of Melbourne (UoM) in partnership with the Unimelb Myanmar Students’ Association (UMSA) conducted a survey …
Do you have an issue that you want to share or discuss with our members? Are you looking for information or to connect with others who might be working on similar issues as you? Feel free to post on our discussion board to share information, brainstorm and connect with our members!
TRENDING
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After the election: Reflections from Kayan Women’s Organisation
BY BETHIA BURGESS In the days after Myanmar’s 2020 election, I spoke to ethnic women around Myanmar about their perspectives on the results and the issues that are important to them as a new government is formed. This is the second of a short series where I share their reflections. There was palpable excitement amongst the Kayan Women’s Organisation women in the …
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After the election: Reflections from Khin Khin Mra
BY BETHIA BURGESS In the days after Myanmar’s 2020 election, I spoke to ethnic women around Myanmar about their perspectives on the results and the issues that are important to them as a new government is formed. This is the first of a short series where I share their reflections. In an uncertain year, the NLD proved a safe choice at the …
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Reading Myanmar’s 2020 Elections
BY TAMAS WELLS - This article first appeared in Election Watch at the University of Melbourne - An expected victory by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) in Myanmar’s November 8 elections will be significant, but the elections themselves, and the country, are beset with challenges. As always, Myanmar has an abundance of political parties contesting, 93 parties …
-
Federalism & the Timing of Elections in Myanmar
BY MICHAEL BREEN The upcoming election in Myanmar is not just to elect a new national parliament, but also to elect new parliaments in the states and regions, including for the self-administered areas. Federalism, as I am sure readers will know, is a key goal of many parties and their candidates. At the same time, Myanmar already has a federal structure, …
The Myanmar Research Network regularly hosts seminars and events focusing on socio-political, historical, economic, development and other issues in Myanmar.
UPCOMING
PAST
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Myanmar Election Panel
DATE Fri Nov 6, 2020 TIME 14:00 - 15:00 AEDT PLACE Zoom The 8th of November 2020 will be the third election in Myanmar under its 2008 constitution. It will be held in extremely challenging circumstances, but may establish a new balance of power to take forward the next stage of democratisation. Hear from three …
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Eat First, Talk Later – Myanmar’s Ferment: Crafting a Golden Beverage
DATE Wed Sep 30, 2020 TIME 13:00 - 14:00 AEDT PLACE Zoom Eat First Talk Later is an regular event that includes a short presentation of one “work in progress” followed by discussion over Zoom. While we had originally planned for a "lunch together” followed by discussion that will need to wait until restrictions are …
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Eat First, Talk Later – Farmland Rental, Access & Control in Myanmar: Roles of Local People & Absentee Investors
DATE Fri Sep 9, 2020 TIME 13:00 - 14:00 AEDT PLACE Zoom Eat First Talk Later is an regular event that includes a short presentation of one “work in progress” followed by discussion over Zoom. While we had originally planned for a "lunch together” followed by discussion that will need to wait until restrictions are …
The Myanmar Research Network (MRN) was created in 2019 by a small group of researchers from the University of Melbourne, who saw a need to connect researchers and students working on and/or interested in Myanmar. MRN now includes over 60 members, including academics, practitioners and students within and beyond UoM.
AIMS
To support the development of collaborative cross-disciplinary research projects, and provide feedback and support on robust research initiatives.
To communicate research outcomes and engagement with associated issues in Myanmar, to support its political and social transitions.
To serve as a research hub and site for impact and engagement in and with scholars, development professionals, government officials and civil society organizations in Myanmar.
To better link current and potential future students from Myanmar to teaching and research at the University of Melbourne.
Myanmar Research Network Steering Committee comprises academics and students at the University of Melbourne. The Steering Committee members provide overall strategic guidance to the Myanmar Research Network, as well as managing day-to-day activities of the network such as collaborative research endeavours, engagement, events, and so on.
MEMBERS
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Dr. Michael G Breen
Michael’s research focuses on federalism in Asia, and the management of ethnic diversity. He is the author of ‘The Road to Federalism in Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka: Finding the Middle Ground’ (2018, Routledge) and has contributed to Nepal’s constitution-making process that established it as a federal democratic republic. Michael’s research also explores the role of deliberative democracy and the …
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Dr. Vanessa Lamb
Dr. Vanessa Lamb is a Geographer at the University of Melbourne. As a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography, she focuses research and teaching on human-environment geographies and political ecology of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, and Thailand. Dr. Lamb completed her dissertation, Ecologies of Rule and Resistance, focused on the politics of ecological knowledge and development of the …
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Dr. Anne Décobert
Anne Décobert is a development studies scholar and anthropologist whose research focuses broadly on the intersections between conflict, development, aid systems, processes of state formation, and the rights of and struggles for self-determination of Indigenous and marginalised peoples. Strongly committed to ethically engaged research, Anne is particularly interested in approaches to addressing inequities and injustices faced by Indigenous and marginalised …
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Dr. Tamas Wells
Tamas Wells is a Research Fellow in the School of Social and Political Sciences. His research focuses on meanings of democracy, governance and accountability in Southeast Asia and the role of international aid agencies and “civil society. His doctoral dissertation examined the Burmese opposition movement in the lead up to the historic 2015 elections in Myanmar and diverging narratives of …
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Aung Kyaw Kyaw
Aung Kyaw Kyaw started his career as a development worker in 2003. He has more than 17 years’ experience in working with donor agencies, UN organisation, and international non-governmental organization within the area of humanitarian and development. Previously, he worked for Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a multi-donor Livelihoods and Food Security (LIFT) fund, Department of Foreign Affairs …
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Kyi Min Tun
Kyi Min Tun began his undergraduate study at University of Melbourne in 2018. He was part of different student organizations throughout his study career. Throughout his high school years, he was a member of Model United Nations and Student Council. The recent one was a member of Unimelb Myanmar Student Association focusing mainly on design and photography. He has been …
The Myanmar Research Network community brings together academics, practitioners and students who are working on and/or interested in Myanmar. Meet some of our members!
MEMBERS
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Dr. Anne Décobert
Anne Décobert is a development studies scholar and anthropologist whose research focuses broadly on the intersections between conflict, development, aid systems, processes of state formation, and the rights of and struggles for self-determination of Indigenous and marginalised peoples. Strongly committed to ethically engaged research, Anne is particularly interested in approaches to addressing inequities and injustices faced by Indigenous and marginalised …
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Aung Kyaw Kyaw
Aung Kyaw Kyaw started his career as a development worker in 2003. He has more than 17 years’ experience in working with donor agencies, UN organisation, and international non-governmental organization within the area of humanitarian and development. Previously, he worked for Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a multi-donor Livelihoods and Food Security (LIFT) fund, Department of Foreign Affairs …
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Dr. Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo
Dr. Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo is a Ph.D. scholar at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia. He has a background in epidemiology and dentistry. He completed his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Mahidol University, Thailand in 2013; and his MSc in Epidemiology (with Distinction) at the University of Melbourne, Australia in 2017. His …
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Aye Min Soe
Aye Min Soe was a journalist and human rights activist in Myanmar. Currently, he has resettled with humanitarian visa granted by Australian government. He has finished the Master of International Relations from the Melbourne University and Bachelor of Arts. B.A (Politics and international Relations) from the Swinburne University and, also, finished Diploma of Interpreting and Graduate Certificate of Interpreting and …
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Bethia Burgress
Bethia Burgress is interested in trans-sectoral collaborations for social change that challenge Eurocentric and colonial structures. Her work aims to build long-term engagements and solidarities across geographic borders, combining with indigenous, subaltern, and decolonial theories to challenge dominant and unilinear narratives. Her PhD explores contested conceptions of sovereignty, justice and belonging in Eastern Myanmar. She also undertakes value-aligned consulting and …
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Dr. Christoph Sperfeldt
Christoph Sperfeldt is a Senior Research Fellow at the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness, the Academic Convenor of the Statelessness Hallmark Research Initiative, and an Associate of the Asian Law Centre. Christoph brings to his academic roles more than ten years of experience in working on human rights, statelessness and transitional justice, predominantly in Southeast Asia. He was Deputy Director …
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Mr. Christopher Lamb
Mr. Christopher Lamb worked with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia for 32 years. He had two postings in Burma/Myanmar. He was Australia’s Ambassador from 1986 until 1989. He also worked with the Red Cross in Geneva from 2000-2010 on humanitarian diplomacy. Member Australia Myanmar Institute | President Myanmar Politics - Development - Social & Cultural Issues - Human rights - …
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Htet Yamone Aung
Born and raised in Mandalay, Myanmar, Htet Yamone Aung @ Mary studied at Paung Daw Oo Monastic Education High school where she also worked as a volunteer staff/teacher. With a passion for youth capacity building, Mary participated in youth leadership programs and traveled around the world which enabled her to widen her horizons with unique experiences. Because of her achievements …
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Prof. Joseph Lo Bianco
Professor Emeritus Joseph (Joe) Lo Bianco was appointed chair of language and literacy education at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne in February 2004 and retired on 30 June 2020, when he was appointed Professor Emeritus. He is a specialist in minority language rights, literacy and social opportunity, language policy and planning with a specific interest in …
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Kyi Min Tun
Kyi Min Tun began his undergraduate study at University of Melbourne in 2018. He was part of different student organizations throughout his study career. Throughout his high school years, he was a member of Model United Nations and Student Council. The recent one was a member of Unimelb Myanmar Student Association focusing mainly on design and photography. He has been …
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Dr. Michael G Breen
Michael’s research focuses on federalism in Asia, and the management of ethnic diversity. He is the author of ‘The Road to Federalism in Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka: Finding the Middle Ground’ (2018, Routledge) and has contributed to Nepal’s constitution-making process that established it as a federal democratic republic. Michael’s research also explores the role of deliberative democracy and the …
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Nyein Aye Soe
Nyein Aye Soe graduated with Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Nutrition (1st Batch) in 2020 from the University of Melbourne and will began master of Dietetics at Monash University in 2021. She is enthusiastic in conducting research projects. Her aim is to become a researcher in nutrition. She was born and raised in Mandalay, Myanmar. Throughout her studies, she …
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Pan Ei Ei Kyaw
Pan Ei Ei Kyaw graduated Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 2006 and Master of Agricultural Science in 2012 from Yezin Agricultural University (YAU), Myanmar. While in YAU, she earned awards for her academic performance. Those awards are Minister's outstanding students, Mitsubishi scholarship and Myanma Awba scholarship. Since 2008, she has been working as a teaching staff in YAU, Ministry of …
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Soe Soe Htway
Soe Soe Htway is a PhD student under School of Geography in the University of Melbourne since June 2018. Her PhD research examines the impacts of foreign investment in farmland on rural livelihoods of Myanmar, the broader implications for rural development. She gained her master’s degree majoring in Natural Resources Management from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) of Thailand in …
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Dr. Tamas Wells
Tamas Wells is a Research Fellow in the School of Social and Political Sciences. His research focuses on meanings of democracy, governance and accountability in Southeast Asia and the role of international aid agencies and “civil society. His doctoral dissertation examined the Burmese opposition movement in the lead up to the historic 2015 elections in Myanmar and diverging narratives of …
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Dr. Vanessa Lamb
Dr. Vanessa Lamb is a Geographer at the University of Melbourne. As a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography, she focuses research and teaching on human-environment geographies and political ecology of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, and Thailand. Dr. Lamb completed her dissertation, Ecologies of Rule and Resistance, focused on the politics of ecological knowledge and development of the …
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is free and enables members to connect, stay updated on research and events on Myanmar, share information, and develop partnerships within and beyond the University of Melbourne.
As a member of MRN, you will get the following privileges:
- Be included in the MRN mailing list and receive information on Myanmar-related research, events, and so on,
- Be able to connect and network with other members,
- Be featured on MRN website, if you desire,
- Be able to share research, publications, discussions and ideas through the MRN website,
- Have access to MRN database of Research Assistants with expertise relevant to research in Myanmar, upon request.
If you want to join MRN and/or be featured on our website, please register here!