Departing Associates

Two Research Associates recently completed one-year terms at ADBI. Before embarking on their future paths, they took some time to reflect on their experiences at the Institute.

Question: What contribution are you most proud to have made during your time at ADBI?

ML: I am most proud to have assisted Dr. Douglas Brooks in organizing the workshop and conference for the ADBI research project Infrastructure's Role in Reducing Trade Costs. I was also involved in the case study of China in this research project. In addition, I am very proud of the presentation I made at the ADBI Annual Conference in 2006. Working on the Chinese version of ADBI's brochure was another enjoyable project.

RL: I hope that I was able to share what I learned in my degree regarding evidence-based policymaking, particularly in making good use of household surveys to make interventions more relevant to the recipients.

Question: What advice would you give to organizations like ADBI to best deal with development issues?

ML: I think that international organizations like ADBI should give opportunities to people from a variety of countries and fields to come together to discuss development issues.

RL: I think ADBI is already doing a good job in tackling development issues. The project I was involved in regarding agriculture deals with poverty issues from their core. The project went to the field to understand the issues first-hand from the point of view of the farmers, which I thought was a good idea.

Question: How would you sum up your experience at ADBI?

ML: One year working at ADBI was a great experience for me. I made many friends and learned a lot. It will be a very nice memory for my life.

RL: It was a wonderful learning experience. I met many people from different cultures and the insights I got from them certainly widened my perspective. I learned a lot of things which will help me as I start on my career in the Philippines.