Neil is a social historian with a special interest in how citizens make their towns and cities. He started working for UN-Habitat in April 2019 as the Special Advisor to the Executive Director. In 2020, he was the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Executive Director, with oversight duties in the UN-Habitat Covid-19 Programme. From April 2021 to January 2023, he served as the Chief of Staff a.i. of the Programme with special duties including oversight of the Project Review Working Group. 

He now serves as the Director a.i. of the External Relations Strategy Knowledge and Innovation Division and continues his role as the Special Advisor to the Executive Director. 

Neil was formerly Chief Operating Officer of Think City (www.thinkcity.com.my). Before that, Neil was also a journalist with Star Publications, Malaysia's largest English daily, where he got involved in political analysis, heritage-making and civil society activities. 

He is also a published author, having written 10 books. Neil holds a PhD in English from the University of Cambridge.