Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
I have over 20 years of experience advising multinationals, trade associations and governments on trade policy and the cross-border movement of goods and services with regards to government relations strategies and trade and customs matters in the agri-business, automotive, chemical, electronics & machinery, food, ICT, iron & steel, and oil & gas industries. Being located in Asia, I have strong interpersonal skills and am able to address and negotiate cultural and diversity challenges successfully for complex and sensitive trade, regulatory and logistics issues. I am detail-oriented, flexible and perform effectively under high-pressure situations. Specialties: ASEAN and APEC affairs, government affairs, public policy, regulatory, customs and trade legislation in multiple jurisdictions, China and WTO accessions, rules of origin, domestic labeling, import duty incentives, trade remedies, standards and conformance, regional and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). Ranked Band One for Asia Pacific Region: International Trade/WTO Consultants Chambers Asia Pacific 2019 and 2020 White & Case is a global law firm with longstanding offices in the markets that matter today.
Manage and coordinate professional services teams across Asia and North America; responsible for client trade advisory services covering regulatory, trade, customs, public policy, and institutional matters. Monitor and build awareness of strategic developments in global trade and customs regulations, including analysis of business impact to client organizations and advising for opportunities and identifying threats in the market; subject matter expert role for more than 10 jurisdictions in Asia Pacific; single point of contact for international trade advisory and customs matters for clients located in Asia Pacific. Enhance market access opportunities for client organizations through corporate affairs advocacy at all levels of government and with ASEAN as an organization to influence policy, implement strategy, minimize risk of increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies and additional compliance costs, and secure trade and regulatory incentives and protections in bilateral and mega-regional free trade agreements (e.g., TPP, RCEP). Engage and guide government officials, regulators, lawmakers, and policymakers on key trade, customs and regulatory developments; draft policy memorandums to accommodate diverse and challenging client positions. Negotiate and secure client retainers/projects with government ministries, business associations and corporate clients. Manage and mentor a network of dedicated subject matter experts, including outside consultants and counsel in Asia Pacific. Frequent speaker at regional conferences and client seminars. Previously based in Singapore and Washington, DC. Professional advisor, not engaged in the practice of law.
Developed strategic and tactical business plans promoting corporate identity of Astaga.com. Executed sales and marketing plans, including Web-based advertising, marketing strategies, online brochures, logo development and brand awareness. Managed in-house and third party teams, including web developers, graphic designers, and programmers.
Drafted grant proposals for program projects in Vietnam. Assisted all divisions with marketing (program brochure and website development) and public relations.
Supervised teams of local and international staff in five border villages and seven refugee camps; involved in human rights advocacy and co-taught preventative sessions to area refugees regarding malaria, HIV and other primary health concerns. Managed, developed and distributed a bilingual (Burmese & English) primary health care distance-learning magazine entitled Saytaman for 5,000 health workers living along all of Myanmar’s borders.
Taught a variety of English language courses to university students.