Dear members,
Summer greetings from the Council! We’ve had a July packed with programming, from our annual ASEAN Ambassadors’ Tour to a record-breaking Business Mission to Singapore. I’m excited to share highlights from this month’s many activities, through which we’ve continued to support our members and strengthen U.S.-ASEAN relations.
From July 8 to 12, the Council led Ambassadors and Chargés d'affaires representing eight ASEAN countries on the annual ASEAN Ambassadors’ Tour. The tour commenced with a pre-tour briefing on digital technologies in Arlington, Virginia, before continuing to Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This year’s itinerary featured a series of economic, cultural, and political meetings aimed at deepening understanding of American businesses and their potential in Southeast Asia.
The delegation had the opportunity to meet with American businesses and local stakeholders, including the Mayor of Louisville, the Mayor of Cincinnati, representatives from the State of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia, the World Trade Center of Kentucky, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the University of Louisville, the Muhammad Ali Center, and Life Sciences Pennsylvania. The tour also highlighted our key host companies, including Amazon Web Services, Brown-Forman, GE Aerospace, Procter & Gamble, TE Connectivity, and UPS. By engaging with executives from various industries, members of the delegation broadened their understanding of new opportunities for U.S. business ties with ASEAN countries.
On July 16, the Council organized a U.S. industry roundtable and reception in Washington, D.C. as part of the inaugural U.S.-Philippines Cyber-Digital Dialogue delegation. The respective government delegations were led by Ambassador Steve Lang of the U.S. State Department Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Philippines Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). During the roundtable, executives from Council member companies highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the Philippines’ cyber resilience posture and supporting broader digitalization efforts. During the dialogue, Secretary Uy also noted that after several years of delay, the DICT expects to launch the Philippines’ online customs National Single Window by the end of 2024. Following the roundtable, the Council hosted a reception in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy to celebrate this important milestone in U.S.-Philippines relations. These engagements were made possible with the strong support of Visa, the Cadmus Group, Palo Alto Networks, and UltraPass ID.
On July 18, Warburg Pincus announced that their President and the Chairman of our Council’s Board, Jeffrey Perlman, would become CEO of Warburg Pincus this September. Mr. Perlman is only the third CEO of the firm in its nearly 60-year history. He has spearheaded the expansion of the franchise in Southeast Asia and oversaw the opening of the firm’s Singapore office in 2016. His collaboration and support have proven invaluable for the Council, and we congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment.
From July 23 to 25, I had the pleasure of leading 26 companies for our largest annual business mission to Singapore, reinforcing the U.S. private sector’s commitment to Singapore’s innovation and sustainable development goals. The mission served to strengthen relationships with the new Singaporean Government under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who helms the first leadership change in 20 years for the city-state. The delegation discussed partnering on trade policy, investing in workforce development and skills training, promoting artificial intelligence, advancing sustainability, and collaborating on hallmark initiatives like HealthierSG.
The Council’s annual call for nominees to the Board of Directors began on July 15. Thank you to those Chairman's Council Members who have already sent in thoughtful nominations. This is a gentle reminder to other Chairman's Council Members that the deadline is September 9. Please contact our Chief Operating Officer Maggie Hanson-Muse (mhansonm@usasean.org) for more information.
Our programming this July underlines the Council’s tremendous efforts to provide value to our members while bolstering economic ties between the United States and ASEAN. Next month promises to be just as exciting, with planned events including our first in-person Business Mission to Brunei since 2019 and a Digital Economy Mission to Indonesia.
We are also thrilled to be celebrating our 40th anniversary at the Ritz-Carlton Millennia in Singapore on August 19. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat is our confirmed guest of honor, while the Economic Development Board (EDB) will co-host our VIP reception. A senior U.S. government official will also deliver remarks. I will interview former Indonesian Finance Minister Chatib Basri in a fireside chat, and EDB Managing Director Jacqueline Poh will speak at the VIP reception prior to the gala dinner. This celebration will gather the most influential ASEAN figures in the business and diplomatic communities, and we hope to see you there.
Limited spots for sponsorship are still available. Member companies are also invited to purchase tables for their attendees. Sponsorship provides member companies a platform to highlight their initiatives in the region. For more information about the gala, please contact Sarah Lessing (slessing@usasean.org) or Andrew Koch (akoch@usasean.org).
We are grateful for your continued support and participation in our events, and we look forward to new opportunities for collaboration over the coming months.
Best regards,
Ted
Month in Review
On July 2, the Council had the pleasure of hosting the new Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, for a welcome luncheon at the start of his tenure in Washington D.C. Ambassador Suriya discussed Thailand’s investment strategies, its people-centered policies and green vision, and his aspirations for the future of the U.S.-Thai alliance. We wish the Ambassador success in his new role and are excited to work with him to further strengthen U.S.-Thai economic relations.
On July 18, the Council welcomed Aileen Crowe Nandi, the incoming Regional ASEAN Senior Commercial Officer, for an in-person roundtable discussion moderated by Chief Operating Officer Maggie Hanson-Muse. Members had the opportunity to share their insights and priorities with the U.S. Department of Commerce and to discuss pathways to enhance business relations in the region. Aileen will depart for Singapore in late September to assume her new role, and we wish her continued success.
On July 19, the Council’s Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) Committee hosted a workshop for a Vietnamese military delegation focused on asymmetric capabilities. The workshop featured presentations by Master Sergeant Jorge Rivero-Montes of Headquarters Marine Corps and Michael Stewart, Director of the Disruptive Capabilities Office (DCO). Representatives from 18 member and non-member companies also enjoyed remarks by Director of the U.S. Department of State Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers (PM/RSAT) Laura Cressey, followed by a keynote lunch and Q&A session with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal. The workshop laid the foundation for a successful defense mission to Vietnam this December.
On July 24, the Council convened a workshop on sustainable pesticide registration. The workshop’s speakers included Professor Supawan Tantayanon from Chulalongkorn University; Tudsanee Srisopha and Utchalee Namvong from Thailand’s Department of Agriculture (DOA); Nongnuch Yokyongsakul from the Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association (TAITA); and Prelia Moenandar, the Council’s Vice Chair of the Food and Agriculture Committee at Corteva Agriscience. The event was inaugurated by Praab Pianskool, the Council’s Chief Representative for Thailand, and was also attended by U.S. Agriculture Counselor Kelly Stange. The Council’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and Food and Agriculture, Angga Antagia, conveyed the Council’s commitment to continued collaboration with the DOA. He emphasized the Council’s eagerness to provide detailed inputs on regulatory formulation for sustainable pesticide registration, while also supporting sustainable agricultural practices in Thailand.
On July 26, the US-ABC Institute held its annual Board Meeting. Institute President Maggie Hanson-Muse led the discussion, which explored activities undertaken in 2023. These included five workshops that provided education for 3,000 SMEs in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam; the cessation of the Myanmar Scholarship fund; and the handover of the SME Academy to the Philippine Government. Following a review of 2023 financials, the Board discussed a SWOT analysis, a draft business plan, and four new initiatives that aim to increase the Institute’s revenue and reach. The Institute remains committed to delivering educational and humanitarian-themed programs targeted toward SMEs, women ASEAN officials, and other diverse groups. Other proposed initiatives included expanding the board, quarterly meetings, and strategic partnering to facilitate impact investing projects. For more information, please contact Maggie Hanson-Muse (mhansonm@usasean.org).
From July 30 to 31, the Council hosted the Food and Agriculture Industry Mission to Vietnam. Over the course of two days, company representatives met with some of Vietnam’s top policymakers in the fields of trade, food, and agriculture, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the National Assembly Committee on Economic Affairs, among other key agencies. Throughout these engagements, our delegation discussed opportunities for further public-private collaborations in Vietnam, particularly those related to food security, food safety, and sustainable agriculture practices. In addition, discussions focused on animal health development, food nutrition, plant science, supply chain and trade facilitation, and digital transformation.
Spotlight on Special Projects
Many of our member companies participate in our Country and Industry Business Missions, which are critical for building relationships with notable ASEAN Member State officials and opening doors for collaboration. The Council’s Special Projects are a way of leveraging these connections to support de-risking efforts and make progress on addressing specific business issues. These projects play to the Council’s strengths: our unique access to key government officials augments the world-class expertise of our member companies, allowing us to explore issues of interest to our clients.
In 2024, we have carried out several Special Projects, with more planned for the rest of the year. Flexibility is a core component of these projects, with a focus on catering to the needs of members. Issues of interest are diverse, encompassing cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, sustainable healthcare financing, local content requirements, carbon capture, and ease of doing business. Projects may also take many formats, including program reports, issue-specific research studies, and visits by select ASEAN officials to the United States.
The Council is actively seeking proposals for new Special Projects, and we encourage member companies to suggest areas of interest to our staff or in quarterly calls. We look forward to collaborating on these exciting projects with you.
Delegations and Envoys
From July 7 to 13, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn traveled to the Philippines to meet with senior government officials. Her visit underscored the U.S. commitment to addressing the climate crisis and protecting marine ecosystems. Discussions also centered on areas of future scientific and technological cooperation—including cooperation on space sustainability—and critical transboundary issues, including air quality and plastic pollution.
On July 25, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo to discuss the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Manila. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Manalo reiterated the importance of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance and spoke about shared priorities, both in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. Secretary Blinken further shared condolences for those in the Philippines who have died or been displaced as a result of Typhoon Gaemi and recent monsoon-related flooding. The Secretary noted that the United States stands ready to provide assistance.
From July 25 to August 3, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is traveling to Laos, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia, marking his 18th trip to the Indo-Pacific region since becoming Secretary. Secretary Blinken’s trip reaffirms the importance of the work the United States does with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance security and prosperity and facilitate a shared vision for a free and open region. The Secretary’s trip further underscores the United States’ enduring commitment to deepening and expanding ties to unprecedented levels and creating mutually reinforcing relationships to tackle today’s greatest challenges.
From July 25 to August 2, Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara is traveling to South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia, and Cambodia, where she will promote the continued integration of disability policy in ASEAN and APEC.
On July 27, a Presidential Delegation visited Hanoi to honor the passing of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng of Vietnam. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken led the delegation, accompanied by the United States Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink.
Upcoming Events
Please find the latest version of the Council's 2024 Events Calendar here.
From August 6 to 7, the Council’s President and CEO Ambassador Ted Osius will lead our first in-person business mission to Brunei since 2019. We will hold meetings with a range of Ministers and other stakeholders to explore Brunei’s efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen business relations. Please contact Logan Carnicelli (lcarnicelli@usasean.org) for more information.
On August 20, Chairman Jeffrey Perlman will lead the Council’s Board of Directors meeting featuring Dr. Jeffrey Jaensubhakij, Chief Investment Officer, GIC. The group will meet in a hybrid format at Warburg Pincus’ Singapore Headquarters.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Indonesia, the Council, the Indonesian Embassy, and the Bank Indonesia Representative Office of New York will be organizing a Business Forum. This forum will discuss the United States-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by President Biden and President Jokowi last November. Topics include energy, SMEs, digital economy, sustainability, and manufacturing. Sponsorship invitations will be sent shortly. Please contact mega@usasean.org for more information.
From August 27 to 29, the Council will hold a Digital Economy Mission to Indonesia. Taking place in Jakarta, this mission will aim to help strengthen Indonesia's digital economy by bolstering public-private dialogue, highlighting industry insights on critical trends, and deepening relationships with key officials to address business challenges. The mission will also feature a cybersecurity workshop on August 29. Please contact Maya Crowden (mcrowden@usasean.org) for more information.
Membership
As part of the Council’s commitment to supporting the growth of the ASEAN network in the D.C. policy community, we look forward to hosting more get-togethers, from rooftop-hopping to townhouse gatherings, for our members in the coming months. Please contact Andrew Koch (akoch@usasean.org) if you would like to host a gathering.
Comings and Goings
We are delighted to welcome Robin Huang, U.S. Membership and Business Development Associate. She also covers the Supply Chain and Food and Agriculture sectors. Robin graduated from the Master’s program in Asian Studies at Georgetown University. She speaks Mandarin and French at a professional level.
Max Knight joined the Council as the Special Assistant to the President and CEO. Max, a two-term intern with US-ABC, graduated from Columbia University with Master of International Affairs specializing in Economic and Political Development, with a concentration in Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis.
After six years, the Council bids farewell and happy trails to Patrick Kahn, IT Director, architect of our new website, association management system GrowthZone, and updated Business Mission Manager. Patrick’s planning prepared and maintained US-ABC's staff and programs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council in the Press
- Nguyen Phu Trong’s leadership has an enormous impact on Vietnam-US relations: former US ambassador - VOV World
- Vietnam has ‘all the basics’ of a market economy: US-ASEAN business council - The Investor
- Imprints of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong in Vietnam-US relations - Vietnam Plus
- Cựu Đại sứ Mỹ: Tổng Bí thư Nguyễn Phú Trọng đã để lại "một Việt Nam thịnh vượng hơn" - Voice of Vietnam
- Dấu ấn của Tổng Bí thư Nguyễn Phú Trọng trong quan hệ Việt Nam - Mỹ - Bao Hoa Binh
- Tổng Bí thư Nguyễn Phú Trọng là cầu nối quan trọng giữa Việt Nam và Mỹ - Xã Luận
- AmCham Vietnam endorses host nation’s market economy status petition - Investor Vafie Magazine
- Warbug Pincus Names Jeffrey Perlman Chief Executive Officer - PR Newswire
- Vietnamese electronics enterprises have low, small position in export supply chain - Vietnam Plus
- Vietnam preferred relocation destination for US tech firms amid China curbs: expert - The Investor
- Vietnamese electronics enterprises have low, small position in export supply chain - Viet Nam News
- What's at Stake in the US Decision to Grant Vietnam 'Market Economy' Status? - The Diplomat
- Sabah eyes higher GDP per capita this year - Business Times
- Vietnam encouraged to capitalize on its high-tech industry progress - Vietnam Investment Review
- USTR Announces Danielle Fumagalli as Acting Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs - Office of the United States Trade Representative
- Social Science of War: US Alliance Politics in the Indo-Pacific - Modern War Institute
- Hor Sereyvath Awarded CHT International Outstanding Achievers Award 2024 - EAC News Cambodia
