Be careful in the rush to help, experts caution
There is a lot of interest in donating money and energy to Myanmar. but donors must ensure they do not do more harm than good
Local charities and philanthropists are pushing into Myanmar to help with the country's development, but experts warn that people should learn from the mainland and Hong Kong's experience to avoid doing more harm than good.
"China and Hong Kong developed so fast that a lot of the beautiful old buildings are gone and many aspects of local cultures erased," said Peter Gautschi.
He is the founder of Studer Trust, a local charity that has raised funds to build primary schools in Myanmar for the past 10 years. "It would be a shame if that happened in Myanmar. Let's hope the heavyweights don't move in too quickly with their bulldozers, glass and steel."
The focus of international attention towards the country has remained strong since President Thein Sein took office and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi returned to politics in early 2011 - following decades of military rule.
A spokeswoman for the US Agency for International Development, which monitors and assists international aid efforts in Myanmar, has reported an "increasing interest" in the country among international NGOs and the private sector since 2011.
Prominent local socialite Loletta Chu Ling-ling, who was born in Myanmar and serves as honorary president of the Wai Yin Association, said: "We have definitely seen more interest recently from people asking us to help them give money to support Myanmar. But donors may not know how things operate in Myanmar, so we have to be careful to find reliable and accountable partners."