New Mandala founder Nicholas Farrelly offers a fond farewell

After almost two years in the saddle, New Mandala editor James Giggacher is stepping down to take up a new role at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.

His last day is today, Friday, 24 March 2017.

His departure leaves a very big gap in our line-up and brings an end to a nine-year career spanning both professional and academic roles in media and communications at the Australian National University.

James joined New Mandala in May 2015 as the website’s first full-time editor. In addition to running the website on a daily basis, he has developed incredibly successful courses and taught a new generation of media whiz-kids, assisted with other key publications and communications activities, co-edited a policy series, and run a major research seminar program.

From start to finish, James has been a joy to work with. His spirited commitment is in the very best tradition of our great University and its long history of passionate engagement with the Southeast Asian region.

When I asked him about his time at the website James said “it has been a real privilege.”

“To have the opportunity to run such an important, impactful and incredible platform, with all its storied history and future potential has not only been a dream job, but been one of the best professional and personal experiences in my life.

“There have been many highlights – including marking our 10th anniversary in 2016, the development and rolling out of a new site, historic elections in Myanmar in 2015, shedding a light on a political scandal in Indonesia, and, of course, the end of a certain reign in Thailand.

“The work has always been exciting, fascinating and compelling. I just want to thank everyone involved with New Mandala past and present, and especially Nicholas Farrelly, for this wonderful opportunity, as well as all our authors, readers and commenters – all of whom give so much of their time and intellect and expertise.

“New Mandala has a deserved global reach and reputation. It has a formidable legacy, and I truly feel, a bright future. At times driving this machine has been demanding. But it has always been fulfilling and an honour.

“I just hope I leave the website in as good a shape as I found it.”

New Mandala marks its 11th year in 2017. James will be greatly missed for his collegiality, commitment and creativity. He leaves behind a website in robust good health and a strengthening culture of academic communication at the ANU. We wish him every success with his new responsibilities in Melbourne.

Until the appointment of a new editor, all submissions for the site can be sent to New Mandala Editor-in-Chief Dr Nicholas Farrelly: [email protected]