One of the positive things that has emerged from the pandemic is virtual conferences. In the last two years, I have been able to attend more talks and conferences than I normally would have if international travel was required. More importantly, virtual conferences have enabled me to maintain connection with my research network and peers […]
‘How’s your work life balance’ is the question I get asked at every annual appraisal. It’s not a bad thing, for it signals the institution’s acknowledgment of academics’ wellbeing, but I question if it’s enough. Namely, is it enough if the institution only pays lip service but the actual practice of ensuring everyone who works […]
Remember the scene leading up to Katniss Everdeen volunteering as tribute to take her sister’s place in The Hunger Games? This is what it felt like, this past few weeks, when on the 26th May, the “vaccine that [no one in Sarawak] supposedly wants” was released to the public as a first-come, first-served voluntary basis […]
With most of us living our lives in limbo, disconnected and isolated from our usual social circles and support since the pandemic hit in early 2020, the arrival of vaccines signalled hope. In fact up until earlier this year, I was a firm believer that my state government — aware of its semi-autonomous position in […]