In conversation with Mei Mei Wong

What inspired you during the project?

I have worked with New Perimeter at various times during my career at DLA Piper and was familiar with the inspiring collaborations spearheaded by them. This particular project presented a unique and exciting opportunity which combined my passions for adventure and different cultures, and an opportunity to utilise my legal and teaching skills to make a positive impact on economic development. Having been fortunate enough to undertake a similar project in the past with New Perimeter in Ethiopia, I had full confidence that this would be a well-organised, exhilarating and intense week.

What was the most fulfilling aspect of the work?

I was invited to join this project because of my background in finance law.  Being able to share my knowledge and experiences on a cross-border basis, as part of a wider team of global lawyers, encapsulates the most fulfilling aspect. If we delve further into this, "sharing" involved collaboration and the mutual exchange of information and experiences, both with the impressive project participants (including government representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda) as well as my brilliant project team members from DLA Piper (including DLA Piper group firms Campos Mello Advogados and IKM) and Pfizer. Our team consisted of lawyers from Brazil, Dubai, Kenya, United Kingdom and the United States. The programme was run in collaboration with the East African Development Bank and throughout the week we were honoured with guest speakers from Rubis Energy, DFC and USTDA. It was an absolute privilege to have worked alongside this brilliant team lead by Jay Finkelstein.

What one word describes your involvement?

Enriching. I learned an incredible amount from Jay himself and everyone involved in the project, whilst being afforded the opportunity to positively contribute to the project with my knowledge and skills. My experience with New Perimeter on this project really has been one of life's highlights.

Full bio

"Being able to share my knowledge and experiences on a cross-border basis, as part of a wider team of global lawyers, encapsulates the most fulfilling aspect."