Myanmar in Transition: Many Voices, Many Roads

The dramatic reforms currently underway in Myanmar have resulted in the need for systemic changes in many sectors including essential infrastructure support. Unforeseen challenges have also emerged as the country attempts to implement its reforms. Ethnic strife, religious, and political tensions have been exacerbated by a variety of internal and external forces. In an ongoing series of discussions and roundtables on Myanmar, Paula Helfrich will discuss recent developments in Myanmar from her perspective as a longtime resident of Yangon. Paula was born and raised in Myanmar. The daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Baird Helfrich, a member of the OSS during WWII, Paula spent her first 17 years in Burma living and going to school with local Burmese. Five years ago she returned to Myanmar to live and work. In addition to her work she also teaches monks who follow Sitagu Sayadaw. Ms.Helfrich has also been active with the Aloha Medical Missions work in Myanmar. In the fall of 2011 she married Saw Phillip Bay Nay Zee, an ethnic Karen. Before returning to live in Myanmar, Ms. Helfrich lived and worked on the Big Island for a number of years as CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii; President of the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board; CEO of Corporate Concepts and Issues Management; and with the Chamber of Commerce on Oahu. This program is free and open to the public. For parking and other details please see the program flier which you can download at the link below.

Event Sponsor
East-West Center, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Phyllis Tabusa, 944-7111, EWCInfo@eastwestcenter.org, http://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/myanmar-in-transition-many-voices-many-roads

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